Papal Visit

Many Religious Faithful Taking Spirituality Online

More And More Americans Turning To Internet Technology For Religion

NEW YORK (CBS) ― Studies show while many U.S. Catholics continue to hold on to their religious values, only about half attend mass once a month. But as CBS 2 investigates, many may be finding a renewed faith on the Internet.

Singer songwriter Coffey Anderson comes from a religious family.

"My mother sang in the choir, and I went to the you know, like the youth camps and stuff like that," said Anderson, a devout Godtube.com user.

But Anderson is taking his spirituality to new heights through technology, playing his faith based music on the increasingly popular website, 'GOD-TUBE.'

"I get everything from pastors to worship leaders to kids that never thought they would ever go to church," said Anderson.

Unlike traditional scheduled church services, these faith based websites are available 24-hours, 7-days a week. It's this 'religion on demand' that many say is revolutionizing the way Americans now practice their faith.

"In the last ten years, we've seen all sorts of people using the Internet, and they're bringing all sorts of things online, and their religious practice is just one example," said Heidi Campbell, writer of 'When Religion Meets New Media.'

Godtube averages about 1.5 million viewers a month and there are plenty of other sites for Christians; Hisholyspace.com and Mypraize.com. For the Jewish faith, there's Jewtube.com and Shmooze.com. Muslims can visit Islamictube.com or Naseeb.com. The list, Campbell says, is endless.

"The importance of different types of technologies allow people to connect with faith backgrounds and faith individuals from all over the world," said Campbell.

Godtube.com founder Chris Wyatt says any user can upload prayers, religious pictures and video.

"What I like to think is Godtube.com is not only a competitor to YouTube, it's not only a competitor to MySpace or Facebood," said Chris Wyatt, Founder and CEO of Godtube.com.

It's now estimated that two-thirds of Americans use the Internet for some type of religion or religious experience. If you've got a prayer or a problem, Pope Benedict XVI is also available online. He has his own website address which you can access through wcbstv.com.

(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)

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