No surprise. We live in an information age. We all are challenged by the many options awaiting us on the World Wide Web. Technology has given us an incredible opportunity to connect with others and gather information beyond our homes and community. However, with these opportunities, many dangers are also out there for all of us. Parents in particular have additional responsibility in monitoring and guiding their children in their on-line activities. None of us should take this responsibility lightly.

In response, David Clark has written You, Your Family and the Internet: What Every Christian in the Digital Age Should Know.  This is a short but resource rich book covering the topics of the history of information technology, communication, news, social media and on-line gaming, as well as online gambling and pornography. Clark knows this area well with 30 years experience in the field of computer and information technology. As a Christian, Clark not only covers these dangers, but he also gives a biblical foundation for what should guide us in our choices on-line. Each chapter also has a practical advice section and questions for discussion.

Bottom Line:

What I appreciated most about this book is that it is well organized, to the point, and balanced in its view of technology. Clark offers a firm foundation in biblical principles (such as self-control and accountability) to guide his reader’s approach to the Internet and presents honest conclusions about potential benefits and risks of our on-line activity. For parents, Clark offers compelling cautions that will be helpful for anyone who has a kid on-line. Personally, as a parent of  a teen, pre-teen and elementary student, Vicki and I find that we need to be engage with our kids and their on-line decisions. I appreciated that Clark does not condone sticking your head in the sand, nor does he state that we should keep our kids away from all technology. Instead he presents the facts and allows individuals and parents to determine their own conclusions. The questions at the end of each chapter would be helpful to use in a small group discussion format, but you may need to add some additional questions for a full discussion. His book is also linked to a resources page on his website for additional articles and links on the areas covered in the book.

Parents, pastors, and anyone who is concerned about how the Internet’s influences one’s self or family will find an excellent resource in this small book. It’s an easy read and has great points  that may be shared with kids too.

Note:

We received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

You, Your Family and the Internet: What every Christian in the Digital Age Ought to Know

By David Clark
ISBN: 9781846253409
Softcover, 128 pages
Retail: $11.00
Release: April 15, 2012

Available through Amazon 

For other interviews with David Clark check out Christian Home and Family podcast and Knowing the Truth with Pastor Kevin Boling podcast.

 Free Download

This book is available as a free e-book for iPad or Kindle through December 31, 2012 through this link.

About the Author:

David Clark was born and brought up in a missionary family working in France. A Bible-believing Christian since the age of fifteen, he is active in his local Evangelical and Reformed church in England, where he lives after spending a number of years in the USA.

He has worked with computer technologies for over thirty years, has a degree in Computer Science and Electronics, and has carried out postgraduate research into the uses of Artificial Intelligence in the design of silicon chips. He owns and runs a consulting company that carries out technology-related work for the UK and US governments.

He has published a number of technical papers at various conferences, ranging from the use of Artificial Intelligence to Risk Analysis. He has also served on the boards of Evangelical Times and Evangelical Press, as well as working in publishing in the Russian and Chinese languages. He is on the editorial committee for Christian Hymns.

He is married with two children and has recently become a grandfather. The website for David is at http://www.theinternet.me/.

Let us know what you think…

1. What guides your decisions on the Internet for yourself? For you children?

2. What resources have you found help guide your decisions?

Book Give Away

We will be giving a copy away through comments left on this post or send an e-mail to info@vickitiede.com to enter.