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According to a 2004 Pew study, about 82 million people in the United States, or 64 percent of U.S. Internet users, perform spiritual and religious activities online. Now, UPI reports, Beliefnet has launched a social-networking service intended to bring together religious devotees, spiritual leaders and people of all faith groups.
Does that sound like something you’d be interested in? What are the pros and cons?
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Off the hook
Yes. Religion is very prominent on the web.
But the big guys like Yahoo (http://dir.yahoo.com/) and DMOZ (http://www.dmoz.org/) and Google (http://directory.google.com/) still try to quash religion by relegating it under the category “Society”. That is even though the number of pages for “Religion” is 5 times greater than the next biggest sub-category in “Society”.
I would have “pooh-poohed” any kind of internet “religious community” not so long ago, as being too remote, too “easy” etc. However, I now feel there is a definite place for it. Many people can’t get out, but can still be part of the exchange of ideas, inspiration, etc.
In the last while, it has seemed to me that WMB has been a pretty supportive place–people praying for one another, someone beginning to attend church because of a sister’s challenge, Anlir and all his fun ideas, etc. I think the problem would be if people who should be going to church sit in front of a computer instead.
So, does reading or posting on wmb qualify as “performing spiritual and religious activities online?”
Our church runs our e-mail on line. We’ve been helping a church family through a website devoted to the family’s needs which includes a calender to sign up to cook dinner. Jews for Jesus’ retired founder Moishe Rosen spends his time on chat rooms engaging folks in conversation about Jesus. I think the Lord is using the Internet quite nicely.
#3 Mommy–
I’d say it all depends. Maybe for some and not for others. Maybe sometimes and not other times.
Re: 3. If a poster begins to substitute wmb participation for Word, Sacrament, and prayer, that’s a problem.
As an opportunity to sharpen each others’ iron, make friends, and weigh one’s own thinking on many matters, it’s valuable.
Online activities should NOT replace the one-on-one encounters and fellowship opportunities available in an actual church gathering. However, as RR and Janie have observed, the web can be a valuable “extra” tool to facilitate learning.
The web is pretty good for Morning Prayer (BCP): no fumbling with books or wondering which prayer goes with which day. It has its drawbacks — not least, because it looks as if I’m praying TO my iBook. (I don’t love it THAT much). But still, online Morning Prayer has been useful.
Sounds interesting. I’ve heard of the site and read a few of their articles, but never spent much time on Beliefnet. I have some pretty eclectic beliefs, so I might be a little too far out for them to accommodate me.
Anlir, What I’ve seen of Beliefnet, you may fit in just fine!
The Internet can be a valuable support for spiritual growth. I have done Bible studies using online resources when I was way out in remote areas without books.
My church posts sermons for those who missed the service or who are shut-in. I have listened to some that I already heard live because they were very good.
I am one of the 82 million. So is Anlir.