Going to church just got a little easier. In fact, you don't have to go anywhere. The Internet has provided a way to go to church online. These options include:
The Church of Fools (A 3D online church)
Just two weeks after The Church of Fools opened for online avitar church goers, 41,000 people attended the church within a 24-hour period.
Internet Broadcasts/Live Streaming
One of the most prevelant forms of religion on the internet. Sermons, devotionals, and church meetings are broadcasted over the internet for people to view from their own home.
Discussion Groups, Message Boards and Chatrooms
These are used in every way you can think of. From bible bashing to planning church activities, these boards are found all over the internet for anyone to comment on and discuss religious doctrine, topics, or events.
Podcast
Sites like The Christian Podcast network, cpodcast.net, include sermons, music and even discussion of Christians in sports. Downloadable so you can listen to them anywhere.
My stand on the issue...
It seems that there is an internet religious service option for anyone. In November of 2008, Newsweek ran a story on the internet-religion phenomenon. The overall tone of the story was that this provides additional opportunities for people. The religious leaders who were interviewed seemed hopeful that the internet could reach people that they could not in their religious services. Another leader said "it is to augment, but not replace, a church service." But is that how people are using it?
The article also talks about the internet as a new place for community, and takes into account the change of relationships the internet has caused:
"As technology reshapes our world, as our "friends" become the people we know on Facebook as well as the ones we invite home for dinner, the definition of community is taking on radically new meanings. Nowhere is the concept of community more crucial than in religion. In the West, people traditionally worship together, in a group, in one room; that togetherness has theological import. In Christianity, the sacrament of communion underscores the unity of the faithful; consuming the consecrated bread and wine binds Christians with each other, with the saints in heaven and with the Lord. Now, at the farthest corners of the Christian world, a few people are applying new-tech concepts of community to this ancient rite." (Newsweek, 11/3/2008, "Click in Remembrance of Me")
Many feel that the internet services cannot replace traditional church services because of that need for community and worship together. Some say the location of the worship is almost as important as the worship itself.
I agree that the place that you worship correlates with the spiritual experience you will have. I also believe that it is a great thing to have place to discuss and enhance your religious experience while you are away from your traditional Sunday worship. I think online religious sites can be the supplement, but should not be a replacement.
Questions
Do religious internet sites provide a justification for a lack of traditional church worship, is it used to enhance a persons religious experience, or does it end up replacing it? Does the location and community of a religious experience the variable that gives meaning to it?
I agree with the quote above about online services- "they should augment, but not replace, a church service." (Please note, I do believe that the internet is a wonderful source for extra learning and understanding, but it should come second to our services.)
ReplyDeleteIf one is interested in learning and growing, I believe it is important for them to physically be present in the location of the service. As a Latter-day Saint, I have been taught that if I want the Spirit to leave impressions on me (ie learn gospel truths) I must be in places where the Spirit can dwell. Face to face communication and personal relationships help foster that.
Also, the best way to learn is to teach your own understandings to others, learn from other people, and finally practice those teachings in daily life. To feel connected with a community or church group, one must attend, and put effort in to get anything out. Of course there are some benefits to online religions but being a part of a real life "traditional" community has the most benefits.
I think that whether or not this is a religious experience or not all depends on the person. We are all at different levels of spirituality. For some people, watching a sermon online might be the most religious experience they have ever had, while to me it is not much at all.
ReplyDeleteYes, I would hope this is just an addition to someone's religious life and not the whole thing. But I appreciate that there is something wholesome and good out there to combat all the negative things in the media. I hope it can strengthen faith in Jesus Christ and develop and thirst for more knowledge and more of the spirit.