July 26, 2026

For most of my life growing up I was aware that Debates were a thing that had happened but apart from political debates it sort of felt like there were a thing of the past. First of all, it was somewhat frowned upon to discuss strong disagreements. Secondly, how were two stiff shirts using big words going to compete against the visual smorgasbord of cable television. Of course there were debates, but as a younger person I was largely unaware of them, as were most other people I interacted with. 

The invention of social media especially in recent times has represented a major problem for mainstream media. Twitter, YouTube, Instagram and Tik-tok often receive considerably more views than mainstream outlets. These same outlets have also noticed dwindling numbers even for major events. ABC World News Tonight is the most watched news broadcast with six to eight million views. These numbers are easily overshadowed by various social media news creators many of whom receive multiple tens of millions of views. The most watched show of recent times was Stranger Things which was created and released by Netflix. 

This growth in media which is selected by the viewer has created space for specialized topics especially including those engaging in socio-political commentary and religious commentary. While this kind of content doesn’t get the kind of attention that Mr. Beast, for example, gets making more entertainment driven videos, it does get multiple millions of eyeballs. 

Charlie Kirk proved that open disagreement is one of the best ways to capture a large audience. Many others have taken a similar approach and this has meant that religious discussions which were recently considered not for public airing are now much more common. While not everyone is comfortable with public debate there is clearly an appetite for it. While there are some challenges to this format there are also opportunities and I have spoken to people who have become interested in Bible study simply because they were exposed to online short video discussions and debates of Theological matters. 

My prayer is that these debates will lead at least some to greater Biblical literacy. This may also lead to evangelistic opportunities as friends and neighbours look for trusted Christians to ask about what they are seeing online. I might add that those of use who are interested in serving God may be able to learn what is on people’s minds and be better equipped for service by consuming some of the Christians content which has become available on social media as well. 

~ Kevin Cleary

Social Media Trent Horn, Wes Huff, popularity of debate and discussion.

Growing Orthodoxy and Growing Catholicism, 

Breakdown of historical/ institutional/ denominational boundaries and identities. 

Increased access to resources and arguments