Religion and the Net

The following contains religious icons changed to suit this blog by little old me. Reader discretion is strongly advised...as is a sense of humour!

We are in constant contact with each other these days. So constant, in fact, that we do little else. Those who spurn this never-ending virtual and telecom connectedness are considered backward, disassociate, and ignorant (unless, of course they are in excess of seventy years of age, which seems to be some arbitrary internet literacy cut-off point). There are even online church services.
Gone are the days of having to slog through toe-deep snow, lightly drizzling rain or beautiful sunshine to fellowship with actual people of similar faith in person. Now all you need do is select your virtual church, tabernacle, temple or synagogue and register. But, what if you happen to miss the live net broadcast of the service? No worries; simply click on the web-cast version and “attend” later. Some of them even provide live Twitter and FACEBOOK feeds for those on the road.
So, what would it be like if every religion throughout time had been originated on the net? Well, outside of the probability that, if internet and electronic communications had been around 20,000 years ago, humanity would most likely have never evolved (or left the Garden of Eden, or whatever) because they wouldn't have gotten off their lazy…But I digress;


Behold, Inana, one of the oldest of human deities, the Goddess of the Harvest in all Her glory. She provides nurturing and nutrition, as well as guiding us in to this world and holding our hands as we leave it.
 
 Now how would she have been depicted as Goddess of Satellites? Would she have lovingly cradled a dish, raised to the sky for better reception? And would she ever have actually gotten the crop in?

And what of Isis (or Ah-set)? 

Would the Orb of the Sun in its Sky Boat have been replaced on her crown with a telecommunications tower? Would she have paid quite as much attention to her son Ra? Would an entire pantheon exist?

Next, Christianity! (Ah, hitting a little closer to home now, are we?)
The Feminine Divine in the religion of the followers of Christ is, of course, his mother the Virgin Mary, the Madonna, the Queen of Heaven, She to whom all souls entreat at the end of their time on Earth.
How much easier would that entreaty be if you had her mobile number, or better yet, if you could drop her an email…

I cold go on and on.
My point is, get out there and see people!  Meet them in person at your place of worship, or anywhere else, for that matter. Agree with them, or disagree with them, but do to in the same room with them. Have a cup of coffee or tea or a pint of beer, ale or mead with them, but do it away from your computer, mobile or tablet!
I’m going to go talk with my family now, in person, using speech. You all have a great time.