Religion on the Web

Religion has truly become an interactive experience, with religious organizations around the world setting up Internet addresses to facilitate prayer, meditation, and further study; some even produce movies to encourage potential converts. Real Audio streams of prayer provide an even more personal contact with the religion, allowing listeners who may not be able to attend the service to feel connected to their faith. In addition to all these high-tech features, most sites also showcase calendars that remind worshipers of upcoming observances, holidays, and festivals. And if you’re moving or visiting a new place and want to check out houses of worship in the area, online directories cite contact information for them.

The Internet makes text-heavy information available, too. Articles detailing a particular religion’s origins, excerpts from its holy writings, and pronunciation keys bring users closer to its history and point to its function in daily life. For answers to specific questions, you can consult religious leaders online or read the FAQ that some sites use to dispel misinformation. These sites also play a role in bolstering faith by spotlighting entertainers, celebrities, and political figures who adhere to the religion profiled. Some sites may even steer followers to like-minded mates via dating services.

One of the most comprehensive websites, beliefnet.com, has created a portal that includes all major religions and their denominations or offshoots. Here, visitors of all beliefs and backgrounds contribute to message boards to promote interfaith communication and compassion. The site provides an excellent introduction to the world’s religions and is accessible for everyone from the devout practitioner to the inquisitive layperson.