O level Notes : FRS - Religion - Technology And Enterprise : Religion and Technology

RELIGION AND TECHNOLOGY

The term 'technology' is wide and everyone has their own way of understanding its meaning. In this study, technology refers to methods, systems, and devices which are the result of scientific knowledge being used for practical purposes. Technology has revolutionized the way people worship and do business. Rather than rely solely on face-to-face communication, company owners and their employees have a wide variety of technology-mediated resources at their disposal. Computerized communication allows immediate access to customers, business associates, vendors and employees in other parts of the country and even the world. Technology also is used by people of different religions; therefore, technology plays a central part in religion. There are different forms of technology which are:

1. Email
2. Smartphones and texting
3. Videoconferencing
4. Social networking
5. Website blogs
6. MessengerApps and chatbots

Email

Forms of technology

Electronic mail (Email) is a digital mechanism for exchanging messages through internet or intranet communication platforms. It has become a standard form of business communication, both inside a company and outside a company or business. Emails can be sent to individuals or groups of people who all need to be aware of the same information. This kind of technology-based communication allows individuals to take care of their customers, partners and other stakeholders without lengthy conversations while maintaining a record of exactly what was communicated. Additionally, email marketing services allow individuals to send the same email to all interested parties on their mailing list with the push of a button.

Smartphones and Texting

While speaking with people on the phone has gone somewhat out of vogue in favour of email, texting has become the most personal form of business communication. While one might give his email address to many people, the person's personal phone number is reserved for a few close associates. A quick text to an employee with information about the job they are working on is low key, non-disruptive and takes less time than a phone call. Smartphones also allow employees to take advantage of a variety of management applications that can make their job easier, especially if they are out of the office and on the road, working from home, or even just checking in while on vacation. For many businesses, these minicomputers and management tools are essential for sales staff and managers who can stay connected with other employees and company updates.

Videoconferencing

People with businesses spread out in various locations can save both time and money by using videoconferencing for meetings with staff from various offices. Applications such as Google Hangouts and Skype allow people to see one another while holding their meetings. This allows for face-to-face communication even though participants are many miles apart. This is a useful tool for maintaining closeness among office personnel despite long distances.

Social Networking

When it comes to marketing business, social network sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram can be essential to getting the message out. Since friends are 'gathered' on these sites, one only needs to adjust his communication style to an informal approach. These sites are places to do relationship marketing and make announcements about new products, specials or events to be hosted. Twitter is another social media network where one can spread messages in brief tweets.

MessengerApps and Chatbots

Another tool for computerized communication with customers is integrating chatbots into messenger applications on website. Using chatbots can lessen the employees' workload while providing basic customer service. A chatbot is an automated service that interacts with a customer over a chat interface without the presence of a live person. The chatbot is programmed to respond to certain questions and provide information or assistance as needed.

Interaction between religion and technology

There is indeed an interaction or connection between technology and religion. Technology has always impacted lives and of course that also includes religion. Advances in technology have a way of changing the world around us. With an institution as old as religion, the means and methods of reaching audiences are bound to change over time.

While there is no real replacement for community worship and togetherness, technology is making it easier for people to study religion and feel connected to their faith. Too often, the impact of technology on religion is seen as negative. Most of the time, we see headlines reinforcing that impression like: “The Internet is driving people from organized religion” or “Church-goers prefer playing on smartphones during church services.” But this misses the greater opportunities technology presents to religious organizations.

Here are examples of how organizations or churches have used technology to enhance congregants' experiences.

Social media

Various religions have created social media accounts which are a platform that serves their congregation in a variety of ways. It's a space where members can expand their religious lives, sharing thoughts and insights and exploring doctrinal concerns. It's a way to announce social or service events, a means to minister to other congregants both personally and as a group. And when an emergency hits, a social media post can efficiently pass the word along and rally support. Social media accounts such as WhatsApp and Facebook are doing well in ensuring the gospel reaches all corners of the world. Pastors nowadays join their congregants on WhatsApp groups where a lot of church issues are discussed even some of the announcements are aired through social media. Hence, there is a connection between technology and religion.

Smartphones

Many people still think it's unacceptable to use a smartphone during a church service. People use smartphone in worship services looking up for scriptures. Many people access their religious texts as an e-book on their smartphone which is much easier than hauling around a heavy book. Smartphone might be used during service when someone can tweet something from the lecture or sermon that they find inspiring. So do not needlessly stigmatize smartphones at your worship service. And while smartphones can distract during a service, they also allow members to access religious resources on the go. So, there is a strong bond between technology and religion.

Apps

Popular apps give members easy, mobile access to the Torah, Koran, and Bible. Microsoft Office or Dropbox helps organizations to share files and documents. Religious leaders make their sermons available through apps, for example, Prophets Makandiwa and Magaya. Their sermons are exchanged by almost everyone interested. Believers with dietary guidelines or specific prayer times can find apps that make it easier to carry out these observances. It's always easier to see  the  detrimental impact of  technology  on  religion,  drawing  people  into distraction and error. But realize that's a one-sided view, not the whole picture.

These  technologies  can  also  offer  cutting-edge  advantages,  including  new channels that enable religious organizations to reach wider audiences.

The Television

Religious television channels are taking hold primarily in evangelising. This new media allows pastors, preachers and religious leaders to reach a much wider audience in a more fascinating way. The television became in-home entertainment with programmes like 'Prime Gospel Show' where gospel songs will be played. It is on television again where Prophets like Ezekiel Guti and Magaya owns their own Television stations where they attract large audiences. While televangelism continue to attract large audience, it is riddled with criticism and scandal. However, the financial practices of televangelists are frequently unclear. Many preach that they are wealthy because God wants them to be, which is considered contradictory to the traditional gospel by many Christians. Televangelists also become involved in politics, resulting in church leaders mixing politics and religion when preaching.

The internet

The internet has proven to be both a blessing and a curse to organized religion. On the one hand, the internet provides a way for Christians to further personalize their religious experience. The internet isn't all bad for believers. Podcasts simulcast worship services, Christian message boards and mailing lists all provide ways for churchgoers to stay in touch with their congregation no matter where they are. The internet also provides new resources for pastors and religious leaders for preaching. From online theological degrees to sermon builders, the internet does have value for religious leaders and communities. As technology continues to advance, religion will change with it. Believers will find new and innovative ways to explore and grow their faith, no matter what the future holds.