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The Promise and Problematic of the Virtual Eucharist Mass According to the Roman Catholic Church’S Position in “The Church and the Internet”

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The Promise and Problematic of the Virtual Eucharist Mass According to the Roman Catholic Church’S Position in “The Church and the Internet” Western University Scholarship@Western Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository 1-7-2014 12:00 AM The Promise and Problematic of the Virtual Eucharist Mass According To The Roman Catholic Church’s Position in “The Church and the Internet” Andrew W. Labenek The University of Western Ontario Supervisor Dr. John Dool The University of Western Ontario Graduate Program in Theology A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the equirr ements for the degree in Master of Arts © Andrew W. Labenek 2014 Follow this and additional works at: https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd Part of the Christianity Commons, Communication Technology and New Media Commons, and the Liturgy and Worship Commons Recommended Citation Labenek, Andrew W., "The Promise and Problematic of the Virtual Eucharist Mass According To The Roman Catholic Church’s Position in “The Church and the Internet”" (2014). Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository. 1854. https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/etd/1854 This Dissertation/Thesis is brought to you for free and open access by Scholarship@Western. It has been accepted for inclusion in Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository by an authorized administrator of Scholarship@Western. For more information, please contact [email protected]. THE PROMISE AND PROBLEMATIC OF THE VIRTUAL EUCHARISTIC MASS ACCORDING TO THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH’S POSITION IN “THE CHURCH AND THE INTERNET” by Andrew William Labenek Graduate Program in Theology A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts The School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies The University of Western Ontario London, Ontario, Canada © Andrew W. Labenek 2014 Abstract This study is concerned with articulating a valid community-building role that the virtual Eucharistic Mass could play within the Roman Catholic Church. I undertake this task in view of those unable to attend a real world Mass because of physical and geographical impediments or for fear of violence. According to the Pontifical Council of Social Communications’ document, “The Church and the Internet,” Eucharistic Mass celebrated through the internet is invalid. The first chapter of this study contextualizes and explains the Church’s stance in this document. The remaining two chapters are framed by the Pontifical study’s two main objections to virtual Mass, namely, the absence of (1) Christ’s presence and (2) interpersonal community. Ultimately, I suggest that it is doctrinally possible to promote participation in the virtual Mass as a sign of solidarity with marginalized Christians as long as it is in view of making real the fully embodied communal Eucharist. Keywords Virtual Eucharist, virtual Mass, The Church and the Internet, virtual transubstantiation, virtual interpersonal Christian community, Eucharist, embodiment and the Eucharist. ii Acknowledgments I wish to thank Professor John Dool for his comprehensive demonstration of knowledge, insight and creativity he was able to offer on my thesis. His expertise has enabled me to witness the vital role that modern technology play in adjusting deeply rooted human values and practices. Professor Gary Badcock comments pertaining to this thesis have allowed me discover a way forward into thinking about how emerging technologies are taking center stage in community and social life, especially within the domain of religion. In addition, I would also like to thank Cardinal Collins, who provided excellent assistance in thinking through the future impact of information and communication technologies in complementing aspects of the modern church. Dr. Rowan Williams, Rev. Joy Harrell Blaylock, Ph.D. and The Rev’d Canon Dr Julie Gittoes also provided excellent commentary on many topics throughout the thesis. I would like to thank my wife, Amaryllis Labenek, for her continued support and encouragement throughout the entire process. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank my family and friends who have reviewed and offered constructive feedback to many of my early drafts. iii Table of Contents Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgments.......................................................................................................................... iii Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... iv Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 1 Chapter 1 ......................................................................................................................................... 9 1 The Promise and Problematic of a Virtual Mass Alternative in the Modern World ............... 9 1.1 The Church in the Modern World .................................................................................... 9 1.2 Introducing the Pontifical Document “The Church and the Internet” ........................... 11 1.3 The Promise of a Virtual Church ................................................................................... 14 1.4 Christ’s Presence and the Doctrine of Transubstantiation ............................................. 17 1.5 Transubstantiation and Interpersonal Community in Christ .......................................... 20 1.6 The Direct Reception of the Gospel ............................................................................... 22 Conclusion to Chapter 1 ............................................................................................................ 24 Chapter 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 25 2 Doctrine of Transubstantiation, Significant Liturgical Reform for the Laity and the Possibility of Transubstantiation in a Virtual Mass .................................................................................... 25 2.1 The Doctrine of Transubstantiation and the Role of Transubstantiation in the Celebration of the Eucharist.............................................................................................. 26 2.1.1 Anglican and Lutheran Perspectives on Transubstantiation .................................. 28 2.1.2 Roman Catholic Critiques and Defenses of the Doctrine of Transubstantiation .... 29 2.2 An Historical Account of Significant Liturgical Reform for the Accessibility of the Laity and the Possibility of a Virtual Church ........................................................................... 33 2.2.1 Accessibility to Worship and Church Reforms ..................................................... 33 2.2.2 The Possibility of Expanding Accessibility through Information Technology ...... 37 iv 2.3 Assessing the Possibility of Transubstantiation in a Virtual Church ............................. 42 2.3.1 Virtual and Physical Bread and Wine .................................................................... 42 2.3.2 Virtual Eucharist and the Embodied Human Being ............................................... 44 Conclusion to Chapter 2 ............................................................................................................ 48 3 Theological and Philosophical Viewpoints on the Role of Information Technology in Communal Organization ........................................................................................................... 51 3.1 Cardinal Thomas Collins on the Role of Information Technology for Christian Community ....................................................................................................................... 52 3.1.1 Theological Critiques of Information Technology as Limiting Christian Community ............................................................................................................. 55 3.2 Religious Social Organization and Information Technology ......................................... 58 3.2.1 The Influence of Dynamic Social Structures on Religion ..................................... 59 3.2.2 Social Impact of Internet Technology on Religious Beliefs and Practices ............. 62 3.2.3 Promoting the Virtual Church without Undermining the Christian Community ... 66 3.3 A Philosophical Framework for Understanding the Roles of Technology in Human Life 74 3.3.1 Technology as Object ............................................................................................ 74 3.3.2 Technology as Knowledge ..................................................................................... 76 3.3.3 Technology as Activity and Volition ..................................................................... 78 3.3.4 Technology as Altering Human Community ......................................................... 80 Conclusion to Chapter 3: Technology as Medium for Christian Community .......................... 82 Conclusion .................................................................................................................................... 85 Bibliography ................................................................................................................................. 88 Curriculum Vitae .......................................................................................................................... 93 “The Internet is relevant to many activities and programs of the Church— evangelization, including both re-evangelization and new
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