Within this post, I would like to discuss the development and implications of the online church. Fueled from online discussion, I am incredible interested in how we define church traditionally, and if that definition changes online.
Primarily, looking at the concept of Simmel's Social Distance theory, the online church would be a negative influence in the heart of spirituality. Our understanding of Jesus is that he was and is a completely personal God who has a heart for touching people. Although the way this is communicated to us is perceivably distant, we cannot deny the implications of Jesus' life. An online church would considerably deteriorate one of Jesus' main points of ministry: touch. The laying on of hands, the lifting of the crippled, the embracing of children are each intricate pieces within the ministry of Jesus. Keeping the Social Distance Theory in mind, I do not think we can use the online church as a substitute for the community experienced throughout the history of the church.
In addition to Simmel's theory, Postman's questions can play a significant role in determining the effects of online church. The first question--what problem is being solved--is obviously the inconvenience of a global church, or at least a church with very widespread membership. The second--who is harmed--would fall in line with the composition of the organizational church. All churches would be hurt if online "churching" becomes more prevalent. The third question--new problems--addresses the social implications of an online community of believers. Similar to the social distance factors, the online church would struggle with this new interpretation of church. Would baptisms and weddings be conducted online? The fourth and final question--new power--implies how the church structure and authority would change. With such a broad range of people, how do we determine pastorship, mentorship, and other elements. Do they disappear? Is it limited to the most technologically oriented Christians?
Overall, the online church seems to have far too many holes to fill before being a legitimate substitution for church community.
On the other hand, if we look at the early church, we see that it was born out of an existing community. Today, the case is
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