Social Media Religion

Religion 3.0

In the definition for religion it states that it is an organized collection of beliefs, cultural systems, and world views that relate humanity to an order of existence. Many religions have narratives, symbols, and sacred histories that aim to explain the meaning of life, the origin of life, or the Universe.

Social media has become a way for religious organizations to broadcast their teachings to the world instantaneously. You used to have to go out and search religious literature, but now through social media one can connect with people in those religious circles and engage in conversations. Before social media this was nearly impossible. There are several parts to social media. People are able to talk freely about whatever they like. Religion is becoming a huge part of social media. There are many apps, and sites available for all different types of religion.

An article in World Religion News, indicated that there is a growing number of American children who are being raised without religion. Because of social media it is making it possible for people of all faiths, and those who have no religion to experience religion online. Religious beliefs online help all to realize the similarities of all faiths. This allows people to see religion in a new way. They can see that many religions share common beliefs. Social media has become a religious melting pot for religious cultures to openly share their beliefs, and practices. Social media can help those who are struggling to find some kind of hope. They can see other religions and mix them up to form their own opinions. This can help them to acknowledge the existence of God, giving them something to believe in.

"Social media is changing the way people talk about faith and share religious experiences and perspectives," as stated by World Religion News. Also in this article, the Founder of Instant Christ, Donald Cyprian shares the 5 Ways Social Media Connects Religion to Younger Generations.

1. Prayer Apps

Prayer apps, such as PrayWithMe.com and Instapray.com. These are available so others can see, and read your prayers. This allows them to share in others prayers needs if they desire.

2. Capture Miracles in Real Time

Social media allows for instantaneous connection to the entire world. Everyday people are capturing miracles by recording, or photographing them. Then they are able to share these miracles. These miracles make religion, and spiritual experiences come to life. It allows others to become part of it, giving them a sense of connection.

3. The Big Three

Meaning: The big three in social media, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. These social media platforms make it easy to share spiritual experiences, let people know that you need help, or things you pray for. People are also able to create online relationships with others who share the same beliefs. Through social media we are able to reach out to large numbers of people in short amount of time.

4. The YouTube Effect

Anyone can go onto YouTube, search for and watch any denomination they wish to. Many religious organizations use YouTube as a place to showcase their religious-based talents. Choirs, young performers, pastors, ministers, etc. are able to reach many audiences this way. Anyone across the world is able to be seen this way.

5. Digital Communication

With the availability of all kinds of technology today such as, smart phones, ipods, ipads, Kindle books it brings religion closer and makes it easier to find.

Social media is making it possible for the younger generations to have some sort of religion in their lives, even though they may not realize it. An article in the message said, "The spread of social-media-savvy, religion related content has reached, well, biblical proportions." The message also indicated the social media is helping to bridge the religious divide to more modern audiences. Thanks to social media, and technology all religions are being represented online.

Religion can be a touchy subject, and create heated conversations between people, as do many other subjects. Because of social media I feel that it is allowing us to see people for who they are and how their beliefs have shaped their lives. Social media gives us a window to others religious practices, giving us insight and understanding. I think that social media could be an answer in some sort of way, to help others be more patient, and more respectful to those of other faiths. After all I think everyone could use the blessings and prayers for all denominations.

In ending I would like to reword the definition of religion as it relates to social media (SM). SM Religion is a place to organize collections of beliefs, examine different cultural systems, and explore world views that narrates humans survival to exist. SM Religion has many narratives, millions of symbols, and sacred histories of individuals that aim to show the meaning of life to them, where they came from, and their thoughts about the Universe.