Wow. That’s quite an anecdote. It grieved me to read your story. Yet I think that this kind of thing is commonplace nowadays, even in the evangelical community. Your experience is, honestly, the quintessence of the problem. Here this guy is engaging with missionaries–those pushing the gospel to the lost–and he can’t be bothered to put his phone down?

Frankly, I feel bad for his wife. Change that–I feel bad for the wives and kids of goofballs like this.

Very nice site, by the way. I’m linking to it.

Thanks to others who have commented. So you know, I don’t actually think that one’s iPhone reaches into one’s soul and changes one’s heart. But I’m glad for the feedback. Yes, technology benefits us, just as it can harm us. Matt, your question is a good one. I’m thankful for good sound technology, good mics, iPhone apps, blogs that can feature edifying content for free, and much more. I’m blessed by technology in all kinds of ways, some that I’m likely overlooking.

Please continue to keep me on my toes, as always!

He would ask us about our ministry, then after the first few words of our response would start playing with the iPhone and interrupt us midstream with trivial things from it (“Hey, it’s 70 degrees back home”). Here he had decided to come 5,000 miles over to visit us, yet he was more immersed in the constant info he was receiving from elsewhere. What did he learn about our ministry or how we were doing? I doubt he retained much of anything, but, hey, he got to see the first pictures of Janie’s new puppy back in the States.

I don’t need constant adoration, and I get that missionary stuff can be boring. But I’m confused because he paid to travel and be here, he asked for the whole interaction, yet it seemed he was doing his best to avoid listening to or interacting with us at all. The worst part? His flip attitude when his wife gently suggested he put the phone down and talk. You’d think his wife was the one to drag him over here. He seemed to believe that if he wasn’t constantly Facebooking or Twittering his congregation that they’d all leave.

Have you seen any examples that you think are helpful models?

KC

And I would second Dan’s comment.

I just bought a new netbook. It’s the first computer I’ve bought in over four years for myself. At times, I have ignored my kids because I’m exploring my new toy or working on school. I chose to be distracted, not Google.