theology and the internet

origins of the internet

ecclesia : on-line or in-Christ?

imago dei and deus ex machina

info-glut and discernment

where is my dwelling place?

the culture of technology

the body: obsolete, augmented

the disembodied crucifix

other paths

 


 

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Click here to view a short presentation on the notion of community in cyberspace.

 

Read Genesis 11:1-9
  • Keep in mind that a name in the culture of the time was a sign of power over someone else.  This is why God (Elohim, Yahweh) is translated as the LORD in the Hebrew Scriptures and whose name cannot be uttered.  This is one assurance that the sovereignty of God would remain clear for a people whose story indicates that recognizing this sovereignty was sometimes a problem.
     
  • Ever heard of the phrase "global village?"  A lot of people have been using the notion of the global village for slogans such as "it takes a village" - the phrase adopted by Hillary Clinton from an African proverb.  And Millard Fuller, founder of HabitHabitat for Humanity Int'l -- Global Village Programat for Humanity, has used it in conjunction with church mission and global responsibility for the impoverished.  So where did the phrase global village come from???  Neither of these two places.  It really came from this man...

Marshall McLuhan

  • But wait...  McLuhan was influenced by someone else - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.  He was somewhat[artwork] of an outsider in the Catholic community in which he was ordained.  He was also a brilliant paleontologist and geologist.  Put them both together and you have...the noophereThis notion was that in human evolution from matter to the mind and beyond, consciousness has been evolving with all of the other species and "stuff" of the earth.  And we are continuing to evolve to one day partake in this, the ultimate omega point or destiny of human evolution...
     

  • So what does the Babel story have to say about these two very foundational concepts in the relationship of theology and the Internet?

What is a community?

Click on the image below to visit some communities...

What is the difference between a community and an association?

 

Can you form a "real" community in cyberspace where the primary communication is the exchange of information?

  • The "guru" of cyberspace communities is Howard Rheingold, author of The Virtual Community.
  • Take a peek at his site to get a flavor for his idea of what a virtual community is.

rheingold's finger in cosmic socket

What makes a Christian community different from other communities?

  • Acts 2:37-47 may give some clues...
  • Don't look at only what they are doing but also look at who is there.

Is a community in cyberspace and a community in Christ compatible with one another?

  • A similar question here might be this: can you emulate the same things in the Acts passage in one of Howard Rheingold's communities?

Is it possible to have a Christian community in cyberspace?

  • Or does cyberspace, by the nature of the medium turn a Christian community into an association?
  • Take a step inside a virtual church to find out for yourself...

(The following excerpt is from the church itself.)

What is the Virtual Church?

The Virtual Church* only exists on the Internet--it is a website that serves as a compendium of Christian resources. The Virtual Church is not affiliated with any one physical church body. We are solely interested in fulfilling the great commission in whatever way we can. We are completely interdenominational and do not get involved in controversy if possible, as long as it is accepted that salvation is received by faith alone and is only through the grace of God and the shed blood of Jesus Christ, our resurrected Lord and Savior.

For those who must categorize, the denominational affiliations of the major content contributors include Baptist, Lutheran (Missouri Synod), Assembly of God and United Methodist. We will include works from contributors and links to sites that are in line with our common beliefs.

 

 

 

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