The newest development in the national quest for meaning is shaping up on the Internet, where millions of online pilgrims search for the sacred, flocking to a wide range of sites stressing religion and related themes. By R. J. Whittier ThirdAge News Service Spirituality is a growth industry. Bookstores promote titles on spiritual growth. National magazines feature cover stories on angels.
Medical schools offer courses on the healing power of faith.
In particular, spirituality forums are buzzing with discussions of issues ranging from the history of Christianity to the appeal of agnosticism. Electronic Bible messages, online prayer meetings and religious support groups thrive on the Net as well. The spiritual sites offer opportunities to keep abreast of church matters, delve deeper into religious doctrine or clarify points of religious thought. The overwhelming attraction appears to be the opportunity to exchange views with other plugged-in people seeking enlightenment. My contact with reality and with the world is to go out and see how other people think.