Uniting and Dividing: Development of Christianity Online
The development and increasing availability of the internet has affected Americans in surprising ways. Business, writing, photography, communication, and many other aspects of culture and society take place online. Perhaps one of the less expected contributions the internet has made is to religion, and specifically to Christianity. Like many religions, Christianity stresses community, and although it may seem somewhat counterintuitive, the internet offers community to those who cannot find it in “real life.” With the availability of information, the development of online communities, and the resources offered by the internet, Christians are able to assist their practice with the internet, if not use the internet to practice in their own homes.
Christianity’s development online would perhaps not have been possible without the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation brought people out of a mentality that told them spirituality and salvation could only be achieved through the authority of the Catholic Church. Martin Luther posited that salvation was achieved through faith alone and proposed what he called a “ministry of all believers.” When Luther began the movement, he utilized the newly developed printing press. Christians now had access to the Bible away from the Church. The reformation led to a more individualized religious practice as well as a rejection of traditional authority. The development of the internet, in many ways, parallels the development of the printing press. The internet makes information available to people around the world, as well as facilitates new forms of communication. It is providing a new channel for religion as well.
The internet provides religious information for Christians, making research more convenient. There are a variety of resources available for practicing Christians. One can find scripture online, in full form, from every translation of the Bible. Apocryphal texts are also available online. One can find church history through official church websites, as well as through other societies, such as those devoted to archaeology. The internet offers Christians community groups, official church websites, and learning materials. With all of this available on one’s computer, it can have some very powerful results.
Christian online communities can be found for every denomination, as well as for those who would not define themselves as belonging to a denomination or are searching for one. The internet provides a welcoming environment for those who feel that they are outcasts. For instance, a gay man who feels shunned by his Catholic Church may be able to find a community of gay Catholics online. In this way, he can feel like he is still part of the Catholic community.
These communities are also helpful to those who belong to a more mainstream church organization, but don’t have one within a reasonable distance of their home. For many people in rural areas, there are few Churches available because of the small populations of the area. A Calvinist in rural Utah may have a hard time finding a Calvinist church, for instance, but would have a relatively easy time finding a Calvinist community online.
Online communities validate Christians’ individualities. The particulars of a person’s convictions can be supported when they find that their views are shared by others. The communities provide acceptance for those who feel alienated, such as radicals, homosexuals, racial minorities, or simply those who are socially awkward. Online communities are accommodating of everyone’s schedules. People who find that they don’t have time to attend a Sunday morning service or Wednesday evening study group may find time, between commitments, to log onto the internet and engage in what the internet has to offer their religion.
The internet’s contribution to the Christian community is not all positive, however. As people resort to the internet and practice becomes more privatized, the individual can feel more validated in their views, even if these views are of intolerance or hatred. In a sense, this can be moving Christians away from the unity and reconciliation that many have been seeking for hundreds of years. The internet can also lead Christians to feel somewhat alienated. Although community is offered, because there is no face-to-face contact, there is also a sense of isolation that can occur if one strictly practices at home. Because of the convenience of the internet, many people approach this type of practice with a somewhat apathetic outlook. In accommodating one’s religion to fit a desired schedule, or fitting it in between certain activities, it seems to lose a sense of sacredness. Listening to a sermon while going about one’s daily activities might make it seem less meaningful.
The development and increasing availability of the internet has affected Americans in surprising ways. Business, writing, photography, communication, and many other aspects of culture and society take place online. Perhaps one of the less expected contributions the internet has made is to religion, and specifically to Christianity. Like many religions, Christianity stresses community, and although it may seem somewhat counterintuitive, the internet offers community to those who cannot find it in “real life.” With the availability of information, the development of online communities, and the resources offered by the internet, Christians are able to assist their practice with the internet, if not use the internet to practice in their own homes.
Christianity’s development online would perhaps not have been possible without the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation brought people out of a mentality that told them spirituality and salvation could only be achieved through the authority of the Catholic Church. Martin Luther posited that salvation was achieved through faith alone and proposed what he called a “ministry of all believers.” When Luther began the movement, he utilized the newly developed printing press. Christians now had access to the Bible away from the Church. The reformation led to a more individualized religious practice as well as a rejection of traditional authority. The development of the internet, in many ways, parallels the development of the printing press. The internet makes information available to people around the world, as well as facilitates new forms of communication. It is providing a new channel for religion as well.
The internet provides religious information for Christians, making research more convenient. There are a variety of resources available for practicing Christians. One can find scripture online, in full form, from every translation of the Bible. Apocryphal texts are also available online. One can find church history through official church websites, as well as through other societies, such as those devoted to archaeology. The internet offers Christians community groups, official church websites, and learning materials. With all of this available on one’s computer, it can have some very powerful results.
Christian online communities can be found for every denomination, as well as for those who would not define themselves as belonging to a denomination or are searching for one. The internet provides a welcoming environment for those who feel that they are outcasts. For instance, a gay man who feels shunned by his Catholic Church may be able to find a community of gay Catholics online. In this way, he can feel like he is still part of the Catholic community.
These communities are also helpful to those who belong to a more mainstream church organization, but don’t have one within a reasonable distance of their home. For many people in rural areas, there are few Churches available because of the small populations of the area. A Calvinist in rural Utah may have a hard time finding a Calvinist church, for instance, but would have a relatively easy time finding a Calvinist community online.
Online communities validate Christians’ individualities. The particulars of a person’s convictions can be supported when they find that their views are shared by others. The communities provide acceptance for those who feel alienated, such as radicals, homosexuals, racial minorities, or simply those who are socially awkward. Online communities are accommodating of everyone’s schedules. People who find that they don’t have time to attend a Sunday morning service or Wednesday evening study group may find time, between commitments, to log onto the internet and engage in what the internet has to offer their religion.
The internet’s contribution to the Christian community is not all positive, however. As people resort to the internet and practice becomes more privatized, the individual can feel more validated in their views, even if these views are of intolerance or hatred. In a sense, this can be moving Christians away from the unity and reconciliation that many have been seeking for hundreds of years. The internet can also lead Christians to feel somewhat alienated. Although community is offered, because there is no face-to-face contact, there is also a sense of isolation that can occur if one strictly practices at home. Because of the convenience of the internet, many people approach this type of practice with a somewhat apathetic outlook. In accommodating one’s religion to fit a desired schedule, or fitting it in between certain activities, it seems to lose a sense of sacredness. Listening to a sermon while going about one’s daily activities might make it seem less meaningful.
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