Can Modern Technology Play a Role in Praise and Worship?

Modern technologies have played much more than just a role in worship and faith, and from the day the first evangelist testified over the radio waves to the modern web broadcasts and television networks devoted to faith, technologies will continue to influence the way parishioners participate in church functions and how the churches keep in touch with their congregations.

Many opponents of technology in religion argue that technologies are desensitizing people and undermining the morals of society, but as with any other technology or gift of new knowledge, it is what it is used for that really counts. Today, the Internet and global communications technologies are being employed to reach out to people all across the world by churches, religious and community organizations, and charitable groups in a wide variety of ways. Various options allow distant members and ministries anywhere on the planet to participate in functions online and can help charities and relief groups to get a message to a large group of people in the shortest amount of time. As advances continue to emerge and new ways to use them are discovered, we are sure to see more and more modern technologies being used for praise and worship.

Faith and the Information Age

Praise and worship in our electronic world has taken on a whole host of new options that work hand-in-hand with the traditional teachings and morals of each particular religion or belief system. Congregation members have avenues like live online sermons and prayer groups, archived teachings and past events, and online schools for children and adults to further their understanding and deepen their faith, just as it would be done in a traditional setting.

The Internet has also enabled the modern church to stay in touch with many, particularly among the younger generations, that may not relate in the same ways as the previous generations had. Using modern techniques to pass on traditional wisdom has been quite effective in these situations, and entire online communities have sprouted up around many of them, giving people from all walks of life a safe and productive online environment in which to grow, learn, and even meet others of the same faith. Praise and worship in the information age has not taken anything away from the core values and morals of the world, and if anything, it has spread these virtues to many places in the world that would not have been exposed to them any other way.

Mixing Modern and Traditional Teachings

While history has shown that when new trends come into direct contact with tradition, the result is usually a clash between the two. Surprisingly enough, modern technologies and trends lend themselves perfectly to conveying traditional religious teachings, and have brought about some new and innovative ways to enlighten lives all over the world as well as in the local communities. From local message boards and community announcements to raising funds or even inspirational music Jesus downloads, groups everywhere are realizing the ability of these technologies to help expand their memberships, relate the teachings to everyone, and help those in need.

Finding the right balance between tradition and technology has been quite simple for most groups, and merely having the information online as well as continuing the traditional gatherings and ceremonies allows members and newcomers alike to choose what suits them at any particular time.