The Use of the Internet

There are many Church documents on the use of the Internet for evangelization purposes. Three that are worth mentioning are: The Church and Internet (February 22, 2002), the 36th World Communications Day Message (May 12, 2002), and Rapid Development (January 24, 2005).

There are many principles outlined in these documents. In Pope John Paul II's Message for the 36th World Communications Day, the principles are:

• "The Church in every age continues the work begun on the day of Pentecost...to preach the Gospel to every nation." (paragraph 1)
• "For the Church the new world of cyberspace is a summons...of using its potential to proclaim the Gospel message". (paragraph 2)
• "Like other communications media, it is a means, not an end in itself (paragraph 3)
• "Christian living calls for continuing instruction and catechesis...the area in which the Internet can provide excellent help". (paragraph 3)
• "...the Internet can never replace that profound experience of God which only the living, liturgical and sacramental life of the Church can offer...it can certainly provide a unique supplement and support". (paragraph 3)
• "...that this marvellous instrument serves the common good and does not become a source of harm". (paragraph 4)
• "...how are we to cultivate...values...insight...the wisdom that understands the difference between right and wrong (in the context of the Internet)?" (paragraph 4)
• "...electronically mediated relationships can never take the place of the direct human contact required for genuine evangelization". (paragraph 5)
• "...how can we ensure [the Internet] will work in favour of the globalization of human development and solidarity, objectives closely linked to the Church's evangelical mission?" (paragraph 5)
• "...how can we ensure that [the Internet] can serve the cause of peace?" (paragraph 5)
• "From this galaxy of sight and sound will the face of Christ emerge and the voice of Christ be heard?" (paragraph 6)
• "...this is what will make the Internet a genuinely human space...room for Christ [and] ...room for man". (paragraph 6)