found this on another newsgroup. hmmm interesting idea?
[link] http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/5040000/ [/link]
Religion: Log On for Salvation
Newsweek
May 31 issue - If people won't come to church, the church will have to come
to them-or, at least, to their computers. That's the thinking at the
Methodist Church of Great Britain, which is sponsoring the Internet's first
virtual church ([link] http://www.churchoffools.com [/link]). Users can slip into an "avatar," or computer character, "kneel" down in worship and listen to a sermon. The church still has some kinks to work out: one user named his avatar Satan, approached the pulpit and began cursing; several other misbehaving users had to be logged out by site monitors via a "smite" button, and the first "live" sermon was interrupted when the ministering reverend's computer crashed. But with church attendance at abysmal lows-only 7 percent of Brits regularly show up for services-church leaders hope the Internet will help interest young people in organized religion.
RE: Internet Church?
Personally I can't see it happening, at least not if my experiences have been anything to go by. Before young poeple are prepared to go back in any numbers, the church (Catholic at least) will have to bring their ideas a lot more up to date. Interesting concept though.
June
RE: Internet Church?
Hi Rosie
You had be rolling around with laughter :D. If it wasn't so sad and a catalogue of disasters it could be a good idea. I do see from the site you visited thoug, it does say the Church of Fools got 68,000 visitors in its first two days, so it's going in the right direction.
Church definatly needs to be 're-packaged', most of the traditional denominations are too 'fusty' and lost in the past. "For thus it was, is and evermore shall be - and perish the thought of ever changing it!"
Health and happiness
Waywood
RE: Internet Church?
Dear Rosie
Big smiles!
7% and they are dying off fast!
What was it that Nostradamus said the church would come down brick by brick.
Well the old churches have made some wonderful recreation centres and homes.
So brick by brick another metaphor.
I agree with Waywood I feel that the true origins of Christ's message is powerful beyond measure but a huge shift of consciousness would be necessary to enable the church to survive long term.
First and foremost - Reincarnation the Pope told Stephen Hawkings during an audience it matters not what you discover but remember this; life after death is my domain. But yet Master Jesus proved this to us with the resurrection.
Second - The negative affirmation of the Crucifix would need to be replaced with Christ dressed in dignity, smiling, happy surrounded by the children that he loves.
Third - The relinguishng of all religious dogma, negativity and foreboding messages e.g. all complementary medicine is a sin.
It would seriously have to be brought into the 21st century bringing the message of love and compassionate action in addition to the classics like forgiveness and love thy neighbour as thyself. It could also be helped by being more broad range studying the esoteric side of Christianity in all its forms. This has certainly enhanced the Jewish religion with its members entranced and enthused through embracing the esoteric mysteries of the Kabbalah.
A complete overhaul is the only thing that will save it......me feels but at least now the Pope admits that heaven and hell is within.
But Christ has other plans.........
being love
Kim xx
RE: Internet Church?
Perhaps one day in the centuries to come we-mankind will all worship God and Goddess together in one church, or sacred space, wouldn't that be wonderfull. [sm=FIFangel.gif]
RE: Internet Church?
We already do in the church I go to. Lucky me, finding that place was one of the best things I ever did.
June