RELIGION AND THE INTERNET

INTRODUCTION

In order to study religion on the internet, one needs an amalgamation of customary religious
studies methodologies and cognition and awareness of different fields of technology and
cyber cultures. In earlier period, this study was seen with an eye of scepticism by scholars of
religion but this doubt has to a certain extent faded because for many aspects of studying
religion, the internet is a very important area for the understanding of religious issues, mainly
contemporary. With this also comes some drawbacks, we do get a chance for exposure to
ideas of religion but this also raises various questions in regards to the theory and methods
related with contemporary phenomenology. In regards to how the data is gathered and
analysed, the subject is suitable for different views and understanding.

The role of the internet

The different forms and elements of the internet hold in the terms of representation and
networking a capacity to transform for religions by applying it as a converting tool. The
increase in access and lowering in prices of technology will benefit those in the market of
information technology. Every agent of different religious beliefs and culture has found a
place online including the most unwilling and the even those who dislike technology. The
ratings of search engines and the placement to take and maintain an impact is also a
dependant factor for various forms of faith, especially towards them who use internet as the
fundamental source of their knowledge of religion and their followers.

Considerable issues

A lot of elements of religion and the internet are to be considered focussing on different
belief perspectives. These raise many issues that needs to be addressed by the
academicians. These include the method in which the internet media is used to represent
the spiritual and religious aspects in the world of the internet. Here, the level of interaction is
very important as the pages of some of the websites offer religious experiences. Other sites
have their sacred texts uploaded for the users. We can now add the internet element to the
modern approaches to map the sacred. The various forms of religious organisations and
individuals now act as service and media providers. Religious organisations can work as
news and broadcasting channels.

RELIGION IN THE WEB AND THE MEDIA

Here one has to consider the religious content of classical mainstream broadcasters and the
changing media distribution that are evolving the nature of worldwide broadcasting. The
issue of media saturation comes up here as there are many channels within and between
different religious concerns. This may also lead to the broadening of perspectives and
thinking and even exchanges their views. This can sometime have a lot of effect on a
person. The internet serves a wider exposure for some stands of faith leading to greater
connectivity. The interaction and content on the internet results in greater participation within
religious activities online. However, if this actually results in affiliation is not assured. The
internet is also now a mart or market for religious goods and accessories where people can
buy it online. The religious organisations can also keep a track of their followers or those
who have interest in their religion and communicate with them. The internet is an agent of
change but expressing religion on the internet may also bring about conformity driven by the
notions of membership in small areas of religious interest.

RELIGION AS A FORM OF ENTERTAINMENT

The contents of religion available in the web or media can also be seen as entertainment.
There is competition among service providers to provide entertaining religious contents.
Other channels may be highlighting certain aspects that seem appealing to the eye or may
be funny. There are some problems regarding the content as well. Content with dull designs
will be less appealing to the viewers than technologically fine designs. This may also lead to
the alienation of the traditionalists. In the world web one can see that the shifting models of
religious organisations are facing a lot of challenges from the smaller players and
individuals. The content of forums, blogs and social networking sites are sharp and hence
the bigger organisations are unable to match them.

THE GAP

There are many questions that are raised in the issue of the online religious material
reaching the mass. Despite of the everyday increase in the number of the users of the
internet, in many contexts it has been understood that it is mostly accessed by the upper
class elites. Hence, there is a certain kind of gap between the producers and the consumers.
The divide results in influencing the type of religious material and audiences and also the
providers of the content.

THE STUDY OF RELIGION THROUGH THE INTERNET

EARLY WORKS

In his earlier works Mc Luhan prevised many issues regarding the study of religions on
cyberspace (Mc Luhan 1967; Luhan and Fiore 1967; 1968). Many innovative studies
informed the academic and developmental models associated with cyber studies (Castells
1996; 2000; 2004; Negroponte 1995; Rheingold 1993; Turkle 1995). O’ leary started the
analysis of virtual rituals in 1996. The theoretical frameworks for studying religions in
cyberspace were contributed by Hadden and Cowan (2000).

THE AREAS THAT HAVE BEEN COVERED

There are a few works that been taken up specifically in relation to disciplinary frameworks
associated with the study of religion and media. Those studying contemporary religions have
also incorporated the study of cyberspace in their works. With this we can see the very
importance if the internet on all aspects of the religious identity, authority and knowledge.
Here we should understand that not all type content and works are in the form of a print,
many of them are found online in websites, forums and blogs that are conducted by the
scholars or institutions. There are also journals who contribute to the resources of
knowledge in this area of study.
AREAS THAT COULD BE TAKEN IN FUTURE

Scholars who are interested in studying religion in cyberspace can study the same from
various disciplinary perspectives with a specialization in a certain religious belief. In fact, the
study of religions in cyber space itself has become a subject with many universities offering
courses and degrees for the same. Scholars and students interested should have knowledge
about the recent trends and innovation of information technology.

THE BASIC REQUIREMENTS

Those belonging to the modern era will presupposedly have a certain idea about the internet
or may easily adapt to it. However, it is beyond basic literacy of computers that is required
here. One should also be aware of the language and technological development in the area
of internet, how to construct a web site, the basic etiquettes, delivering the content, various
formats and designs are some areas that one should have knowledge about. One should
also have some kind of knowledge about the filtering and censorship technology. Along with
this, there is a need to study about the development of computer and the internet and also
acquaintance with various theories associated with the computers and technology.

SOME OTHER NEEDS

There are chances that scholars of religion in modern times have already understood the
ability of the internet as a repository and resource for research. They are also likely to have
the knowledge of how the system runs. Coaching is required in the field of monitoring and
archiving sites. Training is also necessary on determining the background and reliability of
the information. Various opinions of interaction, field work and capturing data is also relevant
here in cyberspace but one should also have some familiarity with the real world practises.
The students should also use suitable methodologies for collecting and storing a data and
even backing them up for later use in times of systems failure. The cyber world keeps
developing and changing and cannot always be arranged in a scientific and orderly manner,
hence one needs to adapt to it.

DISCOVERING RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE TWO

Well, the mapping of relationships between religion and the internet is not just a literary task.
This also involves various technical activities, software, and media. We might even require
mixing up of various types of search engine models and methods. This may include the
facility of deep searching or in depth search that is not found in all search engines and also
using various techniques so that the maximum usage of the resource can be made.

THE INTERNET AS A REPOSITORY AND SOME OF ITS FLAWS

A lot of information is stored in the internet even those that were less found. Some scholars
and followers have placed valuable manuscripts in the world web. This has lead to the easy
availability of information to many viewers that was earlier difficult to locate. However with
the evolving nature of the internet, we can only speculate how much data has been lost or
not open to view. The data may not be open to general and filed appropriately because of
the temporary nature of the data. It is seen that a lot is lost even though the amount of data
creates difficulties in managing and observing smaller areas related to religion in the
internet.
UPCOMING QUESTIONS WITH AN EDGE OF THE INTERNET

Some questions have emerged having a certain internet edge in relation to the s tudy of
religion. This includes the textual effect of holy books as searchable objects, from where
small keywords and concepts could be further searched. The hyperlinks may also own some
religious value even though the symbolism can require a thorough assessment as to if the
rituals and religion on the internet is considered lawful by the followers of the religion and its
head. Religious expression on the web may be studied in connection to the questions of
objectives being enhancement of the spirit, proselytising and even networking. Some
websites may maintain a low profile and allow access to its members only.

THE CHALLENGES USING THE DATA ONLINE

Many online versions of religious texts are found today, and some are expected to gain from
scholarly interpretation. Those critical of these content also get public exposure. A lot of
acquaintance with these issues is pertinent to scholars and also those who refer to the
internet for materials for their research. In these sites there are certain issues of observation
but also issues regarding ethics such as the identity, use of various avatars and also
anonymity. The different patterns of use must be figured out by various sectors of the society
as the data may be broken down into different parts meant for consumption for different
kinds of viewers. Many organizations following a specific religion have started their own
official sites.

THE INTERNET: A PRIM ARY SOURCE

In research projects, especially with subjects related to religion in the modern times, the
application and study of resources in very important. The net has become the primary
source for those who can access it. It can help create the first impression of the religion and
its followers. It can easily give you a basic idea. Now, it is very natural that the first place to
go and seek information about a religion is the internet. It is important how Google and other
engines are used especially those with high rankings. The types of information found on
different websites can differ with special mention those found in academic sites and popular
sites.

THE SEARCH ENGINE

Google is one of the most important search engines but if we go on to search ‘God’ in
Google, the results will be confusing and numerous. Hence we need to be specific when we
search
. Google Search Page

Refined search is important as it allows a more research oriented approach to evolve. Deep
search will also enhance the quality of information found. It is important that in all search
engines whenever we search, we type the correct spellings of the words or phrases of what
we are seeking to find. This will result in more specific results. One should combine this
search on the net with conversation with people, with advices from experts especially while
studying small area of study associated with the study of religion.

THE SITE: ORIGIN AND LOCATION

The origin of a site should be known in terms of ideological and theological approach to a
religion. Also in relation to the location and affiliated organisation, it is necessary to
determine the origin of a site. Some of the sites have their contact, location and their origin
all provided in the site. This info may or may not be real. However some websites do not
give all these information. This can be because the site has controversial content and hence
maintaining safety. The government may have access to tools that can track down the
details of the origin and location of the site but we are talking about generic tools that is
available to common public that can help any user to find the details of the website they are
using.

CENSORSHIP AND FILTERING PROTOCOLS

The government and the internet companies have joined hands in developing protocols for
filtering and censoring. This has led to the oppression of those trespassing including those
people who have certain views on religion. With the help of the filtering technology, using
complicated algorithm, all words and content that are deemed to be argumentative. There
are some religious perspectives that have been subject to filtering.

EVERCHANGING WORLD WIDE WEB

The web keeps on developing and changing content and sometimes sites even disappear or
relocate. There are no hard copies to be found like that of printed content. This can create
complications especially if it is referred to in a book. Hacking can also change a site’s
content and display and designs. One has to combine data management and archiving skill
in order to interpret religion on the internet from a contemporary perspective. In 1996, Alexa
established the Internet Archive which has preserved many sites in a publicly available
resource. It presents huge opportunities for scholars who study religion on the internet.

CLARIFICATION OF SITE OWNERSHIP

When doing a research of this kind, the clarification of site ownership is required. A number
of tools that give a variety of technical and related data based on the internet protocol
address determines this clarification. Each and every computer and website has this code.
Information about the site can also be found out from the hyperlinks present in thepages of
various people or sites that have chosen to incorporate it for both good and bad reasons.
One can use tools like SamSpade.org for checking a site’s affiliation.

USE OF OTHER FORM OF MEDIA

Some religious organizations now use the media (television, radio, print, recordings) along
with the internet. This media is also in an interaction with the internet. Sermons and
speeches, religious programmes, ceremonies are all archived for public viewing. However,
who or what type of people use them is not known as the count of the number of visitors
cannot indicate how or by whom the site is being used.

HOW IS RELIGION REPRESENTED IN THE WORLD WIDE WEB

THE NEED TO PLACE RELIGIOUS MATERIAL ONLINE

The reason behind placing the religious material on the Web is different for each individual
or organisation. It may be done so in order to place a religious experience for the world to
see, to make other understand the belief and practices, to gather new followers, to create
identity formations or to even relate to offline social practices.

VIRTUAL PRESENCE AND REPRESENTATION

Many scholars have explored the concept of formulating and exploration of belief identities
on different forums. Online representation is a critical issue and the nature of representation
is also very significant. Religious beliefs may require a presence in the virtual world in order
to reach a wider presence. However it is not necessary that all religious organisations have
this as a motive behind their virtual presence. They can place the URL and names of the
websites outside their religious institution to spread the word. Some also provide an
opportunity for their members to interact with one another so that they can maintain and
enhance their beliefs. This interaction is also online. Virtual representation may be in the
form of a text or multimedia. The Second Life is an example of a virtual world where people
create avatars digitally as they like. This avatar can travel and even attend meetings with
other avatars in the online world.

An Avatar created in The Second Life.

Chances are there that the activities go beyond just ‘chat’ and also that most of these virtual
worlds have commercial edges to it with their own online shops and marts. Virtual places of
worship are being established like the mosque, church and synagogue. The experience of
surfing a page and reading a book is completely different. One can search for keywords,
hyperlinks and multimedia while surfing online. Surfing can have different motives like it may
come up from advertisements, links on other pages or a search engine. The experience of
the reader on surfing different pages may be different and assumption cannot be made on
the readers, infrastructure or accessibility. When one visits religious portals online, it might
also include surfing of other areas of the Web that is not religious at all.

THE INTERNET AS A DAT A BANK

A lot of source materials can be found in the internet through bibliography, retailers and file
exchange which is cost effective. Some sites that allow member interaction, special
elements for those subscribing to it and a program with other media may enhance religious
identity online. The students also use it as a databank for their answers and hence their
answers may be internet driven. Wikipedia is also another source from where one c an get
information. However, Wikipedia has been prone to criticism for their inaccurate data and
argumentative content.

FROM THE LIBRARIES TO THE COMPUTERS

Many of the print publishers have transferred their content to the web, sometimes as
replacements of, or along with the print edition. It can be seen that they are now giving
competition to those whose content is specifically created for the cyberspace only. Project
Gutenburg (1971) and Internet Sacred Texts Archive (1999) have both made copies of
important texts available for study and use. Some specialist sites have also developed
focusing on specific interests such as ancient religious belief. One can also find academic
expertise on the net in the blogs and podcasts. Whilst not in the academic disc ourse, the
alternatives and perspectives that the internet offer can have an impact of the various
perspectives of religion of the wider population.

CONCLUSION

There has been a shift in the study of religion and the internet. The awareness of information
culture and computer mediated communication has also grown relatively. It necessary to let
the young readers know that there are some limitations of the computer and its services that
are the poor internet connection, slow machines, file size problems and the development of
the ARPANET. The task of site observation requires new skills. When one studies religion
on the internet, one should be prepared with the fact that it is very much labour intensive. It
requires regular collection of site data. Data can be susceptible especially if the machine is
affected by virus or if attacked by hackers who can easily access the data. The libraries of
academic institutions are not able to store high amount of data and archiving. Most of the
data is lost as database can crash, emails can be deleted, personal data is hidden or
deleted. The net’s temporary nature along with mundane content and the sheer volume of
materials bring up certain issues for this studying the relation between religion and the
internet. Scholars must adapt and react to ever changing nature of the internet. Even in field
work the users may hesitate to give details of their surfing ways, it also has implications
here. Users may fear that their safety is at stake and they are being tracked by security
agencies. Their effort to hide their tracks may hamper the research. Well, to make an
attempt to try and get a representative sample of surfing habits in certain religious cultural
groups can be problematic. People may claim of religious activities online but can also be
surfing, gaming and interacting on social networking sites.

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