Has social media taken over your spiritual life?

In this episode of the Orthodox Health Podcast, Dr. Michael Christian & co-host John explore the impact of screens & social media on spiritual life. We discuss the importance of silence & stillness, the dangers of comparison & identity distortion through social media, & the role of confession in fostering authenticity & connection with God.

We also emphasize the need for discernment in navigating digital distractions, while maintaining a focus on spiritual growth & true communion with God & others. Additionally, we explore Orthodox theology & the challenges posed by the digital age, the importance of embodied presence, & the need for practical steps to establish digital boundaries.

The conversation emphasizes the spiritual warfare for your attention in a hyper-connected world & concludes with a challenge to you to help reconnect with God, one's neighbor, & oneself.

Takeaways:

• ​The modern health paradigm often overlooks spiritual dimensions.
• ​Screens & social media can distract from spiritual practice.
• ​Silence & stillness are essential for spiritual growth.
• ​Social media fosters comparison & envy, harming mental health.
• ​Authenticity in relationships is diminished by digital interactions.
• ​Confession is vital for personal responsibility & spiritual health.
• ​Attention is a battleground for spiritual life.
• ​The internet can be a tool for good if used wisely.
• ​Gratitude is foundational for prayer & spiritual well-being.
• ​Silence is about the presence of God in the soul.
• ​Real communion requires being fully present.
• ​The Incarnation affirms the importance of the body.
• ​Digital communication often lacks depth & nuance.
• ​Embodied worship engages the whole self in communion with Christ.
• ​Digital boundaries are essential for spiritual health.
• ​Fasting from technology can lead to freedom & clarity.
• ​Christ is Risen!

Chapters:

00:00 Opener

01:30 Introduction & Holy Week/Pascha Recap

04:06 The Impact of Screens on Our Lives

05:12 Social Media is Not Completely Value Neutral

06:36 Stillness, Silence, & the Plugged in Mind

08:41 Digital Distraction & Its Effects on Prayer

12:58 The Distortion of Identity in the Digital Age

17:21 False Realities & AI Demons

18:04 The Incarnational Nature of Orthodox Life

20:59 Discernment in the Digital Age

23:26 The Invitation to Relationship

24:49 Finding Wholeness in Silence

26:01 Embodied Presence in a Digital Age

29:00 The Importance of Communion and Ritual

32:34 In Defense of Mel Gibson

34:30 Vulnerability and Healing in Community

36:41 Establishing Digital Boundaries Through Fasting

38:55 A Quick Appreciation for the Amish

39:03 Understanding the Impact of Social Media

42:23 Navigating Social Media Intentionally

44:54 Replacing Digital Distractions

46:46 Final Thoughts and Challenges

49:16 Conclusion: Invitation to the Listener

49:25 Outro

Work with Dr. Mike: https://www.OrthodoxHealth.com

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Intro & Outro Music: St. John of Chicago Orthodox Church Choir (Arkansas) - Please support their building fund by buying the whole album here:

⁠https://stjohnorthodoxchurch.bandcamp.com/album/come-ye-faithful-building-fundraiser⁠