Jesuit magazine discusses dangers, opportunities in digital worlds

Published: 2007-07-26

ROME (CNS) -- Digital worlds where viewers can interact with each other and create vast social networks carry several risks, but they also might be grounds for evangelization, said an influential Jesuit magazine. One virtual world called Second Life is gaining such widespread popularity that it is not "possible to turn a blind eye to this phenomenon, or offhandedly pass judgment glorifying it or condemning it," said La Civilta Cattolica (Catholic Civilization) in an August 4 article released to journalists July 26. The Rome-based biweekly, reviewed by the Vatican Secretariat of State before publication, dedicated most of the 13-page article to discussing Second Life. That virtual world, which can be found online at secondlife.com, is entirely created and owned by its more than 8 million residents. From shopping to chatting to studying university courses, residents also are making room for God and spirituality, said the article written by Jesuit Father Antonio Spadaro.

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