“The position I suggest is one of understimulation in an already overstimulated society. People coming to church don’t need another set of slides or another barrage of loud, high-intensity images. If anything, they need less – a more focused and contemplative visual environment that enhances their awareness of the presence of the unseen God, rather than distracting them from it.”
“Will the projection screen take the viewers closer to the world of the spiritual, or simply reinforce Hollywood’s colonization of the Christian mind? Can visual media be used critically, consistent with an intentional and carefully thought out understanding of the ontology and purpose of worship?”
“Technology is not value-neutral and should be critically scrutinized for any “subtexts” that are being communicated. A series of bullet points and images designed to close a deal is quite different in its purpose than visual media whose purpose is to enhance worship and to point the viewer to the invisible God.”
“How is what we are trying to do in worship different from a concert, a trip to the mall, a classroom lecture, or a visit to the movie theatre? What would the answer be regarding using electronic media in the worship service?”
The quotes above are from textbooks I read for my study relating to the use of technology (projection screens) in worship. Below are some additional resources that may be helpful if churches evaluate the use of technology in worship.
Crowley, Eileen. “A Moving Word: Media Art in Worship.”
Dillenberger, John. “The Visual Art and Christianity in America.” (From colonial period to 19th century. Influence of English Protestantism.)
Hibbs, Shane. “The Hidden Power of Electronic Culture: How Media Shapes Faith, The Gospel, and Church.” (Application of media theories (McLuahn, Ong) to church, contrasts print and digital, electronic technology is not value-neutral.)
Miles, Margaret. “Image as Insight: Visual Understanding in Western Christianity and Secular Culture.”
Wilson, Kent. “For the Sake of the Gospel: A Media Ministry Primer.”