“Do templo à rede: o descolamento das práticas religiosas do físico para o virtual no caso Jesus.Net”

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the replacement of in-person religious practices with online ones, particularly in the context of Jesus.net, during the pandemic period and the mediatization process of Christian churches. Adopting a qualitative and exploratory approach, the research used techniques such as bibliographical research and records for data collection. The analysis began by addressing the migration from in-person to digital worship, focusing on the biblical passage of Mt 18.20 and exploring the equivalence of online meetings with congregations. Under the influence of the pandemic and the digital age, the role of social networks, such as Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, in everyday life and the impact on the dissemination of faith and the study of the Bible was examined. The study highlighted the relevance of "mediatization" in the transition from the physical to the virtual environment, using Jesus.net. The question was whether digital discipleship can effectively replace in-person evangelization, with an emphasis on how institutions and individuals adopt digital approaches to discipleship. Based on Revelation 1.7, it was suggested that the internet could contribute to the fulfillment of biblical prophecies, emphasizing "mediatization" as a key to realizing the "go" of Mark 16.15. The hypotheses raised aimed to optimize the reach of the gospel, including teaching the use of social networks during discipleship and encouraging Christians to see their social networks as an extension of the ministry.