Is 'Techno-Monk' John Michael Talbot Giving Up Facebook for Lent?

BERRYVILLE, Ark., March 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The recently dubbed "Techno-Monk" and world's most popular Catholic Recording Artist, John Michael Talbot, caused a stir this Ash Wednesday among his Facebook community when he posted an article asking if the "Techno-Monk" himself was giving up Facebook for Lent.

Fans were relieved and enlightened after reading the post.

Talbot opened, "The Church has encouraged a healthy use of social communications to spread the gospel, but also warns about addictions to technology, and replacing real face-to-face relationships with virtual ones exclusively."

Hearing that some are giving up Facebook for Lent, Talbot shared: "This might be a good idea in order to break an addiction to technology but it is not necessary for everyone, or even most. The greater discipline would be to use it well, without becoming addicted. It is also tougher to accomplish.

"A look at the more moderate monastic tradition on fasting might be helpful. Jesus fasted for 40 days and nights. Presumably that meant water only. This is a very tough fast for most folks who maintain daily activity. Jesus was in strict prayer in the desert, and not on active ministry.

"The greater monastic tradition would encourage daily moderate fasting rather than periods of extreme fasting. This is because they found that periods of extreme fasting were often preceded or followed by binges. Mardi Gras is a perfect example of this. They said that it does not accomplish much, and sometimes actually makes things worse.

"The Rule of Benedict provides for a Lenten fast. But even there daily meals are provided for. Nothing of mere bread and water, or water-only fasts are found. But it is tough. It has 'teeth.' During Lent Benedict amends the time and quality of the meals. He moves the main meal from midday towards evening, and allows one small meal later. He also reduces the quantity and quality of it. This means they were going 22-23 hours between meals during Lent. But they ate every day. We also reduce our meals during Lent."

Applying that to our use of technology Talbot offered, "You might want to consider reducing your Facebook activity this Lent. But do not eliminate it altogether unless really addicted. For most a simple reduction in time and energy would do well to prune back any wild growth in our social communication patterns. Pruning actually makes the tree of our spiritual and temporal life more fruitful!"

Putting fans at ease, Talbot shared, "We will still be posting during Lent. In fact, I have completed a new recording, 'Worship and Bow Down,' which will be made available as an advanced digital download to our special Facebook friends by Easter. Full release is scheduled for June. So we hope you will stay online and in touch, but in a healthy and life-giving way."

This press release was issued through eReleases(R).  For more information, visit eReleases Press Release Distribution at http://www.ereleases.com.

SOURCE John Michael Talbot