Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

CTyankee

(67,055 posts)
Sun Sep 14, 2025, 11:47 AM Sunday

Does your church/synagogue allow congregants to scroll their phone during services?

I'm not a churchgoer but I was just wondering...

10 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Does your church/synagogue allow congregants to scroll their phone during services? (Original Post) CTyankee Sunday OP
Why would one want to? PJMcK Sunday #1
Yep, that's a better question! I just emailed an aquaintance who is a regular chuchgoer with the same question. CTyankee Sunday #5
lol Skittles Sunday #7
My church-going contact just emailed a response to my query. CTyankee Monday #9
I haven't been to any kind of religious services PoindexterOglethorpe Sunday #2
My mom had the bible on her phone LearnedHand Sunday #3
You make a good point! CTyankee Sunday #4
Allow? Iggo Sunday #6
a few do it. sometimes announcement is made to put them on stun mode nt msongs Sunday #8
Not in the main sanctuary, nor in class. sakabatou Monday #10

PJMcK

(24,214 posts)
1. Why would one want to?
Sun Sep 14, 2025, 11:54 AM
Sunday

I am not a church-goer anymore but it seems that one would want to be “spiritual” in church. That requires a focused mind.

CTyankee

(67,055 posts)
5. Yep, that's a better question! I just emailed an aquaintance who is a regular chuchgoer with the same question.
Sun Sep 14, 2025, 01:14 PM
Sunday

Skittles

(167,376 posts)
7. lol
Sun Sep 14, 2025, 03:44 PM
Sunday

do you realize how many people go to church because they're EXPECTED to go to church

CTyankee

(67,055 posts)
9. My church-going contact just emailed a response to my query.
Mon Sep 15, 2025, 12:30 PM
Monday

He thinks it is an enhancement to the sermon. He is a member of a very conservative Lutheran church here. Evidently, this church has figured out a way to involve the faithful religiously in the service. And so, if folks are scrolling away during a service one might just want to "assume" they are following the holy words of the Bible.

I guess it keeps everybody happy...

PoindexterOglethorpe

(28,072 posts)
2. I haven't been to any kind of religious services
Sun Sep 14, 2025, 12:07 PM
Sunday

in decades, but given how many people are looking at their phones constantly even while driving, I'm sure significant numbers of church-goers are looking at their phones during services.

LearnedHand

(5,003 posts)
3. My mom had the bible on her phone
Sun Sep 14, 2025, 12:11 PM
Sunday

And I imagine many others do as well. How would anyone know the difference between following along and just scrolling the phone?

CTyankee

(67,055 posts)
4. You make a good point!
Sun Sep 14, 2025, 12:31 PM
Sunday

I just wondered if the minister/priest/rabbi asked congregants to put their phone away for the duration of the service. It seems rude to scroll while the service is underway. Otherwise, why go to church at all?

Latest Discussions»The DU Lounge»Does your church/synagogu...