More than a third of all Americans who are connected to the Internet have used it to access religious and spiritual information, a recent Pew Research Center study shows. Moreover, there has been a significant increase in the daily use of the Internet to access religious information. What researchers call “religion surfers” almost doubled to 35 million from 18 million between March 2000 and November 2002. The growth appears to be only “slightly linked” to the 9/11 attacks on the U.S. The most recent research found that not only has interest in religion held since 9/11, but it increased 25 percent during the subsequent 15 months. The poll found Internet users between the ages of 18 and 29 to be the least interested in searching out religious material (24%), while those ages 30-49 (33%) were the most interested.
Religion Today/ Agape Press
via MissionNet
Analysis:
The internet if often in the news because of its abuses. Pornography is rampant, stealing is common, and the private nature of obtaining the information and material allows such sinful activities to go, for the most part, undetected.
Christians must be diligent to avoid such sin. We must realize that though we may hide such ungodliness from men, God “sees in secret” (cf. Matthew 6:4), and nothing is hidden from Him. “…but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13).
Having said that, some might say that Christians should not have access to the internet. But, we should realize that there is nothing inherently wrong with such technology, and as is seen from the preceding article, such technology can be used for good as well.
There are many seeking truth, and our presence on the Internet allows us to touch the hearts and lives of individuals we may never see or meet. Every week I get emails either thanking me for the material on our site, or asking questions. Just this week I was contacted by a Christian in Allen, TX who wanted some help in his study with some Baptists he is trying to convert. He was thankful that I could email answers to him so quickly.
How about you? What do you use the internet for? If you want to be a “religion surfer”, but aren’t sure how to go about it, ask me! I will be glad to show you how.
