Christian Software

Can software be “Christian” or “non-christian”?

Isn’t software just a bunch of lines of code? How can it be considered as “Christian”? Matthew Miller (Tech writer for ZD Net) received a LOT of “flames” (strongly negative comments) for writing on the subject of “Christian” software. I was one of a small minority of Matthew’s defenders. Read the article (and flames) here.

When I first started distributing Christian shareware products via FidoNet (circa 1987/88 — which was before ordinary people could access the Internet), I was asked that question MANY times. The answer is, yes — based upon its primary purpose. If the software is primarily intended to serve Christians and their unique computing needs, then it is “Christian” software.

In January of 1990, I created an international network of computer Bulletin Board Systems (BBS) using the FidoNet.0rg technology and sending everything over modems & telephone lines. It was called the “Christian distribution Network.” I incorporated the organization as a non-profit business in the State of Louisiana, USA under the name “Christian Distribution Network, Inc.” We used the acronym CDN and had around 300 “nodes” or BBSes who participated.

Update (September 2010): CDN has now evolved into an Internet powered Community called, “CDN Today.” See the addendum at the bottom of this article!

This article is a history of that organization and how it relates to the Chief Shepherd website. It is a bit long but I feel that I need to record some of the history before it is lost. If you are interested, just push the “read more” button. Read the rest of this entry »