Past and Present

Religion has allowed for much progression over the many years of its existence. Its messages have not been hushed by time as well as the vast technological advances in society, but it seems the exact opposite is occurring. Before religion decided to convert to the practices of technology it was still a thriving society of people. Religion has been its own culture for many centuries. Belonging to certain religions, for some, literally effects their daily lives. Some pray on various occasions, and others do not eat certain foods at certain times. Many religions meet on a regular basis, some even multiple times a week. It has always been a big commitment and passion to many people even before technology came into the picture.

  Before streaming video, dvd recordings, podcasts, and ebooks there was the printing press. Books were the major source of communicating religious messages before the 20th century. Religious leaders would travel to teach and have no source to magnify their voices for easy hearing for crowds, except there ability to shout aloud.  However it seems that technology is being credited for making what was already present in religious practices, ten times better. However, religions are being careful not to completely sell their souls to the resource.

There are certain aspects of religious cultures that participants are making sure that technology will not overtake. They want technology to enhance and not replace their methods that have been passed down for many generations. For example, some preachers have begun to use power point presentations with their messages. Before, everyone had to do their best to follow along with just simply listening to and watching the preacher himself alone. Now the preacher did not sit down and let the power point preach for him, but uses it as a tool to guide the congregation and keep them engaged while he preaches. It seems to keep the younger generation more interested and make it easier for the older generation to retain the information while following a visual summary. On the other hand there are certain rituals of the Jewish culture that have not been allowed to be tainted by technology, such as hand writing certain scrolls by those holding a specific leadership position in the faith. It keeps certain areas authentic, and exclusive to the religion itself. It portrays the message that while the religious culture is choosing to adopt some technological resources it is still maintaining its original purpose and beliefs.

  One aspect that all religions have in common, is that they are trying to teach a message as well as a mindset to people. Those who choose to participate are always gathering and wanting to learn and teach as much as possible about their choice of faith. In the past, there were not as many ways to communicate those messages as there are now. In a sense it showed the true commitment to those who practiced, because it was not necessarily a luxurious experience as it is portrayed now with enhancing audio and video resources as well as television, radio, and the world wide web.

Keshauna L