Book Report:God On The Internet

God On The Internet

The Book, God On The Internet, written by religion and computer columnist Mark A. Kellner, is an overview of various online Internet services, along with more detailed examination of religious resources found on each service. The book published by IDG Books Worldwide. In 1996, was one of the first of its kind introducing the beginner to the wonderful world of the Internet and the religious resources, which are accessible through the computer. IDG Books Worldwide Company publishes books, which are “focused on accomplishing specific tasks-not learning random functions.” Each book, gives expert advice on technology and how to use it. God On The Internet, follows the same principles outlined by the IDG publishing company and reads as a in-depth comprehensive guide, taking the reader step by step on how to navigate and utilize the Internet as well as an outline of various religious resources available.

The book begins with a brief introduction to online religion and how the Internet has been utilized as a tool to connect and exchange ideas. “Millions of people have discovered their computers as a place for communication and interaction (8).” Mark Kellner begins by giving an overview of the three major online service carriers of the time AOL, CompuServe, and Prodigy as well as outlining the religious resources available on each server. Although the different services provided the same element of online access each server offered different mediums of communication and information exchange. The religious areas of the service providers are introduced and discussed by Kellner highlighting the various functions and options available through each.

“Billy Graham, who preached the Christian Gospel message to more people than anyone in history, was the first major religious figure to go online, in 1993 conference with Time Magazine on America Online. The event drew thousands of spectators, who asked the renowned Evangelist dozens of questions (10).”

This an example of what online technology can add to social interaction and communication. AOL was able to connect Billy Graham to a large number of people in different areas essentially establishing a large conversation between the viewers and Graham. Along with the live feeds AOL’s religion section offered message boards, Christian Advertisement, job listings, online discussion forums, and software library containing religious text and documents.

CompuServe, the oldest online service (established in 1979), did not have any religious alliance however; their service offered a religious forum, featuring discussion areas as well as software libraries containing various religious texts.

“On Catholic Online, a specialized area on the CompuServe information Service, you can, for example, research ancient church documents, network with Catholics world-wide, and discuss modern-day issues regarding the faith (11).”

Despite no religious alliance CompuServe, still dedicated and maintained a religious database offering documents, information, and communication through forums. This a clear indication of the importance of religion in society and the strides technology is making in with a new form of communication.

Prodigy’s, main involvement in religion are highlighted in two areas of communication: interactive chat forums and innovative guests. “Prodigy’s proudest moment so far has been its role as the online debut spot for John Cardinal O’ Conner, Arch Bishop of New York, who for one hour answered questions from a multitude of participants (12).” Like the other services, Prodigy also offers access to many publications, message boards, and software.

This section concludes with some examples of how various religious groups are utilizing the Internet as a medium to spread information and connect. Kellner mentions the Internet as a tool used for online worship, using Pope John Paul II, celebrated mass at Camden Yards Stadium in Baltimore as an example, the mass was broadcast live on America Online via audio and video. Other examples of Online worship which are noted include a Papal Mass in Baltimore which is broadcast daily via the Internet, religious forums where people gather to exchange ideas, and even virtual church sponsored by the Central Presbyterian Church in Montclair, New Jersey where one can read sermons, participate in discussion, and hear religious music clips. “This is a whole new frontier or religion,” said Rev. Charles P. Henderson We can find a whole new constituency in cyberspace (15).”

The Cyber-Church monitored by Rev. Henderson outlines the benefits of online worship and what it can bring to the religious cause.

The Body of the book consists of Kellner describing step by step the ins and outs of how the Internet functions as well as outlining proper conduct when visiting and communicating through the various online forums. In this section an overview of various religious affiliated websites are examined and analyzed for the content and resources which each site uses as a means to spread information. Using religion as a starting point Kellner examines Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Mormon, Protestant, and Pentecostal affiliated websites. Each religion is introduced with a brief introduction followed by an in-depth look at various websites and resources pertaining to the specified religious group.

“The Global Learning Network offers a range f mailing list subscriptions to receive lessons based on the Torah, Jewish ethics, and Jewish law. It also contains a moderated discussion list of traditional Jewish perspective, where participants can discuss just about any Jewish topic or text (175).”

This an example of an online Jewish Network aimed to provide Jewish and non-Jewish people with a place to gather information and connect with vast multitude of people at the convenience of your home.

Kellner guides the reader through various websites listing the various options and resources available through the various sites. The electronic world has opened up new vistas of communication and fellowship among believers and across denominational lines (15).” Kellner outlines the global impact, which the Internet brings as a medium for information and social connection.

Lastly, Kellner concludes the book with an introduction to some “new age” religious groups and their involvement on the net. Some of the groups acknowledged were the Christian Science Church, Unification Church, Scientology, and Jehovah Witnesses. Like the other religious groups covered Kellner guides the reader through the website highlighting the important aspects, resources available, and proper conduct when visiting.

Since this book was written during a time when the Internet and computers were still gaining momentum and popularity as an efficient technological tool, not all the groups mentioned even contained an official site however, each group mentioned was represented on the net in some form or another.

“The Church does not currently maintain an official web presence, but member Damian Anderson has spearheaded a pioneering effort to place Unification materials on the Web. Starting from his privately sponsored Unification Home Page, Anderson has posted may different documents and offers links to Unification literature in seven different languages (268).”

This an example of some of the ways individuals are taking charge and utilizing the net to communicate and inform the masses on their ideas, beliefs, and passion.

Through this book Kellner was able to successfully create an informative guide through the Internet focusing on religion and its impact on the net. The text reads as a guide for beginners to the Internet and computers. Kellner takes the reader step by step on how to use and navigate through the web outlining directions and proper conduct when interacting in forums. The book also acts as a religious guide on the net with Kellner picking the most informative and accessible sites pertaining to the various religions, which exist. The book is a little outdated, for technology and the use of the computer and Internet is far more advanced now then when this book was published. However, despite the time-lapse this piece was innovative in bringing about familiarity to those who yearned for more information and connection to their faith. Kellner open the door of religion and religious activity on the net noting the apparent benefit of the Internet on communication. “When it comes to connecting with others the online world is not only speed, but a collapsing of time as well as distance (14).” In terms of what this book has contributed to the study of religious activity on the net, at the time of the publication this text was a guide for those looking to connect in different ways. Kellner sheds light on the mysterious world of the Internet and points out the religious activity, benefits, and social change, which the net offers. Kellner goes into detail on the resources offered on specific sites and the impact on communication, which the use of the Internet brings. This piece absolutely coincides with the examination of religion on the net, relating to many writers that have examined this phenomenon of religious worship and connection found through the Internet. However, despite the relation to such work this book takes a different approach to the study acting as a reference guide to religion on the net rather than an analysis of the content. This book definitely identifies the various tools and options available through the net as well as the impact, which it has made on society. I would recommend this as a reference for those looking to explore different forms of communication, information gathering, and worship.

Overall, Kellner does a good job in taking the reader through a journey from learning the basics of computers and online services to an abundance of various websites and online locations. The book is a road map to the information highway and is a resource for the curios souls who seek to connect and gain different perspective from the comfort of their home. Interestingly, Kellner concluded with a little prediction and claim about the impact and future of the Internet on society.

“This is not merely a revolution in communication. The availability of religious information online, the potential for fellowship across the miles via computer, and quick access to texts from virtually every faith on the planet will have and impact on the way religions connect to people, and vice versa (280).

This statement continues to hold true and I believe was the appropriate way to end his journey, declaring the importance of the net on communication and encouraging the readers to utilize this vast highway of information and social connection.

Bibliography

Kellner, Mark. God On The Internet. Foster City, California: IDG Books Worldwide,
1996. Print.

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