Encounters Between Believers And Non-Believers In A Symbolic Universe Religious Dialogue And Controversy On The Internet

The article examines aspects of the debate on faith between religious and secular actors on the Internet. Point of departure is taken in the question whether the Internet contributes to a deeper understanding and tolerance between religious and non-religious worldviews, or if it rather reproduces or possibly even intensifies existing conflicts related to religious discourse. The examination is situated in the context of what is conceived as an interplay of secularizing and counter-secularizing forces in the post-industrial, late-modern societies of the West. It is implemented by means of an analysis of the contributions posted on the discussion groups that deal with religion on a popular Swedish website.