Networked Individualism, Constructions of Community and Religious Identity

Abstract

This chapter offers a contribution to the ongoing research into networked individualism in late modern society from the perspective of religion online. Using a sample of weblogs created by Australians involved in the “emerging church movement,” this chapter will explore how the Internet has enabled individuals to seek relationships with others and discern a religious identity beyond the confines of local faith communities and denominational institutions. Here we will see how those who use blogs to form religious networks must negotiate constructions of communal identities, not just offline, but within the blogosphere. These negotiations represent a postmodern quest for authentic religious expression and practice, which is found in the flow of information among a myriad of traditional and new sources.