The online practices of religion and religious discourse seem to be quite positive, as some Christians, Jews and Muslims use it as a safe way to discuss their faith (Campbell 2010, 25). It is interesting that followers of Buddhism are using it in similar ways, to discuss the faith and connect with clergy. Cheong’s research into Buddhist clergy’s use of online technology only briefly touches on an important aspect briefly: that people have been buying books and developing a Buddhist faith without guidance years before the development of the internet (2011, 1169). Now those followers have a greater capacity to compare their interpretation with other followers, but also to ensure they are on the right path through direct, online contact with the clergy. Rather than be apprehensive about the proliferation of online chatrooms and websites about Buddhism, more of the clergy should be taking charge (as many already are) and taking advantage of new platforms for communication and education (Cheong, Huang and Poon 2011, 1164).
Works Cited:
Campbell, Heidi. When Religion Meets New Media. London & New York: Routledge, 2010.
Cheong, P.H., Huang, S., and Poon, J. P.H. “Cultivating Online and Offline Pathways to Enlightenment.” Information, Communication and Society, 14(8), 2011: 1160-1180.
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