O culto cristão no ambiente virtual: impulsos e desafios teológicos e práticos para a celebração do culto online na Igreja Presbiteriana Independente do Brasil

Abstract

This thesis focuses on addressing the topic of Christian worship in the virtual environment, focusing on the theological and practical impulses and challenges for the celebration of online worship at the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil - IPIB. The study analyzes how the church can adapt its liturgical practices to the digital environment, considering theological issues, such as the administration of the sacraments, Holy Communion and Baptism, in online worship, and practical challenges, such as the active participation of the faithful. The objective is to offer guidance for the denomination in focus to understand and implement the celebration of online worship in a meaningful way and faithful to the principles of the Christian faith and the liturgical doctrines it practices as a Reformed Protestant Christian denomination. When approaching this topic, it is essential to consider it from the perspective of ecclesiastical innovation, that is, taking into account that the celebration of worship completely online is not yet a reality in the ecclesiastical practice of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil. The denomination has advanced in relation to services in a virtual environment, however, based on the transmission of services that take place in person in physical temples. The proposal of this research follows the aim of thinking about online worship from the understanding of virtuality, following the language found in and for the online environment and those who in this environment experience their Christian faith and spirituality through worship celebrations. In this sense, the investigation is mediated by bibliographical research from an exploratory and qualitative perspective, based on theological analysis in dialogue with understandings in relation to sociological issues, virtuality and reality of the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil, based on the observation of three online services held by a local community of the denomination. The research results are presented in six chapters arranged as follows: in the first chapter, the introduction, the research problem and its context are presented; in the second chapter, the theoretical framework is analyzed regarding conceptual renewals regarding human generations and their characteristics, identity and the sense of belonging; in the third chapter, a conceptual approach is made in relation to the practice of Christian faith in a virtual environment, based on reflection on virtuality and online worship; in the fourth chapter, concepts of Christian worship and liturgy are analyzed, and reports of observations of three online services are presented; the fifth chapter brought a discussion about impulses and challenges for the denomination in the practice of online worship; and finally, in the sixth chapter, a conclusion is presented in order to bring together the research into a practical proposal for the practice of online worship in the denomination in focus. The research therefore highlights that the reality of new generations based on how they perceive their identity and sense of belonging, how they relate to and experience the virtual world, the idea of community, and what their perception is in relation to the Christian faith and the dynamics of spirituality points to the need for online services. Therefore, this research proposes the practical implementation of online worship in the Independent Presbyterian Church of Brazil, based on the understanding of virtuality, and the possibility of celebrating online, including the administration of the sacraments, without disregarding the liturgical theology of the denomination.