Study Shows that Blogging Is Growing but Largely Untapped Influence On Religion

Blogs are a growing but still relatively underutilized influence on today's religious discourse, according to a study of the religious blogosphere by the Social Science Research Council.

"Blogs have given occasion to a whole new set of conversations about religion in public life. They represent a tremendous opportunity for publication, discussion, cross-fertilization and critique of a kind never seen before," the authors report.

"In principle, at least, the Internet offers an opportunity to break down old barriers and engender new communities. While the promise is vast, the actuality is only what those taking part happen to make of it."

The study, published on an SSRC blog titled The Immanent Frame, surveyed nearly 100 of the most influential blogs that contribute to discussions about religion in the public sphere. 

While none rank in the highest echelons of readership and influence in the blogosphere as a whole, the authors say religion blogs have moved beyond a new and emerging trend into a maturing force that apparently is here to stay.

"Only a decade since the rise of the first user-friendly blog platforms, the blogosphere has become one of the eminent spaces for serious public discourse in the online world," the study says. "They thrive on quick opinions, a minute-to-minute news cycle and public exchanges with one another."

As in news and politics, the use of blogs has exploded in the realm of religious life.

Religious leaders, communities and individuals use blogs to share insights and build networks. Starting with BeliefNet in 1999, several religion blogs now focus on politics, inspiration, entertainment and culture.

Conservative blogs like GetReligion provide critiques of religion coverage in the mainstream press, while political blogs like Talk to Action helped galvanize a new "progressive" religious left leading up to the 2008 elections.

Because of their ease of use, blogs have shaped public discourse in society as a whole and around religious questions in particular, the study says.

In organizations like the mainline Protestant denominations, blogging has created space for voices that push back against prevailing trends outside of the auspices of the denominational press. Recognizing the possibility of such a shift in Catholicism, the authors say the Vatican has held high-level discussions about issuing guidelines for Catholic bloggers.