Religious communities and the internet - Heidi Campbell

'The Internet is like a knife. You can use it to peel fruits or to kill someone. But that does not mean that the knife is bad’ (Kali Nock 2006). 

The internet is a technology which combines different opportunities. Considered this phenomenon in the background of religions several similarities with the handling of media can be noticed. Campbell took a closer look at this issue. In general the use of media related to the religious tradition and the practice of life, but also the influence of the religious leader shouldn't be underestimated in this context.

 

In the course of the 1980s, the internet was used for religious purposes. Religious forums, online services and even online churches were built. But also new religious movements originated in the internet, such as the Church of Fools. In the course of time, various religious forms evolved, although as a spiritual network, a worship space, a missionary tool, a religious identity and a functional technology, this shows clearly the religious diversity on the internet. But Campbell looks closer is at the dealing between the internet and several religions, namely Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

Judaism uses the internet in different ways, be it as a dating platform or as a recipe collection for kosher meals. The ultra-Orthodox see a danger in the internet and in some communities it was banned. In the course of time, the ban was eased, but viewed as a potential source of danger. For this reason Koshernet was developed, which automatically blocked all secular parties and dangers. But, the internet serves as a tool for many Jews.

A similar track can be seen in Islam, where the informational character is the core motivation of use of the internet. They wanted to bring their religion closer to non-believers and help Muslims to understand their own faith.

Nevertheless, Christianity is the religion represented on the most on the internet. In this new medium, they see a new mission area. The Catholic Church took advantage of this, like the creation of a Vatican Web site. But there are again negative opinions that bring the internet with danger in conjunction.

Campbell comes to the conclusion that the Internet can help to spread religions and religious rituals, it could also cause the problem, that there is a distinction between online and offline traditions. 

References:

Campbell H. 2010. When Religion Meets New Media. London & New York: Routledge. Ebook. Ch. 1: Religious Communities and the Internet.

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