What is Religion 3.0? The Church of Reality has the mantra, "If it's real, we believe in it." This church claims that religion has evolved from 1.0, which was denoted by the authority of elders. Religion 2.0 shifted into the authority of scriptures, and now, Religion 3.0 is an age of awakening. It is defined as the shift from basing religious doctrine on evidence rather than belief.
Another interesting shift in Religion points to the technology side of applications and websites. There are many games that can be downloaded as apps to your phone that allow YOU to be God. Is this also a shift in Religion 3.0? For example, games that make you master over its inhabitants include: Godus, Godville, and Sandbox to name a few. In these games you create the world and are free to "bless" or "punish" your kingdom, create life, help to build communities, and watch over your world.
Also, there are apps that help to encourage religious individuals to connect with each other and to aid them in sharing God's word. There are even websites devoted to helping Christians meet, date, and mate among fellow Christians. Many Christians find strength in joining in a cause for prayers, and praying for those that need extra help. I found many apps for combining the efforts of prayer. Below are listed a few to check out for yourself:
1. Echo, which helps you organize your prayer lists and offers reminders to help you remember who to pray for.
2. PrayerMate, helps you be faithful in prayer and mindful of the topics for your prayers.
3. Instapray, allows you to ask for prayers and connect with loving, caring people. You can pray in smaller or larger prayer groups.
The scope of apps for Religion are not limited to these few examples. There are apps for sharing the good word, answering unbeliever's questions, listen to uplifting music, and even apps through which believers can easily donate to their congregations.
Religion is not being left behind in this technological era. Rather, they are being marketed to just as freely as the rest of society. Knowing that people are seeking answers, connection, and ways to contribute, financially or otherwise there will be someone that will answer the call.
Melodee,
ReplyDeleteYou had some interesting points regarding how technology and religion coexist. Now, I did know that there were applications out that could help people find ways to connect but not to this extent. Depending on basically what generation you grew up in, you either have a hard copy of the Bible or a digital version. My grandparents have a hard copy but also a digital one on their Kindle. I think it varies because some people like to have it on the go without carrying a physical book while others love the texture of the book and it carries history with that person.
I do think some of the applications you listed are used in a good manner, for example, Instapray because it allows people to connect online and build a relationship and then also praying for them. Everyone needs prayer and people to talk to about their problems and spiritual beliefs, I've been part of some small groups myself. I'm not a fan of dating websites though because I feel like meeting someone online is risking and awkward because you have to learn about that person via the Internet before officially meeting up with them and that is not for me.