Don’t have time to go to church or bible class? No problem. A little religion is only a click away, thanks to a software program called Second Life that allows you to take part in virtual bible meetings. You pick a name, select a character (or avatar) and connect with others at the appointed time:

The session started late after the leader, Mariposa Psaltry, posted a message saying she would start in 10 minutes. Finally, there were five: Desiree Petunia, Cactus Barthelmess, CeeCee Meriman, Mariposa and Lauranne. Everyone appeared in the form of casually dressed women and not as animals or alien-looking creatures as I’d half-expected.

My anxiety eased as soon as I saw words of welcome from Mariposa and other avatars on my screen. I replied that I was mostly there to observe. Mariposa typed a request for prayer concerns.

That felt familiar and real, and so did the needs. Two avatar/women asked prayer for friends and relatives in “RL” (real life). Mariposa then typed her prayer, thanking Jesus for a beautiful day “here in Virginia.” She mentioned the concerns and ended with “in Jesus name, Amen.”

A musical tone notified me that I had mail. It was a postcard study guide and included questions about freedom and sin.

Read the whole thing to get an idea of what the experience was like. Is it redemptive? Uplifting? Weird? Hard to say.

But if the day comes that they have virtual communion, then we’re really in trouble…