ERIC Number: EJ892860
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2010-Jul
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0034-4087
EISSN: N/A
Virtual Incarnations: An Exploration of Internet-Mediated Interaction as Manifestation of the Divine
Lytle, Julie Anne
Religious Education, v105 n4 p395-412 Jul 2010
As faith communities are moving online and creating virtual churches, one widespread critique is the disembodied nature of online relationships. Citing fears of engagement with others who are misrepresenting themselves, many argue that virtual churches are not "real" and Internet-mediated communications (IMC) should not be incorporated into faith formation. However, with the exception of those who lived and walked with Jesus, most of humanity knows God and feels God's presence through "virtual incarnations." This article identifies the essential communicative and expressive aspects of physical relationships that manifest the Divine and some of the ecclesial ramifications of virtual church. (Contains 2 footnotes.)
Descriptors: Christianity, Churches, Religious Education, Interpersonal Relationship, Proximity, Computer Mediated Communication, Computer Simulation, Human Body, Internet
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 325 Chestnut Street Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Fax: 215-625-2940; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A

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