Intersections between Media and Religion: Virtual Churches

[arm30]

Hello everyone, I am interested in the role virtual churches play in online Christian expression and the influence virtual churches have on modern Christianity in general. My name is Anthony Stevens and I am investigating virtual churches as part of a research project for my studies at The University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand.
I would be eternally grateful if you good members of 'Christian Forums' would take the time express your opinions regarding virtual churches. I am particularly looking for those of you who engage with virtual churches yourselves but I am happy to hear from anyone


These are the following areas I would like people to discuss/express opinions on:

• virtual churches as an alternative to physical churches
• virtual churches as a replacement for physical churches
• Differences between virtual and physical churches
• Aspects of the physical church that virtual churches replicate
• Is attending virtual churches a viable method for expressing faith in God?
• Oppositions to virtual churches
• Do virtual churches work in unison with physical churches or oppose them?
• How often do you visit a virtual church?
• The role of virtual churches in the future

Thank you very much for taking the time to read this thread an please give me your thoughts
(Alternatively please send me a private message in respct to privacy

 

[stan1980]

I'm not a Christian, and have hardly ever stepped foot in a church in my life. But, I'm under the impression that churches are either dark, with candles and stuff, or bright with uplifting gospel singers. Both leave the audience in a suggestible state. I don't think a virtual church couldn't recreate that, unless you darkened your study or where ever your computer is located and put candles in there. I would be in favour though, of virtual churches replacing the traditional church. The churches could be sold off to be turned into bars/pubs/nightclubs/flats/shops (which has already happened to some churches in London), and the money raised could be used for urgent causes, like starving children.

 

[Steezie]

I'm not a Christian, and have hardly ever stepped foot in a church in my life. But, I'm under the impression that churches are either dark, with candles and stuff, or bright with uplifting gospel singers. Both leave the audience in a suggestible state.

This isnt actually true. Many modern churches have the feel of an office building. Very brightly lit, many with more modest stained glass.

I love older churches, especially those made of stone. I get a real thrill out of the buildings themselves. I avoid them during a mass because of the people, but afterwards I love going, it tends to be a very peaceful place.

Church for many Christians isnt just for worship. Its also a social center where they can socialize with people of the same faith and in the same area. The social aspect is important for many people so I seriously doubt virtual churches will be a threat to real churches. People are generally becoming dissatisfied with organized religion in general.

If they're worried about attendance, they should examine the message and its delivery to solve the attendance problem