Give Me That Online Religion

How is cyberspace transforming American religion? Brasher, an independent religion scholar, believes that the Web's new transcendence spells nothing short of a bona fide Reformation for religious traditions. Just as the printing press made possible the Lutheran Reformation, the explosion of cyberspace ""brings with it a tidal wave of new spirituality that may sweep us all up in its path."" Brasher is a bit vague about the details of this sea change, believing that specific prognostications about the future of online religion are unwise since the technology itself changes so rapidly. She offers a few tantalizing tidbits based on a sampling of the more than one million faith-related Web sites that now exist. How about a Cyber-Seder? Or ""repentance"" Web pages where confessing Christians list their sins and then, with the click of a mouse, see them erased? Brasher expresses an informed ambivalence about the future of online religion, noting some of its positive points (e.g., the ability to enjoy the sacred anytime and from anywhere, and the increased potential for religious diversity) while elucidating its potential dark side. She asks whether disembodied cyberspace is genuinely capable of promoting religious community. Complementing the thoughtful text is a dramatic, Web-inspired layout that features graphics, curved pull-out quotes and hip background designs. While Brasher's book is sometimes tentative, it bravely tackles a momentous new topic, and will be consulted by the many scholars who follow her cookie trail. (Mar.)