“Gradually, imperceptibly, we begin to approach Jesus as if he were a Netflix algorithm — highlighting the aspects of his teaching that align with our existing preferences, filtering out what challenges us, and reshaping his image to match the content we’ve already indicated we prefer.” Kyle Idleman and Mark E. Moore
Kyle Idleman and Mark E. Moore continue Chapter 5 of The Missing Messiah as the argue that Netflix best illustrates our customization culture. Because each of us sees a different streaming service when we log in to Netflix. Thus, we enter a personalized entertainment universe that revolves around our personal preferences.
Most significantly, Kyle and Mark observe, the personalization goes far deeper than most viewers realize. Hence, the thumbnails you see for the same show differ from what other viewers see.
Therefore, the authors counsel:
“This Netflixization extends far beyond entertainment. From news feeds to music services, from retail sales to search engines, our digital ecosystem constantly reinforces the belief that everything should be customized to our preferences, be served up according to what we like, and, just as significantly, shield us from what we don’t like.”
Hence, Kyle and Mark exhort, Christians face this challenge in our Netflixed world. Thus, we need to consider whether we’re treating Jesus as a personalized content provider rather than the uncompromising Lord. The Lord who calls us beyond our preferences into His universal Kingdom.
Because, the authors point out, technology gives us the power to choose our own personal brand of pastor. Whether we do that in person, on TV, or online. And this has occurred for decades. In addition, Google feeds us sites we want for Bible searches.
So, Kyle and Mark contend, here’s the point. Our faith never exists in isolation from current cultural shifts. As a result, these shifts shape the way we see Jesus. A Jesus we fail to recognize, or at least underestimate.
Today’s question: How do you witness to people who approach Jesus as a Netflix algorithm? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “Moralistic therapeutic deism”