Digital Culture and Faith Formation - 2021 (BJMM002)

Digital Culture and Faith Formation

[Edward Edezhath. Digital Culture and Faith formation. Encounter, 12:2 (July - December 2021) 126 - 148.]

Introduction

The digital revolution that emerged in the 1980s, marked by the widespread adoption of the World Wide Web and personal computers, has come to influence and transform nearly all facets of life. The way people conduct business, access information, communicate personally or in groups, and much more has been entirely transformed through the numerous facilities that digital technologies provide. No wonder the lifestyles of individuals and families have been radically altered in response to these changes. Information Communication Revolution has been one of the significant outcomes of these changes. All these changes have impacted all aspects of life, including the personal faith lives of individuals and various aspects of church life. Hence, it is essential to reflect on the Church’s mission of communicating the Good News and forming the faithful in discipleship within the context of these significant changes.

1. Importance of Communication in the relevant language

The Lord’s challenge that the new wine should be poured and offered in new wineskins is a point of reflection that needs to be re-examined in every age, one aspect of which is so vividly portrayed in Søren Kierkegaard’s oft-repeated parable:

In a theatre, it happened that a fire started offstage. The clown came out to tell the audience. They thought it was a joke and applauded. He told them again, and they became sill more hilarious. This is the way, I suppose, that the world will be destroyed-amid the universal hilarity of wits and wags who think it is all a joke[1].

It is a moot question how, even in such a crucial communication involving life and death, the hearers often completely miss the point, despite the seemingly clear message and its repetitive transmission. We could also ask questions such as, Who should have made the announcement about the grave danger? Or, how far did the perceived role of a jester and his role-specific outfit contribute to the strange response of the public? Anyway, one thing is clear: despite earnest attempts, due to the manner of communication, the message was entirely lost on the audience.

Being relevant and effective in communication involves an ever-renewing search, learning, and reorientation. It becomes more challenging to communicate the message of the great Truth, relating one’s life and destiny to the contemporary generation. Pope John Paul II poses this problem quite pointedly:

In our pastoral care we ask ourselves: How are we to reveal Jesus Christ, God made man, to this multitude of children and young people, reveal him not just in the fascination of a first fleeting encounter but through an acquaintance, growing deeper and clearer daily, with him, his message, the plan of God that he has revealed, . . .  How are we to enable them to know the meaning, the import, the fundamental requirements, the law of love, the promises and the hopes of this Kingdom?[2]

The issue becomes more complex in the context of the multi-layered transformations in communication that have occurred in recent decades, which we generally refer to as ‘Digital Culture’. The focus in this discussion is to highlight some of the special challenges in imparting faith formation in the context of these profound transformations. The Church is deeply committed to the effective use of all modern means of communication. She even highlights the fact that any negligence or apathetic attitude regarding this would be a grave mistake on her part:

The means of social communication have become so important as to be for many the chief means of information and education, of guidance and inspiration in their behaviour as individuals, families and within society at large. . .  In fact, the Church would feel herself guilty before God if she did not avail of those powerful instruments which human skill is constantly developing and perfecting.[3]

Becoming experts or even comfortable in the dynamics of modern means of communication would be quite unmanageable for many, especially those who had been schooled in the earlier ways of faith formation, more so if they had been quite comfortable in the older ways. However, a deep awareness of one’s helplessness in navigating the newer culture and its complexities, along with a humble openness to learning in the evolving ways, could be the beginning of being effective in the constantly changing contemporary culture of communication.

2. The digital way

A comparison with analog data and processes will surely provide a backdrop for discussing the newer digital revolution.  For instance, in the 1970s, digital watches were introduced worldwide. Although their predecessors, the analog watches, were quite accurate and sturdy, the newer digital watches quickly became very popular as they were much simpler, cheaper, and had numerous new features.  To give another example, Thomas Alva Edison invented a sound recording device in 1877, which achieved the impossible: preserving sounds, especially music, for the future. Following this, the recording and playback industry perfected what we today call the analogue technology in audio production to a great extent. However, with the advent of digital technologies, the sound and music industry underwent a radical transformation. Now, using digital resources, even a small child can record, back up, process, and transmit sounds simply and inexpensively. To cite yet another field, although forms of printing technology had been in use in China and other parts of the world for a long time, a significant leap forward occurred with the printing press developed by Johannes Gutenberg in 1450. Again, the introduction of digital technologies transformed the recording, processing, and reproduction of text and images. Now, printing and publishing are no longer specialist professions; with the assistance of a computer, anyone can prepare documents, enhance them in attractive ways, and print them.

The field of banking and commerce underwent an unimaginable transformation with online operations, easy transfer, plastic cards, and ATMs. Digital technology has revolutionized telephonic communication, particularly with the advent of cellular phone technology and its ongoing innovations. With the internet came the email. Then came one social media platform after another, uniting millions and billions under a single communication umbrella. New horizons were opened for audio and video sharing. A variety of other fields, like human resource management, organizational administration, travel planning, and health care systems, all underwent a sea change with the introduction of digital resources in those particular fields. Recently, we have seen the enormous possibilities of online meeting apps for classrooms, conferences, and even liturgical purposes, especially during the pandemic.

At the heart of it all is the digital way that replaced or revised the earlier technologies. As the name suggests, digital technology involves converting information into a digital form by processing it into ‘bits’ of positive (represented as 1) and non-positive (represented as 0) values. [4] Generally, human beings experience the world analogically, but most of those can be simulated digitally. Digital technology, coupled with the processing capabilities of computers, connectivity, and the communicability of the internet, achieves previously unimaginable possibilities. As we have already seen, digital technology has been applied to every field and has brought about radical changes.

3. Digital Culture

By now, we know that digital technology is not merely a convenient tool in hand, but it has radically affected every facet of human life. However, this is not simply the case with the digital revolution; in history, any major technological transformation has come with profound socio-cultural changes. Rural communities based on agriculture went through sweeping changes with the advent of the Industrial Revolution. Professions, family relationships, approach to education, religious attitudes, thinking patterns, and even social living conditions were substantially altered with the advent of the new approach to production and labor. Another major transformation affecting all facets of life has occurred through the recent digital revolution, which is essentially a technological shift that has impacted every aspect of life.

When we discuss digital culture, we begin by asking What is culture? "Culture is an umbrella term which encompasses the social behaviour and norms found in human societies, as well as the knowledge, beliefs, arts, laws, customs, capabilities, and habits of the individuals in these groups."[5]. When we refer to digital culture, we speak of the new attitudes, social dynamics, and a variety of major and minor changes that have emerged at different levels of social life. Digital culture as a concept focuses on how the new technology, including the internet, is shaping the way we interact as humans and how social dynamics are deeply impacted by it.

There is a growing attempt to understand the implications of digital culture on organizations. Today, there is a clear understanding that culture and behaviour are of more importance for the effectiveness of an organization than knowledge, understanding, or talent[6]. No fundamental transformation will be possible without focusing on the cultural aspect of digital change. The fundamental change is not about introducing more digital products and services but making a change in the way people behave and interact within and outside a particular organization[7]. Pope Francis puts it quite succinctly, "It is no longer merely a question of ‘using’ instruments of communication, but of living in a highly digitalized culture that has had a profound impact on ideas of time and space, on our self-understanding, our understanding of others and the world, and our ability to communicate, learn, be informed and enter into relationship with others".[8]

Writers have variously enlisted certain of the core elements of digital culture. One among them[9] points out five indicators, namely, 1. promoting external orientation, 2. emphasis on delegation, 3. encouraging risk-taking, 4. emphasis on rapid reaction, and 5. collaborative effort. The first of these refers to how organizations with good digital culture focus on customer journey and take constant efforts on improving customer experience by putting themselves in the customer's shoes. The second aspect, prizing delegation over control has to do with the process of decision making that is deep in the organization and not merely from the top. In effect instead of receiving specific instructions about any performance the workers follow guiding principles and follow their own good judgment. The third element speaks of encouragement to bypass the need for caution or an attitude of maintaining status quo, but boldness and risk taking. Innovative output and novel ways of tackling issues that go along with a digital culture is perhaps the direct outcome of this element. The fourth aspect of the emphasis on rapid action and not waiting for protracted planning, in a way, results from the previous element. Lastly, there is immense stress on collective work, sharing of information and excellent team spirit. The best result of this is the heightened level of transparency, interaction, and teamwork that we see in good digitally driven organizations in comparison to other forms of traditional set ups.

Yet another list[10] by Neil Perkin of what digital culture really means, is much more exhaustive and is based on detailed research by McKinsey Digital. What it adds significantly to the previous description would be on being technologically literate and adaptability.

4. Digital transition, a sine qua non

The impact of digital technology has been deep, wide, and varied. The rapid changes brought about by this unpretentious, yet innovative technology has come touch almost all facets of life and has also redefined the modes and approaches to almost everything in life from product design to marketing, to health care to entertainment industry, to education and travel to mass media. Every product or process has been redefined in relation to the emerging technological processes and possibilities. In this universal transition to new technological modes every single area of life encounters the pressure to follow the new digital path either for greater convenience and effectiveness or for general acceptability. 

One important question is why there is need to embrace a digital approach. Is it a mere fad of introducing new fashioned equipment and technologies, or are they of significance to the goal-oriented growth of the organization? What are the important benefits of adopting a digital culture? This question, no doubt, has been repeatedly posed at all levels, especially in the various decision-making forums of all kinds of organizations. Perhaps more so because today’s digital transition is a radical shift from the traditional ways and, what is more, it very often involves enormous resources for significant acquisitions of software and equipment. So, we come to a crucial point: What are the significant advantages of adopting the digital way?[11]

4.1. Streamlining of organization.

With the introduction of the new approaches, the cumbersome hierarchies are mostly done away with, and greater participation is ensured at all levels. Often with a focus on better output, the know-how is shared at all levels and consequently there is participation in decision-making by a wider set of people in the organization

4,2. Better output.

With the innovative approaches goals are better defined and the processes streamlined. This results in increased efficiency of the organization and its output is also enhanced.

4.3. Encourages innovation.

In an organization rich in digital culture there is ample openness to innovation and cotemporary trends. There is always emphasis on seeking of newer approaches to solving problems and creative ways to move towards organizational goals.  

4.4. Attracts new talent and retains current workforce.

It is an often-noticed reality that workers spent greater extents of time in an organization having a good digital culture, as there they experience better work satisfaction. One very important outcome of this will be an inflow of better and varied talents into that organization.

Educational institutions over the past few years have been deeply impacted by this process of digital transformation. Most people realized that if digital ways are not adopted the progress of these institutions will come to a standstill. As a result, many institutions by now have gone online with websites, digital admission processes and other organizational support systems. Technology equipped classrooms and computer assisted teaching and learning processes have changed the whole approach to information transfer. Even the course contents have been fundamentally tweaked with a view to equip the learners for a digitally driven world order. In brief, organizations in all spheres realize the extreme importance of adopting these newer modes of functioning and of taking well thought out steps to change ways.

5. Faith communication in the changed context

The winds of change brought about by the new technologies have already transformed all aspects of contemporary life. Many of us are familiar with the fictional accounts of ‘time travel’. If someone from the past, say even just 50 years ago, re-enter the world today what sort of cultural change she would witness? The communication facilities, travel possibilities, commercial enterprises, the gadgets in use, all would have been spectacularly different. But I wonder how she would have assessed the change in the arena of faith or value related communication. Will she find it stuck sometime in the past century?

5.1 Faith communication in crisis

The indicators about the efficacy of faith formation coming in from the communities around us as well as from far and wide do not paint a rosy picture. Many faith formators report on the wearisome response of most teens and youth to their efforts to communicate matters of faith.  They find it a herculean task to get faith across. In a conference of Diocesan directors of faith formators representing various Catholic Dioceses in Kerala, one observation repeatedly raised by many was that most youngsters impatiently wait for the 12 years of parish catechetical training to be over. They wait to get out, and a large number disappear from the scene. One survey indicates, ‘70% of teens quit church after high school’ [12]. But a matter of some consolation is that a good number of them resume church life later in life, in the case of the Indian scenario, with the starting of their family. But what is to be expected in future?

One major reason for this is, no doubt, is in the area of communication. Here we are reminded again of our Lord’s famous reference to the new wineskins. The message of Goodnews often does not reach the hearts of teens and youth because they are in a mode irrelevant to them. As in the case of the story of the clown, the medium has already blocked the message and consequently it never reaches them. “The young make us see the need for new styles and new strategies. For example, while adults often worry about having everything properly planned, with regular meetings and fixed times, most young people today have little interest in this kind of pastoral approach.”[13] The need of the hour is faith communication that resonates with the young generation. No doubt, that must be deeply embedded in a digital culture, which is the air that they breathe in or the world of communication that they are familiar with.

5.2 Need a shift in approach

Today, we are more aware of a changed mindset of young people. They are quite comfortable with most gadgets, especially electronic handsets and computers. Their attention span is short, and so they cannot sit idle for long nor engage too long in a particular matter. Many connect digitally rather than physically. They learn and gather information in more enjoyable ways. And what is more, many of them very well know what they want.

When we reflect on the faith formation of this generation, we seek the most effective ways to reach them and provide the faith foundations for their lives in a manner that resonates with their mindset. Contemporary youth educators are making efforts to redefine teaching and learning[14] in the emerging context and to list different characteristics[15] of education in the new scenario.  What are some of the major takeaways for faith formation today?

5.2.1. Personalized and relevant.

For a confident and focused new generation, the current modes of faith formation are largely irrelevant. A critical area of change would be shifting from the large group approach to reaching each person with an individual touch.

5.2.2. Learning how to learn.

Today even at a very early age dynamics of learning is taught. There needs to be greater reflection on approaches to faith formation and the importance of communicating these specified learning dynamics to those undergoing formation.

5.2.3. Address misunderstandings directly.

Our Lord’s approach of welcoming queries and asking questions to the learners is an age-old effective approach to faith journey, which need to be effectively used even today.

5.2.4. Teamwork as a process and outcome.

Discussion, joint research, or action groups make the formative path far from a boring textbook study, ensuring active participation of each learner.

5.2.5. Make full use of technology.

Podcasts, films, self-paced study materials, virtual journey, and much more can make the faith acquisition journey relevant, interesting, and personalized.

5.2.6. Learning through doing.

Mission emphasis has always made faith training focused on action. On-the-move teaching and sending forth on mission that Jesus himself used are found to be effective even these days. 

5.2.7. Flip the classroom and change teacher roles.

The classroom can be a place of fun and practical experience where the teacher is a facilitator and the inspiration of which of this would promote faith learning elsewhere. Such creative reversals are found to be highly effective and easily possible with newer technologies.

More than all else a change in these lines can make formation more exciting and greatly engaging for a new age learner.

6. Formators need to be equipped

Formation of the formators is perhaps the first most important challenge in implementing a shift from the traditional modes of faith formation to the newer approaches:

Good use of the media requires of catechists a serious commitment to knowledge, competence, training and up to date use of them. But, above all, because of the strong influence of the mass media and culture, it must be remembered that it is not enough to use the media simply to spread the Christian message and the Church's authentic teaching. It is also necessary to integrate that message into the "new culture" created by modern communications... with new languages, new techniques and a new psychology.[16]

Any technology is a two-edged sword that can be used for building up a person or for destructive purposes. It is significant for a faith formator to remember that while there is need to be abreast with the times and be conversant with the digital culture, it is also important to be aware of the damaging effects of the technology. The weaknesses or the negative aspects of the digital culture can work against the very goal for which we work in faith formation.

Pope Francis in his post synodal apostolic exhortation ‘Christus Vivit’ speaks at some length on the importance of using digital technologies as well as the dangers in relations to it. The following are some of the pitfalls of the web as well as the digital culture that he highlights[17]:

The digital environment is also one of loneliness, manipulation, exploitation and violence, up to the extreme case of the ‘dark web’.

Digital media can expose people to the risk of addiction, isolation and gradual loss of contact with concrete reality, blocking the development of authentic interpersonal relationships.

New forms of violence are spreading through social media, for example cyber-bullying.

The internet is also a channel for spreading pornography and the exploitation of persons for sexual purposes or through gambling.

there are huge economic interests operating in the digital world, capable of exercising forms of control as subtle as they are invasive, creating mechanisms for the manipulation of consciences and of the democratic process

The proliferation of fake news is the expression of a culture that has lost its sense of truth and bends the facts to suit particular interests.

The reputation of individuals is put in jeopardy through summary trials conducted online. The Church and her pastors are not exempt from this phenomenon

For many people, immersion in the virtual world has brought about a kind of “digital migration”, involving withdrawal from their families and their cultural and religious values, and entrance into a world of loneliness and of self-invention, with the result that they feel rootless even while remaining physically in one place.

When determining approaches to faith formation, it is essential to distinguish between judiciously integrating the old with the new and indiscriminately incorporating newer ways into an existing context. Two parables of Jesus come in handy here. The first is the one about a householder who has been ‘trained’ and brings out of ‘his treasure’ what is new and what is old[18]. The latter parable is about tearing out a piece of a new garment and putting it upon an old garment[19], resulting in a serious mismatch. This mixing of the old and the new becomes even more critical when we consider the variety of temperaments and cultures that coexist in most of the communities that receive faith formation.

Surely the challenge in the formators’ formation is an ongoing updating regarding the media, the related culture, and the associated equipping. Rapidity of changes is the one of the distinguishing marks of the modern times. Those who receive faith formation, especially the younger generation are mostly in touch with the developing and changing technology and related advances. And this naturally makes it important that the one who animates their faith grooming is also in touch with the times and modes.

7. Tools and tips for faith formation in the digital culture

As we have already discussed, effective faith communication in the present-day modes is much more than merely making use of modern gadgets, although the use of emerging technologies and devices surely is important. There is today a whole new approach to information gathering, processing and dissemination and this newness need to be reflected in forming people in faith life. In practical terms what could be some of the approaches and tools that could come handy in imparting formation in contemporary times? Some of the forgoing tips and suggestions have been recaptured once again in the following listing.

7.1. Promote ongoing reflection on the possibilities and challenges of the new media and culture

The need for greater awareness and equipping relating to changes in the media field should form an important part of faith formation. The emerging trends in this field offer abundant opportunities as well as challenges and the trainers and the trainees need to be aware of their implications. In one way, this should be an ongoing exercise and should form a foundational aspect of faith formation. Jesus himself challenged his listeners to read the signs of the times and the Church continues to do the same today. From these reflections should follow a review of the existing approaches to faith formation and planning of new strategies and programs. No doubt, the rapid and many-layered changes that happen in this field add to the complexity of this exercise.  

7.2. Need a blended approach.

One challenge that many faith formators face is the reality of mixed culture that they must address. Many take the safe path of addressing one group, leaving aside the needs of other varied cultures. Different worlds coexist in most faith communities and as a result it is important that a formator takes an approach that is sensitive to different sections.

Faith formation incorporates blended models of faith formation to connect physical settings and online settings. . . . Faith formation today can integrate online and face-to-face learning, blending them in a variety of ways from online programs with minimal interaction in physical settings to programs in physical settings that utilize online content or extend the program using online content.[20]

With some effort addressing the needs of the different groups in the community is possible today, with the variety of resources available. Rooted in a spirit of dialogue and sensitivity to the differing needs this becomes the defining attitude of faith formators.

7.3. Online presence and using digital resources

A growing number of people make use of the internet for a variety of needs and several digital resources are part of their daily transactions. Contrariwise, most church related initiatives and programs rarely feel the need for having an updated website, online registration forms, digital payments and so on even when using such facilities are possible. Realizing the need for updating the approaches to contemporary times, even if only a small section may be using, it is important to be abreast with the times.

7.4. Awareness and use of digital media resources like podcasts, videos, reading apps and so on.

Numerous faith-related digital resources are available today. Quality input from all parts of the world is accessible even in a remote village. Sadly, even highly educated priests or catechists are not sufficiently aware of the available faith formation materials. Though podcasts began to be used many years ago, recently it has gained immense popularity as an extremely versatile information gathering and opinion disseminating educational tool. Using relevant podcasts, introducing them to young people, and whenever possible going into production are some of the best approaches to contemporary faith formation. Same is the case with other media resources such as videos, films, and variety of text contents, which should also find place in the formation plan.

7.5. Project-based learning

There has been a radical shift in recent years from teacher-centred to learner-centred approaches, and consequently, there is a shift from instructional teaching to providing learning assistance. One crucial tactic in this line is project-based learning. Individuals or groups select their learning areas based on their interests or felt needs and follow their itinerary of faith discovery. Having a goal that emerges from one’s interest, making use of practical approaches, learning suited to one’s own pace, and the realization of the usefulness of the study, all make a significant difference in this particular approach in comparison to the usual classroom teaching method.

7.6. Flipped classrooms

Traditionally, the classroom and the teacher are central components of instruction, and this remains true in most faith formation activities. Even at the grassroots level, there are parish-based faith instruction classes that nowadays base themselves on well-worked textbooks and sometimes semester-end tests, all carried out by a well-groomed set of teachers. In the field of general education, this traditional classroom-based approach has been replaced by reworked learning strategies largely assisted by newly available digital resources. We already briefly discussed the significance of this learner-centred study approach. The traditional role of the teacher and the classroom is undergoing a fundamental change. The learner gathers information independently through various available modes, and the later coming together becomes a place and opportunity for follow-up and practical application. Of course, this becomes easily possible in this age of information, when sufficient input is available to students from a variety of sources.

7.7. Culture of community and working in teams

Personal confidence and empowerment made possible in the modern age have also promoted a participative culture. This, in turn, has encouraged learning taking place in the context of well-knit communities and much of the work taking place in a team setting. This has become a characteristic style of most advanced educational and work settings; it is even more important for faith formation, as community is important in Christian teaching. Pope Saint John Paul II’s prophetic utterance in 2001 should serve as the guiding light for much of the Church’s orientation. “To make the Church the home and the school of communion: that is the great challenge facing us in the millennium which is now beginning, if we wish to be faithful to God's plan and respond to the world's deepest yearnings”[21]. Participative learning thus becomes an important ingredient of faith formation.

7.8. Experience-based formation.

An emphasis on having direct exposure and hands-on experience is finding a special place in learning. Educational programs shift from bookish teaching and look for ways to provide all possible exposure to direct experiences. Interestingly, the term ‘infotainment’ or the approach of providing knowledge in an enjoyable and experiential manner has gained currency in the new learning approach. In faith formation, while new learning programs can be designed combining information and experience, there can be opportunities for pilgrimages, compassionate outreaches, mission trips and so on that are age-old formative tools. These can be clubbed with newer technologies to suit the present times. Faith-based toys and gadgets are also being designed and used today to enrich the faith experience of children and adults.

7.9. Emerging digital realities helping formation

 With the worldwide lockdown effected by the recent pandemic, a large number of people have been forced to use meeting and conference tools like Zoom, Google Meet, MS Teams, and WebEx. Naturally, these began to be used widely for faith formation also. Many groups organized virtual pilgrimages combining virtual reality and online group instruction and reflection. The Vatican Museum opened online. These and other digitally assisted possibilities have radically transformed faith formation, opening newer avenues of direct experience to enrich faith life. Digital games are another important area that is emerging rapidly, the resources of which are increasingly being used in the field of education.

7.10. Bringing Bible and tradition alive

The scriptures, the history of the church, and biblical and historical characters, including the saints, have pride of place in the faith formation plan. With the advent of visual and auditory media, introducing these to learners has become extremely efficient. With the numerous avenues opened through digital resources, Bible study has become much more engaging and interesting, and the same is true of other areas of education in relation to the Church's tradition. Many dioceses and associations have done commendable work in this field, and their output is available for use by anyone willing to utilize it.

7.11. Church documents and teachings in contemporary format

Young people, when they come to know the richness of the Church's important teachings, such as the Pope’s encyclicals or apostolic exhortations, often remark on how such relevant and enlightening instructions had been hidden from them. Indeed, the totally inaccessible formats and language of most of the Church’s documents make them completely unfamiliar for a significant section of today’s generation. ‘Why not convert ‘Christifideles Laici’ into cartoon strips?’ asked a youth. The language of the denizens of the digital kingdom is distinct in several ways. Maybe they themselves would be the best converters of the Church’s resources into formats relevant for them.

7.12. Online availability of information, resources, and documents.

Before the popularization of printing technology, it was the churchmen who copied important books and preserved knowledge. After the introduction of printing, for a period, some people had hesitations; later, there were efforts from all sides to print all faith information and make it readily available to assist faith formation. As faith formation occurs in various modes and at different levels, the ready availability of faith-related materials would be of great assistance to formators. Today, everyone searches online for resources, to find explanations, and to access relevant faith-related materials. One tragedy is that ‘sons of this world are wiser in their own generation than the sons of light’[22], and wrong information regarding faith and the church is more readily available online than authentic faith-related materials. Hence, it is extremely important today to have source documents, study materials, accurate information, and authentic views relating to the church and faith readily available online for everyone to access. There is an urgent need for all church resources and manpower to be utilized in making relevant faith information available online.  This will not only provide relevant materials for the faith formators, especially at the grassroots level, but also will help youth who freely look online to clarify doubts and verify information.

Conclusion

This is an age of rapid changes. Although change is a perennial reality, in recent times there has been an accelerated pace of change in various areas, especially in communication. In this fast-flowing river setting, keeping pace with the transformations, especially the new tools and modes of communication, is not easy. However, the Church recognizes the need for openness to change and the importance of being aware of and utilizing various modes and approaches.

Good use of the media requires of catechists a serious commitment to knowledge, competence, training and up to date use of them. But, above all, because of the strong influence of the mass media and culture, it must be remembered that "it is not enough to use the media simply to spread the Christian message and the Church's authentic teaching. It is also necessary to integrate that message into the "new culture" created by modern communications. . . with new languages, new techniques and a new psychology". Only by this, with the grace of God, can the Gospel message have the capacity to penetrate the consciousness of all and obtain a personal acceptance as well as a complete personal commitment[23].

This, in fact, becomes the preferred focus at all levels of the Church, first because of the great urgency of reaching today’s generation, which is immersed in the newer digital culture. Furthermore, this attuning of faith formation approaches to digital culture will make the church and her ways more relevant to contemporary times and prepare her to face the emerging challenges of a future world. 

 

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[1] Kierkegaard, Søren. Either/Or, Part I. Ed. & Tr. Hong, Howard and Edna Hong. New Jersey: Princeton, 1987.  p.30

[2] John Paul II, Catechesi Tradendae, 35

[3] General Directory for Catechesis 1997, 160

[4] Beal, Vangie. Digital. Webopedia. <https://www.webopedia.com/definitions/digital/>

[5] Wikipedia

[6] Goran, Julie et al. 'Culture for a digital age'. McKinsey Digital. <https://www.mckinsey.com/business-functions/mckinsey-digital/our-insights/culture-for-a-digital-age>

[7] Hemerling, Jim et al. It’s Not a Digital Transformation Without a Digital Culture. BCG. April 13, 2018. <https://www.bcg.com/publications/2018/not-digital-transformation-without-digital-culture>

[8] Francis, Pope. Christus Vivit. 86.

[9] Ibid.

[10] Perkin, Neil. What Is Digital Culture? <https://startsmallscalefast.com/agilebusiness/what-is-digital-culture/>

[11] What is Digital Culture? – Everything You Need to Know. GDS Insights. <https://gdsgroup.com/insights/technology/what-is-digital-culture/>

[12] "70% of Teens Quit Church After High School. Here’s Why" faithit. March 14,2018. <https://faithit.com/70-kids-quit-church-high-school-heres/>

[13] Francis, Pp. CV. 204.

[14] "Teaching and Learning 21st Century Skills". Asia Society. Center for Global Education. <https://asiasociety.org/education/teaching-and-learning-21st-century-skills>

[15] Drew, Chris. "7 Key Features Of 21st Century Learning". December 4, 2019. Helfulprofessor.com. <https://helpfulprofessor.com/21st-century-learning/>

[16] General Directory for Catechesis 1997, 161

[17] Francis, Pp. CV. 88,89,90

[18] Mt. 13:52 RSV-SC

[19] Lk. 5:36 RSV-CE

[20] Roberto, John. Network Faith Formation. National Conference Formation & Mission in a Digital World August 26-28, 2016. <http://www.lifelongfaith.com/uploads/5/1/6/4/5164069/faith_formation_in_a_digital_world.pdf>

[21] Pp John Paul II. Novo Millennio Ineunte. 43.

[22] Lk 16:8

[23] General Directory for Catechesis 1997, 161