The Ooze.TV has a great interview with Jesse Rice, author of The Church of Facebook (watch it here).

While the conversation never specifically mentions it, the video is a great explanation of the ambient intimacy that G.T. explains to Jimmy in the book.

Jesse sees Facebook (and other virtual communication) as a great way to begin a conversation with someone. Let’s face it, he says, it’s not always easy to connect with other people—to have and maintain a relationship. Online tools like Facebook are a very simple way to make a connection. At the same time, he acknowledges it can feel like a disembodied tool, and ultimately, we need our conversations to be embodied, enfleshed.

The Church needs to think harder about how to embrace virtual communication tools. We can have a genuine, loving concern for another person—even if it is through a digital connection with them. So rather than fearing digital connections, we (the Church) should be learning how to be human, and how to be the church in the virtual environment.

Facebook and Twitter have often become a sanctuary and space of grace for me what about you? How have you seen these tools become a virtual sanctuary for people?

Or are you uncomfortable viewing online/virtual realms as a sanctuary?