Christian love for technology: Faiths using Internet to help share their message

It didn't start with Twitter or Facebook. No, Christian churches have long had a love-affair with technology, according to Clayton Crockett, associate professor and director of religious studies at the University of Central Arkansas.

Just open your history books. Recent examples include the Protestant Reformation, which was aided by the invention of the printing press. Evangelicals and Pentecostals used the radio to spread their message.

And television helped with the rise of popular "televangelists" and the spread of mega-churches, according to Crockett, who works in the department of philosophy and religion at UCA.

"I think for most of its history, even if you go back to the origins of Christianity, churches have really embraced technology to share their message," Crockett said. "I think they have sort of a pragmatic and utilitarian view of whatever gets the message out is a good thing."

The Internet is no exception. In 1998, the National Congregations Study showed 17 percent of U.S. congregations had a Web site and 21 percent used e-mail to communicate with members.

During 2006 and 2007, the number of congregations with a Web site increased to 44 percent, while the number using e-mail increased to 59 percent, according to the study, which is maintained by Duke University.

Mark Chaves, a professor of sociology, religion and divinity in the Duke Department of Religion, is director of the congregations study. For him, the fact religions are using the Internet isn't particularly novel or interesting.

But the consequences churches could face as a result of being on the Web is an interesting topic, he said. Some possible issues: A "digital divide" between older and younger members of a congregation. Dilution of a church's core message. And lastly, the cost-benefit of maintaining an online presence.

"Adoption of these Web sites and the use of Web sites are adding another cost of doing business," Chaves said. "I wonder how congregations are managing that and how they are, in one way or another, paying for that."

At Christ United Methodist in Salt Lake City, volunteers maintain the church's Web site and online presence. Pastor Steve Goodier said he believes the Internet has been key to the growth of his congregation in recent years.

Up until about two years ago, he said most people found his church as a result of being invited by family or friends. Now, most people find his church through its Web site.

For The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is headquartered here in Salt Lake City, the Internet is considered "very important" as a tool for sharing information, spokesman Scott Trotter said.