Mr. Islam, I agree, a well documented research project would be great (many may already exist, I don’t know). Most columns are constrained by word/character limits so good journalists select the best nuggets to support their assertions. There are two facets to such inquiry which in turn deal with different concepts. My opinion is that this article addresses effects on the formal structures and institutions of religion that exist regardless of creed. It, makes no value judgements on the the “worth” of any such. The tougher facet is quantification of “true and faithful” disciples of any particular religion versus “actors” in a structured religious institution. I did not mention as part of my review, but in my observations, one critical “effect” of the internet (along with TV) in relation to religion is the misuse and abuse of religious “teachings” to promulgate and implement political agendas.

Mr. Rousu, from a review perspective, I see no “justification of religious myths” by the author journalist,in this piece. There are no value judgements on the worth of the “beliefs” (other than by cited sources), rather only cause and effect assertions pertaining to the impact of technology on religious institutions, whatever their creed, and the necessary responses by their leaders and followers to keep up with the pace to survive. Facts are that religious institutions ARE communities centered around some common belief, whatever it’s manifestation. Corvette clubs are organized communities centered around the worship of, in their minds, the untimate vehicle. Wonder what Harley-Davidson club bembers believe about that? Pretty mishy mushy. As technology (models) change the vehicle owners respond. Most hang in there, but some move to Porsches and some drop out. It is cause and effect.
Smile, it’s the whisper of a laugh.

Mr. Florin. Enjoyable article to introduce an important topic and to inject it into discourse. If pondered in depth, the observations and assertions could reveal not only the effects of the internet on religion, but may also cause “personal” reflections by the reader to reveal tensions, both public and private that are inherent to any belief system. To use a religious reference, in depth thought about this article could result in some soul searching…..or not.