사이버공간과 종교공동체—미래 사회 새로운 교회 모델을 위한 대안 모색

Abstract

This paper aims to explore the possibility of a new religious community(or cyberchurch) in cyberspace. Cyber​​space is a social relation formed through computer communication. The theological discussion about cyber space was actively conducted at the beginning of 20th century and early 21st century. Jennifer Cobb and Choi In-Sik led this theological work. However, the religious community in cyberspace, where they should be subject to ongoing inquiry, has rarely been established. What was the cause of the failure of a religious community or cyber church in cyberspace? In this article, a theological interpretation was attempted by the 'flow' of Csikszentmihalyi and the 'tactile sense' of Chidester. Cyber​​space is unnecessary for physical activity. In cyberspace, users act only as cyberself, or ID without body, and personal ‘flow’ is possible even in such situations. This suggests the possibility of religious commitment in the cyberspace. But Chidester's ‘tactile sense’ theory points out that cyberspace does not adequately fulfill another characteristic of religion. Religion is the universal reaction of human beings. Thus, if the body continues to maintain spiritual stimulation, the religious community within cyberspace will be temporary and provisional. However, since personal flow in cyberspace can not be overlooked, an eclectic complement to the two will be a direction for future social churches. On-off church communities will be established when cyberspace is used as a daily tool for spirituality by raising the level of individuality and maintaining social empathy with the body in the local churches, thereby satisfying both the ‘flow’ and the ‘tactile sense’.