Internet Religion

Catalog description

This course examines the impact of the internet on classical religious forms ( ideas, practices ). In a lab component, we explore whether religious ideas and practices under go mutation when they are expressed virtually. We set the stage for this topic by examining Religions and the Silks Road, which sets forth the dynamic nature of religious change in the ancient world. Topics include; the nature of change within religious communities; social dimensions of belief and faith-oriented practice; solitary and virtual modes of religious experience; human nature and internet; addiction to virtually; connectivity, self-experience, and orthodoxy.