Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out - "· (dot) COM"

The Rev. Dr. David Eberhard presents an article called "Dr. Eberhard Speaks Out". He challenges us with his thoughts and experience as a leading churchman in America. While we may agree, or not agree, he shares with us what he has learned that works in the local parish. Over his forty years of experience in the ministry, and 24 years in the political arena, he has always tended to be ahead of the current curve and is always "pushing the envelope" to get us to expand our thinking.

· (dot) COM, · COM, . · COM , all day you keep getting directed to "dot - Com". The radio - to hear more about ... go to - "dot - Com". The TV - for further information on .... go to "dot - Com". The newspaper directs you to a fuller report about .... go to "dot - Com". The Internet and Web pages refer you to "dot - Com". Political ads steer you for information about the candidates views on .... go to "dot - Com". The weather reporters direct you for the latest report on .... go to "dot - Com". While driving in your car the radio says for information on road conditions ahead - go to "dot - Com". Not bad enough so many persons drive and talk on the phone, now I guess we are to drive and use our computer notepads to ... go to "dot - Com". I'm almost ready to read the text of sermon and then tell the congregation for the sermon - go to "dot - Com".

Our high-tech society indeed provides us with a tremendous amount of much needed information. We have become so engrossed in getting more information, only to find out we don't know what to do with the information once we have it. Maybe we can "dot - Com" it. Those persons into email, internet, text messaging, iPODS, cell phones, etc. assume everyone else is also into all of these technologies to the same degree. I don't know about you, but I just don't have time to go to "dot - Com". I'm working on my computer almost all day, but there isn't time to surf and go to "dot - Com". Why don't you just tell us the full story by radio, TV, or whatever medium you are trying to get us to go to "dot - Com". I know you hope I'll sit on the edge of my chair and stare at the monitor or TV just waiting for the next "stay turned" report - which is usually nothing new. And yes, there is a significant number of people who do not use computers or email.

The weather reports actually do more harm by playing the fear "the sky is falling" factor. No longer do we have a weather report, but rather we have winter survival reports. Hey, haven't you heard this is Michigan - we have snow - and it's great! The reporter frantically says it going to snow, (usually 100 miles away), don't go out on the freeways it's storming (usually its clear and salted). Often on Sundays the reporter will say "don't go out today". This negatively effects the religious community. They never say that on a work day. This hype and sensationalism really hurts business, entertainment events, restaurants, churches, school activities , etc. Cool down and make life less stressful for everyone. Meanwhile, I'm going to "dot ... Com".