Article 1: The Church on the Web

In 1999 Michael Keene wrote the article “The Church on the Web, which was published in Christian Century.  Keene is a member of an Episcopalian Church and teaches a Sunday school class for thirteen-year-olds. 

His article offers a supportive view of the internet from a religious perspective, and he includes various ways in which anyone interested in religion can use the resources online to strengthen their bond with spiritual communities.  The internet can be a great tool to use when researching church history, searching for random theological information, or even looking for someone who has similar beliefs.  He explains that he often searches the internet for Bible verses when he can’t quite recall where to find them; even more broadly, he looks up hymns and sermons that he has heard.  He does acknowledge that it is important to make sure the websites being used are valid and written by authoritative people to ensure that the information can be trusted. 

Not only does the internet serve as a quick, efficient way to look up information, Keene also explains that it can be useful when traveling to church or a conference simply isn’t possible.  E-mails are an easy way to communicate information quickly to someone when they miss a church meeting, and it is also a great venue for someone who has a problem or question.  Keene recalled that he was never able to attend the annual Episcopalian convention, but was delighted when the events and discussions became available via the web.  The array of religious information on the internet has become invaluable; now anyone with an internet connection can learn and truly feel connected to a larger spiritual body.  He also mentions that there are churches based entirely online.  Cyberchurches allow people to connect and form spiritual communities without needing to be in the same physical location. 

Keene obviously offered a positive perspective of the internet in regards to religion in his article and explained countless benefits it can have for someone who is religious.  I have to wonder, though, if the fact that he wrote this piece in 1999 has any impact on his portrayal of the web.  Writing today, Keene may have had a different opinion, given the fact that there are so many anti-religious websites.  Of course, all of his points would still be helpful and valid today, if not enhanced due to even more advances in technology.  Emails can now be replaced with instant messaging, and web forums can be great places to ask questions and receive responses.  I just struggle with the fact that many religious sources online today can be biased, which makes it very difficult to trust information that could be put online by any old Joe-Schmo.  When referring to religious information, especially, it can have a huge impact on someone’s life and I would hate for someone to be too trusting and then be unknowingly misled. 

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