Paper
The exponential growth of the Cyber society and Cyber culture within the Internet has not gone unnoticed by the ?religious community.? As I write, church web sites are being published and electronic prayer groups zip by in modems and wire networks across the globe. Even isolated monasteries like the Monastery of the Christ in the Desert (see sidebar) are able to send their Benedictine messages from their cloister in New Mexico. New age religions also use the [virtual] soil of the Internet as the center of their ?virtual church? (see end of the Cyber society Observation for links on religious web pages). With these in mind, it is safe to write that Religion has seamlessly incorporated itself within the realm of Cyber society.
The presence of Religion in Net Culture is not an unforeseen trend. Although Religion and Modernity does not have the best relationship, Religion has learned that they need to conform with the current trends of technology to survive. Religion sees Modernity (in hand with secularization) as a threat to spiritual well-being and existence of its churches. Today for example, membership in Christian denominations is decreasing and the number of priests is on the downward slope as well. The declining trends are placed on modern individual?s tendency to think of religion as ?neither good nor bad but simply irrelevant.? (Encarta ?Religion?) Another reason lies in the prestige appropriated to science, the body of knowledge that made no reference to spiritual gods and the foundation of all the technologies that made human life easier.
The religious organizations recognize the decline in membership and religious passivity of the general populace. Instead of going condemning the technology, they adapted to it and used it to perform their evangelical work. Evangelicalism originally means ?personal commitment to Christ and the authority of the Bible (Encarta ?Religion?).? Evangelicalism can also mean the spreading of God?s word. History witnessed the churches? efforts to ?convert? people with the help of discovery and innovation. For example, the invention of the movable press type by Johann Guttenberg in Germany changed the painstaking effort of copying the bible by hand. Anyone can now access a bible anywhere they need it. With the invention of the television and radio came the TV and radio evangelists, spreading the ?word of their God? and converting the masses. Many churches actually own stations and record studios that would help establish the stability of their religion. The birth of the Internet, however is a whole new platform altogether. As a cyber deacon in one the new-age religions puts it (with exaggerated confidence and modulated voice), ?The Internet has the potential of evolving into the greatest communication tool of all time (Busch 1).?
The Internet is sometimes scorned as the menace and heralded as the savior of society. How has the Internet worked for Religion? The Internet, for one, has become the primary breeding ground for New-Age churches and religion, usually creating a ?virtual church? in the confines of their web pages.
New Age Movement:
?A new form of spirituality that offers individuals the opportunity to reconnect with mystical dimensions of the self and thus the wider cosmos?relationships that are typically obscured by secular culture and often are not addressed in biblical traditions?.
(Encarta ?Religion?)
Some of these New Age Churches include Cosmosofy, Digitalism and The First Cyber Church of the Scientific God. Most, if not all of the cyber churches try to create a church that combines love for God as related to science. For example, Digitalism is a modernized religion based on the wonders of technology and Buddhism. The First Cyber Church advocates a love for God and mankind with good science as foundation. As a whole, these new religions try to meet anybody?s spiritual needs.
Traditional Churches and denominations have also taken advantage of the Internet. Many of these religions have established web pages, like the Vatican, Qabalah (for insight on Jewish Mysticism) and Anglicans Online to name a few. A list of traditional churches and their links are found at the end of this paper. The old religions like the New age religion uses the Internet to spread their message of faith with the aid of the technologies associated with it. For example, John Fredenburgh, rector of the All Saints Church in Valley Cottage NY has found a way for his congregation to participate in prayer groups without the inconvenience of time restraints. He was able to organize
sikhs
Is a well maintained and organized website about Sikhism. This religion began in India 500 years ago. It showcases many images sacred to their religion.
prayer groups through emails, chat, and web postings for people who need spiritual need, the physically sick who need spiritual advice. He believes that in this Internet society, people are getting more concerned with their private space. He added that he has been trying to get his group together but has never successfully done so until he tried doing it the ?Internet Way.? For Reverend Mark Cyr of the Episcopal Church in Warwick, people who are not affiliated to a religion may stumble to a religious web page by accident or serendipity. The chances are good that these people may get interested and go through the information in the web pages. People who experience difficulty going to church may suddenly find themselves praying with their church/congregation online as well. Furthermore, he asserts, there is not ?RIGHT? or ?WRONG? way of worshipping or meditating. Going to church on a Sunday morning can satisfy a person just as if he or she was physically present in his/her church.
Of course, Religion in society not only involves a belief in a God but a disbelief in an Almighty being as well. Many websites exist in the Internet that deal with atheism and agnosticism, helping atheists and agnostics come in terms with their belief (disbelief or confusion). Although no prayer groups of religious chat rooms are established, intellectual thesis, information, articles are available for any disbelieving atheist.
These services however are not without shortcomings. A church is a religious community that requires connection with people. Because the Internet society is revolves around personal space and privacy, isolation is often a problem, especially if it becomes an obsession. There is something wrong if a person?s exclusive exposure to society (and religion) is through the Internet. Moreover, it is essential to realize that not all the facets and services of a religion can be done over the Internet. Confession for Catholics is bound by a vow of secrecy. E-mailing a confession may not be a great idea.
The information age may benefit industrial countries where Christian denominations are dominant. But in poor countries in Africa and Asia, Online churches are currently not feasible. India for example, the center of Hinduism does not have as much Internet Access as the United States and would not benefit greatly from online Hindu churches. The same would apply to the ethnic religions found in Africa. The gap between industrialized and non- industrialized countries are widening in regards with the assimilation of information and technology.
Religion is a part of almost every known society on earth. With the arrival of the cyber society and cyber culture in the post- industrial era, it has become an essential part of this ?new virtual society.? Although I am neither able nor qualified to predict the outcome of Religion?s presence in the Internet, I am confident that Religion would always be present in any society. Humans may think of themselves as modern creatures who have a firm grip on scientific evidence and reality, but there will always be some who will seek spiritual side of the truth. This is where Religion works best.
Другие работы по теме:
Milton To Pope Essay Research Paper In
Milton To Pope Essay, Research Paper In this essay I will attempt to contrast the type of society that would create a Milton to a society that would create a Pope. Although you may be able to
Freedom Of Religion Essay Research Paper The
?Freedom Of Religion? Essay, Research Paper The price of religion to a human in one of the most important factors in one’s life, as well is their own being. People practice religion for several reasons, throughout the world it is practiced as it being part of their heritage. However many people seek religion for the feeling of security.
Religion 2 Essay Research Paper What is
Religion 2 Essay, Research Paper What is Religion? From the moment you take your first breath, you are besieged with strange sensory data pouring into your newborn self. You immediately begin to discriminate this data to find meaning in what would otherwise be a meaningless world. Sadly, we are not born enlightened, but born into what appears to be complete confusion.
Cyber Porn And Internet Privac Essay Research
Paper Cyber Porn and Internet Privacy Two computer ethic controversies There are many controversial questions about computer issues today but there are many debates with cyber porn and internet privacy. The Internet is accessed by millions of people everyday, especially children. Cyber porn is all over the Internet and can be accessed by anyone from anywhere whether in school, home, or on the job.
Binary Thinking Essay Research Paper Binary thinking
Binary Thinking Essay, Research Paper Binary thinking related to Salem Witch Trials The Puritans were European settlers that established home in Salem Village in the 1630s. They believed that they were a dominant group because of their practices. They saw their religion as superior to any other religion.
Prayer In Schools Essay Research Paper We
Prayer In Schools Essay, Research Paper We are guaranteed by the first amendment the right for freedom of religion. By this right, we as American citizens should be allowed to have prayer in the public schools and teachers should be allowed to teach religion courses trough the high school years. We should also be able to talk about religion in and out of our classes.
Thesis Is There A God Or Is
He(?) An Illusion? Essay, Research Paper Thesis: Is There a God or is He(?) an Illusion? An illusion is one’s own interpretation and perception of someone or something.
Orthodox Society Essay Research Paper By insisting
Orthodox Society Essay, Research Paper By insisting on complete orthodoxy is society only hurting itself? I believe when a society demands orthodoxy it is asking for problems. Orthodoxy to a small extent can be helpful to society, but when it is required by the people, and they demand it to the fullest it can do nothing but cause problems.
Religion Is Important Essay Research Paper I
Religion Is Important Essay, Research Paper I think culture, religion, ethnicity is very important in one’s life. They should know where there from and who they are. Everyone comes from somewhere around the world, even if they were born in another country, they still
Prehistoric Religions Essay Research Paper Geoff Stock
Prehistoric Religions Essay, Research Paper Geoff Stock When looking at the history of the religions of the prehistoric age there is one event more than any other that changed the face of religion as well as society itself. This particular event was the development of agriculture. Previous to this religion and society were much different than they are now.
Model Society Essay Research Paper Model SocietyMy
Model Society Essay, Research Paper Model Society My model society would be a small society consisting of about one hundred to two hundred people. The people in this society would all believe in the same god, they would also all be the same race. Those are two large issues that cause major conflict among a society.
The Effects Of Colonialism In Things Fall
Apart Essay, Research Paper Analyze the effects of colonialism in Things Fall Apart. In the novel, Things Fall Apart, the effects of colonialism were extremely evident in the Igbo society. As the white Englanders moved into the native’s land, their cultural values changed. Examples of these changes were evident in all aspects of the Igbo people’s lives, in their religion, family life, children, and the dead.
Cybersex Essay Research Paper Cyber Sex What
Cybersex Essay, Research Paper Cyber Sex What is Cyber Sex? Cyber Sex is the act of having sex or making love, between two or more people, in a chat room or in e-mails, without ever hearing the voice of the other. For example, two people meet in a chat room. They find out they have similar interest and start to like each other.
Scarlet Letter Who Should Punish A Sinner
? Religion, Society, Or Individuals Essay, Research Paper Scarlet Letter: Who Should Punish A Sinner? Religion, Society, or Individuals Who should punish a sinner? Should it be religion, society, or the
Computer Net Crime Essay Research Paper Computer
Computer Net Crime Essay, Research Paper Computer crimes are terrorism of the present day. Everything from Website attacks, viruses, and cyber sex. People have even been charged for rape over the internet. Government computers have been an easy target for hackers for decades. According to Defense Information Systems Agency s data, the military may have experienced about 250,000 attacks in 1995 with 2/3 s of the intrusions being successful.
Why Religion Is Difficult To D Essay
, Research Paper Why Religion is Difficult to Discuss With so many different belief systems in our world, it s no wonder why religion is such a touchy subject in our society. It is not to be discussed in schools or any other non-church related activity because some one there might be offended. I personally don t care if you talk about religion to someone just as long as if they believe some thing different than you, don t tell him or her that they are wrong.
Hacking Essay Research Paper Hacking has been
Hacking Essay, Research Paper Hacking has been developed over the years to be unstoppable. Newcomers to the hacking community learn the rules by associating with established hackers. Hackers like to hack in order to impress each other.
Equality Essay Research Paper Equality
Equality Essay, Research Paper Equality I have a vision, that all people be treated equally. Race, religion, sex, age, and other petty differences should not mater. Every one has a rite to me
Diversity Essay Research Paper DiversityDiversity is a
Diversity Essay, Research Paper Diversity Diversity is a big part of today?s society. But to understand diversity we have to know what it is. Diversity is where there are many different backgrounds, religion, and races. Ralph Bunch said ?I have a deep seated bias against hate and intolerance. I have a bias against racial and religious bigotry.
Morality Essay Research Paper Morality is the
Morality Essay, Research Paper Morality is the cooperation of the part to the whole in order to instill conformity in everyone. How does society place morality on people? One of the major methods is through religion. Using the Devil as a catharsis, the single-shared belief in some type of God brings people together in conformity, ethically.
Religion Vs Science Essay Research Paper
“Science vs Religion” The question as to whether or not religion belongs in a science classroom is a very complex and difficult question. Religion can be looked at from different angles,
Islam Affects Our World Essay Research Paper
The Islamic religion, founded by Muhammad, has affected this world with a variety of ways. In 732, the religion was in full effect with people from the Middle East to North Africa learning about Islam and the Koran. The Islamic people, Muslims, had different attitudes toward life and what life was about compared to other religions across the globe.
Religion Or Run Essay Research Paper Religion
Religion Or Run? Essay, Research Paper Religion or Run? Religion has been around for thousands of years. Throughout history, religion has made an impact on the decisions people make everyday. People have even gone as far as sacrificing their lives for their religion. There have been countries formed over religion, so too have there been wars started.
Cyberspace Essay Research Paper Computers and CyberspaceWhen
Cyberspace Essay, Research Paper Computers and Cyberspace When does reality end and cyberspace begin? Can crimes committed in cyberspace be punished in reality? Can a “cyber relationship” have the same rules as a relationship in reality? Basically, is cyberspace part of regular life or is it a world created by us with ever changing and moving norms?
Buddhist Economics Essay Research Paper Buddhist EconomicsMost
Buddhist Economics Essay, Research Paper Buddhist Economics Most people think that religion and economics don?t mix. So you would think the same in the case with Buddhism and economics. But actually the there is a set of rules that go along with our modern day economics that have their own meanings. Buddhists believe that spiritual health and well being go hand in hand.
Religion Or Cult Essay Research Paper When
Religion Or Cult? Essay, Research Paper When Does a Religion Become a Cult? When Does a Cult Become a Religion? I think that religion and cults are closely related. However, there can be many noticeable differences. In order for a religion to become a cult, it needs to develop into a negative form of expression.
Religion And Science Essay Research Paper Religion
Religion And Science Essay, Research Paper Religion and Science Is Science and Religion really such an adversary? I believe that it is a very touchy subject, in which it can go either way. Some people may claim that science and religion are two very similar subjects, while other may view it as two very different subjects of life.
Is Traditional Religion Incompatible With Modern Society
Essay, Research Paper When traditional religion is pitted against modern society, it is a clash of the titans, a clash between Science and Religion. Everyone has their own interpretation of what religion means to themselves and the people around them. Traditional religion is an organized community of many different types of groups that believe in their own divine being(s), stories about why something is the way that it is, and have some type of religious participation.
Compare And Contrast Cults And Religion
Essay, Research Paper Compare and Contrast of Cult and Religion Essay Religion is a sociological device used to protect its members, and it offers them a common system of belief. Religion, whether it is Christianity, Taoism, Judaism, or Hinduism is a set of commonly shared beliefs that bring many people together.