In Theory:Virtual worship: Is it real?

In a new online world called Second Life, users can participate in their own virtual universe — everything from seeing a favorite rock band to buying and selling land.

Religious communities have also grown in Second Life. That is, participants who create virtual identities in Second Life take part in the cyber practice of religion, complete with other identities, rituals and practices. There are virtual synagogues, virtual mosques — you name it.

For many, Second Life is a pivotal chance to practice their faith while creating a diversity among worshipers that might not be seen in real life. But some say that though the site promotes communication with others, it doesn't necessarily promote communication with God.

What do you think?

Religious online communities raise some compelling questions, even for those of us who don't participate in them. Is my interaction with others of my faith really that much different? Do I maintain a veil of anonymity at church? Do I help others in practical ways, or am I just a weekly "appearance" in their lives? Am I too afraid to be completely open and honest, face-to-face, about who I am with at least one or two others I can trust? Do I present a fictional "church persona"? Do I switch personas when I switch places of worship?

Online religious communities might well be a positive step in a person's seeking for God. But they are limited to words and appearances that cannot alone fulfill God's purpose for the church. Membership in the church is public and identifiable, not anonymous. The church engages in real-life good deeds to meet pressing needs. The church meets and eats together from house to house. The church baptizes people in real water and takes the Lord's Supper with real bread and juice, or wine. And deep down, that's the kind of contact for which God has made us all hunger.

PASTOR JON BARTA

Valley Baptist Church

Burbank

I am the great and powerful Oz! Or, I suppose I could be, if I got into this fantasy world of Second Life, but I hardly have enough time dealing with, and achieving, aspirations in the real game of life.