Digital God?

Recently a major newspaper ran an article discussing the ways in which houses of worship are using technology to get their message out. Churches, synagogues, and mosques are all using the web to increase their reach. Religion has gone digital and, in some cases, so has worship. The article detailed how several churches use video streaming to include on-line worshippers. I also saw a recent piece about having a “skype minyan” for davening. The truth is that we live in the internet age. You have to have a website if you are in business of any kind. That holds true for congregations of all faiths. The web is now what the yellow pages were in previous generations- the place where you can let your fingers (or mouse) do the walking. Seven out of ten religious organizations have websites and more are moving into the world of facebook and other social media. There is no denying the good to be found in the digital revolution among religious institutions. The internet and digital communication can be a tremendous force for good. Those unable to attend services can be there in cyberspace. Teaching and outreach can take place on line. People with common beliefs can communicate with each other. The web can be used as a giant “support group” for people who want to share their faith. This “virtual” congregation can share in educational and spiritual programs that were before impossible. People across the country or across the globe can share a common experience and interact in real time. It is amazing and it has great potential. I applaud everyone, regardless of faith or belief, who is willing to use every means possible to “increase the peace,” – to spread the message that all religions share- to honor God and to honor one’s fellow human being. The internet is a fact of life- yes, even religious life, but I do have a reservation about the “religious” internet experience. I can only speak about my feelings as a Jew so I will not assume to speak for other religions. The web is a great way to get information to people- it is quickly become the “only” way- regular “physical” snail-mail is disappearing. Phonebooks are being replaced by 411 websites. Even physical media, like newspapers, offer online subscriptions. That is all and good- in every generation technology changes, it reflect human progress. In my opinion religion (or, at least, my religion) is different. We might be able to teach people about Judaism, or Jewish history, or how to read Hebrew by online outreach but we can’t pray in cyberspace. True worship is about the human heart seeking God. For Jews that has always been a communal search. Judaism’s belief in humanity reflects our belief in God. If you want to know God you must know (and share) with your fellow human beings. For all the bad that we do, humanity is still God’s most beautiful creation. No “cyber” experience can replace the feeling of being in a congregation of people who are there physically and spiritually to reach the same goal that you seek. Judaism has no “hermits,” you can’t go off and live in a cave until God speaks to you! God is most likely to speak to you when you hear the chatter of others around you! I urge you to take advantage of all that the internet offers us- unlimited resources for learning and growth. I also remind you that, in the realm of Judaism, the Divine touch and the human touch are experienced as one. This article appeared in the SOuth FLorida Jewish Journal