Checked Jesus ‘Faithbook’ page lately? Read the 25 reasons why Twitter is spiritual?
Miller (2002) discusses how religious/faith groups are “getting the word out” using new media platforms, and the reasons behind the transition. Some find services on screen convenient, others use technology to take their religions, faith, and beliefs to a new level to reach global audiences. Churches need to “connect with their community in meaningful ways, establish a strategy for actively engaging in the social media conversation.” (Roach, 2011)
Sites like hisholyspace.com (Christianity), Naseeb (Islamic), Schtik! (Jewish), PaganSpace.net (Neo-Pagan) and even alternate movements like Jedi Church are on the rise.
The Pentecostal movement Hillsong for example, encourages communication and networking amongst followers of Christ on Facebook, Tumblr, Twitter etc. Uploading worship video’s to YouTube is expanding and promoting their faith. This video, has had 14,832,428 views (as at 11:39am 25/3/12) and proves how followers are turning online to seek spiritual revelation 24/7. Searching through its 37,374 comments, there is a lot of both positivity and trivializing.
We have the choice of what we expose ourselves too, so I don’t think people should be afraid of hiding their beliefs because there’s a good chance someone will trivialize it. These negative comments can’t stop people believing. Unfortunately though, that is how today’s society reacts to things they don’t approve of. Instead, embrace diversity online!
References
Koorong Store. 2012. “Faithbook Poster” Accessed March 25th, 2012. Image. www.koorong.com.au
Miller, D. 2011. “Getting the Word Out” in Tales from Facebook. Polity: Cambridge.
Religion Link. 2012. “God and Facebook: Is social networking changing religion?” Accessed March 25th, 2012. http://www.religionlink.com/tip_110125.php
Roach, D. 2011. “LifeWay Research finds churches increasing efforts in social, Facebook” Accessed March 25th, 2012. http://www.lifeway.com/Article/LifeWay-Research-Churches-Increasingly-Fans-Facebook-Social-Media
