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Word of God spreading fast in cyberspace
December 14, 1996
Web posted at: 11:30 p.m. ESTSAN FRANCISCO (CNN) -- The message is the same, but the way it is being delivered is changing at the speed of light.
When it comes to religion, the Internet is having a profound impact. Nearly every major religion has a site on the World Wide Web, and a growing number of wannabe religions are also using the Internet to spread their message.
Technology and religion have always been intertwined, and new inventions are changing the way people perceive and discuss the divine.
During the Dark Ages, the Scriptures were passed down mostly by word of mouth. Then, in the 15th century, Johann Gutenberg used movable type to print, allowing people for the first time to hold the Scriptures in their hands.
The printing press had a powerful impact on religion for centuries and contributed to the Reformation.
With a printed Bible, people could "study the Bible without having to depend on the structure of the Church," giving them "an immediate access to he word of God," said communications professor Rev. Paul Soukup.
The advent of radio and television also changed the way religion was spread. Electronic media paved the way for evangelical broadcasters, enabling them to reach mass audiences.
But the broadcast media provides little room for interaction, and the connection is generally on a group rather than an individual level.
"If I'm online with a computer, I can sit down and say, 'Oh well, I had this question', and then have the preacher respond to me much like a Bible study session," said Soukup.
And while tapping at a computer keyboard may seem antithetical to the group ceremony of gathering at church, cyberspace provides a meaningful avenue for spiritual exploration for a growing number of worshipers.
"Cyberspace is a cold mysterious place," said Soukup. "But I would wager if you talk to men and women online they would say, no, we find this a very warm place."
Theologians predict it will take 50 to 100 years to see the impact of the technology.
Said theology professor Rev. Arthur Holder: "The living heart of religion will change, but in no way is that going to change the basic message."
Correspondent Rusty Dornin contributed to this report
Related stories:
- Add God to your e-mail addresses - October 31, 1996
- The Vatican reaches into cyberspace - September 20, 1995
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