Can We Go to Church in the Metaverse?

Gavin Ortlund and Jay Kim question if the essential physical elements of traditional church can be authentically replicated in a virtual environment. They consider how digital platforms may supplement our church experience but ultimately ought to be a stepping stone to a more profound sense of community and belonging in a physical setting.

[@cosmic_order]

For centuries, the church debated the proper use of images in liturgy. Now, the church is having liturgy in a world of images, wearing images as representations of themselves.

[@julesjgreig]

Against the framing of either/or and in favour of both/and, what do *Jay and Gavin* say about the relevance of Matthew 18:20, in the context of online meetings please?

[@hahnbielfeldt8168]

Great answers on both sides of the table. This video would have been a bit more helpful if a definition of the metaverse was given or examples of what it is. Also perhaps a brief few sentences on the underlying philosophical issue at stake here on the nature of how we understand reality. Any type of virtual space challenges us to ponder whether or not this space is fragmenting how we understand what reality is.

[@tylerrooney1490]

No, we can't

[@MethosOhio]

Have either of you ever been to a church meeting in virtual reality? I'm guessing not. It is better than you probably think. Nothing at all like just watching a service on a tv and not being included.