This research examines the theological and practical challenges of performing sacraments, particularly communion and baptism, in the context of digital religion. Through literature analysis and a phenomenon approach, the research explores the tension between the importance of physical presence in religious rituals and the potential of digital mediation. The results show that digital sacraments have so far only been acceptable in the form of remote participation. Replicating the physical materials of bread, wine, and water in a digital space would reduce the meaning of the sacrament itself and become a performative trap. This research proposes a framework to guide the implementation of sacraments in the context of digital religion.
AbdullahSMufidMJu’subaidiJ, et al. (2024) Religious confusion and emptiness: Evaluating the impact of online Islamic learning among Indonesian Muslim adolescents. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies80(1): 1–7.
2.
AtkinsA (1965) The eucharist: a regenerative sacrifice. The Thomist: A Speculative Quarterly Review29(2): 217–231.
3.
BallanoVO (2021) COVID-19 pandemic, telepresence, and online masses: redefining catholic sacramental theology. International Journal of Interdisciplinary Global Studies16(1): 41–53.
4.
BelorussovaS (2021) Religion in the virtual space. Etnografia2021(4): 94–118.
5.
BergerT (2017) @ Worship: Liturgical practices in digital worlds. In: Worship: Liturgical Practices in Digital Worlds. 1st ed.New York and London: Routledge, 1–3. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315163253.
6.
CampbellHA (2011) Internet and religion. In: ConsalvoMEssC (eds) The handbook of internet studies. Oxford, UK: Wiley-Blackwell, 232–250. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781444314861.ch11
7.
CampbellHA (2013) Introduction: the rise of the study of the digital religion. In: CampbellHATsuriaR (eds) Digital religion: understanding religious practice in new Media worlds. 1st ed.London and New York: Routledge, 1–21. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429295683.
8.
CampbellHA (2020) The Distanced Church: Reflections on Doing Church Online(H. A. Campbell, ed.). College Station, TX: Digital Religion Publications, TAMU. https://doi.org/10.21423/distancedchurch.
9.
CampbellHAConnellyL (2020) Religion and digital Media. In: NarayananV (eds) The wiley blackwell companion to religion and materiality. New Jersey: Wiley, 471–486. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118660072.ch25.
10.
CampbellHAEvolviG (2020) Contextualizing current digital religion research on emerging technologies. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies2(1): 5–17.
11.
CampbellHAGarnerS (2016) Networked Theology: Negotiating Faith in Digital Culture (Vol. 175). Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Academic.
12.
CartledgeMJ (2024) Pentecostalism and the Eucharist in a digital age: a theological reflection on Bill Johnson’s praxis. Journal of Pentecostal and Charismatic Christianity44(2): 93–109.
13.
ChauvetLM (1995) Sacrament: A sacramental reinterpretation of Christian existence. Collegeville, MN: Liturgical Press.
14.
CooperA-PA-PLaatoSNenonenS, et al. (2021) The reconfiguration of social, digital, and physical presence: From online church to church online. HTS Teologiese Studies / Theological Studies77(3): 1–9.
15.
DandelionPGrantR (2021) “When two or three are gathered” in a Zoom Room: The Theology of Online Unprogrammed Quaker Worship. Quaker Studies26(2): 279–290.
16.
FarleyM (2008) What is “biblical” worship? Biblical hermeneutics and evangelical theologies of worship. Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society51(3): 591.
17.
FergussonSBWrightDFPackerJ (1988) New Dictionary of the Theology. Downers Grove, Illinois: IVP Academic.
18.
HakhSB (2021) Perjamuan Kudus Virtual di Rumah Anggota Jemaat: analisis Alkitabiah tentang Kehadiran Allah berdasarkan Yohanes 4:21-24. DUNAMIS: Jurnal Teologi Dan Pendidikan Kristiani5(2): 460–480.
19.
HutchingsT (2011) Contemporary religious community and the online church. Information Communication and Society14(8): 1118–1135.
20.
HutchingsT (2017) Creating church online. In: Creating Church Online: Ritual, Community and New Media. New York: Routledge, 1–9. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203111093.
21.
HuygensE (2021) Practicing religion during a pandemic: on religious routines, embodiment, and performativity. Religions12(7): 94.
22.
KimJY (2020a) Analog Church: Why We Need Real People, Places, and Things in the Digital Age, 1st ed.Westmont, Illinois: InterVarsity Press.
23.
KimJY (2020b) Analog Church - Mengapa Kita Membutuhkan Orang, Tempat, dan Sesuatu yang Nyata dalam Era Digital. Surabaya: Literatur Perkantas.
24.
LauguNAriantoSMMustafaA, et al. (2024) Correlative effects between digital literacy and religious authority among academic communities in Indonesia. International Journal of Media and Information Literacy9(1): 142.
25.
SchmemannA (1987) The Eucharist(trans. Paul Kachur). Crestwood, NY: St. Vladimir’s Seminary Press.
26.
SorabjiR (2007) Self: ancient and modern insights about individuality, life, and death. Choice Reviews Online44(08): 44-4395–44-4395.
27.
SpadaroA (2014) Cybertheology: Thinking Christianity in the era of the Internet. In: Cybertheology: Thinking Christianity in the Era of the Internet. New York: Fordham University Press, 2, 5–8.
28.
Sterk BarrettMC (2023) Fostering undergraduate spiritual development in a competitive, digital world. In: Supporting Children and Youth Through Spiritual Education. Hershey, PA: IGI Global, 308–327. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-6684-6371-0.ch016.
29.
TaylorJEAdinolfiF (2012) John the baptist and Jesus the baptist: a narrative critical approach. Journal for the Study of the Historical Jesus10(3): 247–284.
30.
TengMMargaretC (2020) Sketsa Pelayanan Gereja Sebelum, Selama, dan Sesudah Masa Pandemi COVID-19. Veritas: Jurnal Teologi Dan Pelayanan19(2): 201–212.
31.
TsuriaRBellarWCampbellH, et al. (2021) Transferred, mediated, or transformed: considering the design, features, and presentation of sacred text mobile applications. Journal of Contemporary Religion36(1): 57–78.
32.
WinterR (2021) Digital eucharist? Some considerations in light of recent challenges posed by pandemics and digitalization. Kerygma Und Dogma67(3): 235–259.
33.
ZaluchuSE (2023) Theological insight of digital religion. Bogoslovni Vestnik83(3): 597–610.
34.
ZaluchuSE (2024) Digital religion, modern society and the construction of digital theology. Transformation: An International Journal of Holistic Mission Studies41(4): 285–295.
