In retrospect, he wonders why not. By 2001, as many as 600 million of the world's 6 billion people will be using the Internet. Even without a CD-ROM for a guide, the Internet is a worldwide library of information for anyone with a computer, modem and phone line. Thousands of sites turn up in searches on religious names and terms. The Internet has also helped widen the already growing gap between seekers and established denominations.
People can get access to all kinds of information.
It connects people one to one. I think that's going to help democratize religion, which is happening already. Clergy and congregations dismiss the Internet's influence at their peril, said George Barna of Barna Research in California. It will be a significant chunk of the population, and it will continue to grow. The reality is it's got to be a continuing, growing part of the religious landscape.