Virtual Reality Church: Pitfalls and Possibilities (Or How to Think Biblically about Church in Your Pajamas, VR Baptisms, Jesus Avatars, and Whatever Else is Coming Next)

Is Virtual Reality a Biblical Reality?The invention of the printing press catalyzed Martin Luther?s reformation; radios and televisions delivered Billy Graham?s gospel proclamations to millions of households. Technological advancements have undoubtedly advanced kingdom work for centuries-but is the same true for the burgeoning technologies of today? As virtual reality becomes increasingly prominent throughout society, churches must assess how to respond thoughtfully and biblically. In Virtual Reality Church, theologians Darrell Bock and Jonathan Armstrong present a systematic reflection on how to faithfully apply virtual reality for ministry purposes. They examine the risks-like compromising the meaning of tangible worship-and opportunities-like safely reaching persecuted churches-of integrating revolutionary technologies into the Christian life. Learn to think critically, theologically, and pastorally about new technologies so that you can faithfully advance the gospel into the future. Review Praise for Virtual Reality Church?In a world connected globally by the internet and increasingly affected by virtual reality, Bock and Armstrong help us--whether we receive the help eagerly or with apprehension--to understand the brave new world in which we find ourselves. The authors observe accurately the place of innovation in the history of evangelicalism, as evangelicals seized new technologies for the sake of the gospel. They provide a useful history of the rise of technology from newspapers in the day of Whitefield, to radio, to controversial televangelists, to D.J. Soto?s recent VR Church. Their assessment of both helpful and harmful aspects of the new technologies available to the church will help every church leader think through the ramifications of technology. This is a topic every Christian leader post-2020 needs to understand, and Virtual Reality Church boldly goes to where few in the church have gone before.? -ED STETZERDean of the School of Mission, Ministry, and Leadership, Wheaton College, and Executive Director of the Wheaton College Billy Graham Center?The church today rarely discusses with substance its greatest available missions tool. Read Virtual Reality Church and catch a vision for what God can do. The VR harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few!?-DOUGLAS ESTESAuthor of SimChurch and Braving the Future?Informed by history and shaped by solid biblical commitments, Virtual Reality Church raises the important questions about the application of virtual and augmented reality for ministry, Christian living, worship, and the formation of Christian community. Exploring the theological meaning of church, including the practice of baptism and the Lord?s Supper, Jonathan Armstrong and Darrell Bock reach across the denominational spectrum to offer thoughtful and pastoral guidance on these pressing issues, always with the goal of advancing the gospel message in our rapidly changing world. While readers will likely yearn for more answers and additional guidance to these perplexing challenges, Virtual Reality Church is the best introduction available on this subject. Moreover, this volume will become an essential prerequisite for those wishing to engage these issues in the days to come. Highly recommended!?-DAVID S. DOCKERYPresident of International Alliance for Christian Education?The most robust book on understanding virtual reality for the church. You get a great historical overview of all the ways the church has creatively embraced the newest tech along with a solid theological framework for embracing VR and whatever else comes online down the road.?-JAY KRANDAOnline Campus Pastor at Saddleback Church?Technology is evolving at a rapid pace and many church leaders find themselves unprepared. How are new digital realities affecting our ecclesiology? What does it mean to be the church in the internet age? Are online and digital connections real connections? These questions ar