Gentlemanly Discourse on YouTube
So much of social media is filled with unhealthy communication. People mock, shout at, and insult one another at many megabytes per second. As they "mega bite" and devour one another, little in the way of proper discourse, understanding of another's position, and persuasion occurs.
However, I was encouraged recently by an ongoing interchange that was pointed out to me. I share some of it below. (Author's note: This dialogue was brought to my attention because of the discussion of Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, which you will hear in the exchange.)
Redeemed Zoomer is the online persona of Richard Ackerman, who runs a popular YouTube channel and posts frequently on Twitter and Instagram. He features quality videos on Christian denominations and theology. Redeemed Zoomer belongs to the PCUSA denomination and hopes to reform it within. Although he is not a pastor and does not have a seminary education, Redeemed Zoomer has educated himself and presents his material in a winsome way that especially appeals to a younger audience.
Dr. Matthew Everhard, pastor of Gospel Fellowship Presbyterian Church (PCA) and adjunct professor at RPTS, also has a YouTube channel where he discusses various theological topics. These two men have gotten to know one another through their online ministries. About a year ago, Redeemed Zoomer invited Matthew on his channel for the following interview about the PCA.
Though some differences are apparent, what is clear is the cordiality seen throughout the interview.
A few months ago, however, as a pastor and older man, Matthew felt it necessary to point out some concerns about some of the positions Redeemed Zoomer was advocating. Given the public nature of posting things on YouTube, Matthew posted the video below explaining his concerns. I believe he gives a good example of how not to demonize someone with whom you disagree but to point out concerns and call another person to faithfulness.
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Incredibly, in this age where people tend to think the worst of others and not listen, Redeemed Zoomer took much of Matthew's concerns to heart. In the comment section of this video, he responded in humility with the following post.
Pastor Matt,
Thank you for a very respectful critique. I take it seriously from you since you’re an ordained minister.
Firstly, I cannot agree with your take on buildings, I am also iconoclast but I think we should make beautiful sanctuaries that don’t depict God.
I will however take your points to heart.
1. I will stop punching right. I’ve been doing that too much, and I need to stop. I still disagree with the common conservative strategy to split off, but I will make sure to be more mature and nuanced in how I express that.
2. I will be more responsible with my platform. I’m not sure if you know this but I do already recommend hundreds of PCA churches to people on my church map that thousands of people use. But point taken, I’ll stop using my platform to insult conservative Reformed denominations.
3. My RUF minister has said the same thing - yes I will pursue formal seminary education. I need to do other things for now to support my soon-to-be wife but once we are financially stable I will
I apologize for my immaturity. God bless
Recently, Matthew replied to Redeemed Zoomer with the following video. Again, a gracious response is heard that is a good model for Christian discourse on social media.
May this example by these two men guide more of us to do likewise.
