Receiving an Meta Quest VR (virtual reality) headset as a Christmas gift in 2020 brought me immense excitement, primarily for the wide array of games and virtual experiences it offered. However, little did I know that this device would lead me beyond the realm of gaming and introduce me to an entirely new realm of religious services and spiritual exploration in the metaverse.
Prior to this, I had been engaging in online church services, seeking a sense of community and connection. It was during this time that I discovered the Word Of Grace Meta Church, led by Pastor Jonathan Long. Attending services in the metaverse opened up a whole new dimension of worship and spiritual growth for me. The immersive environment, combined with the guidance and leadership of Pastor Long (who we affectionately call Pastor Jonny), created a unique and meaningful experience. It allowed me to connect with fellow believers from around the world, transcending physical barriers and expanding my understanding of spirituality in the digital age. Immersing myself in a virtual reality church experience strengthened my connection to my Christian faith in ways I had never experienced before.
After participating in a few Sunday services, the impact was so profound that I encouraged seven more of my family members to invest in VR headsets. Now, we attend church services together, despite living in four different cities separated by an average distance of three hours. This new technology has eliminated the barriers that once prevented us from worshiping as a family.
Living with a chronic illness that often leaves me fatigued has always presented challenges in fully participating in traditional in-person church services. It’s disheartening to learn that church structures are generally exempt from following ADA guidelines, which may explain why many individuals with disabilities, including myself, encounter similar difficulties. However, this realization also fueled my interest in exploring how the metaverse could create a more inclusive and accessible space for individuals with disabilities to engage in religious practices and find a sense of community.
Picture this: a world where people gather in virtual communities, forming bonds and engaging in shared religious practices and rituals. These digital spaces transcend geographic barriers, allowing individuals from different corners of the globe to connect and worship together, united by their shared beliefs. For those who lack access to physical religious spaces or feel marginalized in their physical communities, these virtual religious spaces could provide a sanctuary of comfort and a sense of belonging. It’s a place where anyone, regardless of their location, can find a community that embraces and supports them in their spiritual journey.
When it comes to religious institutions and their response to the metaverse, opinions vary. Some may perceive these digital spaces as a threat to traditional practices and teachings. Others, like Pastor Jonny, see them as an incredible opportunity to reach and connect with a wider audience. “I see the role of the church in the metaverse just being another avenue of giving people a chance to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ and experience the love of God.”
Pastor Jonny holds a strong belief that churches in the metaverse will not only survive but also thrive. He sees the metaverse as a means to extend their community and foster connections beyond physical boundaries. As he puts it, “We want people to know that wherever they are in the world, the love of Jesus Christ is there.” His motivation to start a church in the metaverse arose from a recognition of the need to preach the word of God without cultural affiliations, allowing the message to spread organically. By operating in the metaverse, the church can also alleviate the financial strain associated with maintaining a physical church.
For Pastor Jonny, the metaverse provides an open platform to share the gospel without limitations. It offers an opportunity to reach individuals from diverse backgrounds, allowing the teachings of the Bible to resonate and impact lives on a global scale. The metaverse, in his view, breaks down barriers and enables the word of God to be accessible to all, irrespective of cultural affiliations or financial constraints.
It is important to note that the high cost of VR headsets creates barriers to accessibility, preventing many individuals from participating in virtual experiences like religious services. To ensure inclusivity, efforts should be made to make VR technology more affordable and accessible. This could involve introducing lower-cost options and initiatives to provide access to underserved communities, allowing more people to engage in the metaverse and benefit from its offerings.
Overall, the topic of religion in the metaverse is multifaceted and rapidly evolving. There are so many faith-based communities popping up on apps like Horizon Worlds, VRchat, and AltSpaceVR. As technology advances and people’s perspectives on spirituality and community shift, many more religious institutions will begin to explore their place within these digital spaces. After seeing how this technology helped me connect with my own faith community, I have hope that with virtual reality, people of all abilities and religious affiliations can come together, support one another, and have equal opportunities to connect with their faith and spirituality.
Wow, this is so exciting and well written!