More Americans Are Seeking Net-Based Faith Experiences

June 1, 2004

(Ventura, CA) – You can buy books on the Internet, strike up

relationships on the Internet and a growing proportion of the

population are experiencing God in cyberspace, as well. A new study

released by the Barna Research Group, of Ventura, California,

indicates that among the growing number of Americans who use the

Internet, millions are turning to the digital dimension to get them

in touch with God and others who pursue faith matters. The report

projects that within this decade as many as 50 million individuals

may rely solely upon the Internet to provide all of their faith-based

experiences....

However, the Barna study also found that people are in the early

stages of warming up to the idea of cyberfaith. When people were

asked about their likely future use of the Internet to seek or engage

in specific types of religious experiences, more than two-thirds

indicated that they were likely to engage in such pursuits on a

regular basis as the decade progresses. Among the Net-based religious

endeavors deemed most appealing were listening to archived religious

teaching, reading online ''devotionals,'' and buying religious

products and resources online.

In fact, if the research projections hold true, even the least

appealing of the 11 Net-based faith alternatives tested (online

worship) would likely attract some 30 to 35 million adults. The most

attractive option (listening to religious teaching online) would

likely draw more than 100 million adults.

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