Preachers go on-line with Gospel> Maine theologian says instant feedback a payoff

PORTLAND — Evangelists and preachers from fundamentalist Christian churches who are using the Internet to spread the Gospel sometimes draw “flames” from annoyed Web surfers.

Bible passages are showing up on electronic bulletin boards that are not necessarily dedicated to religious topics, and electronic mail is flying back and forth between believers and nonbelievers.

Internet newsletters are spreading religious messages and Jesus is showing up as a topic on on-line chat groups.

“Jesus and his disciples traveled from village to village spreading their message,” said Robert Allison, associate professor of religion at Bates College in Lewiston. “I can see this as a modern version of that.”

Elizabeth Tipper, who recently taught a class on computers and religion at Thomas College, said evangelical Christians have always been early adopters of technology, such as radio and television.

But Tipper, who has a master’s degree from Bangor Theological Seminary, said computer networks differ from other technologies.

“You can get feedback right away,” said Tipper, an assistant professor of computer information at Thomas. “You can lead people deeper and deeper into the subject.”

Many denominations provide religious documents and church policies on the Internet.