Godcasts: go forth and spread the news
October 21st, 2006 by 
adminThings have changed since Moses came down the mountain with the 10 commandments carved on two tablets. Preachin’ has gotten much, much more high-tech (maybe not as dramatic as the heavens breaking open, but certainly enough to get your attention). Now you can read your commandments on an iPod. Lighter than a stone tablet, and definitely more convenient to read. The secret? Godcasts, or podcasts that center around religious themes and serve church purposes.
It’s not such a surprising development. After all, there were faith-centered television programming, tons of books (some of them going on to being international bestsellers) and learning materials like scriptural review tapes. It would only make sense that once the technology became available—and a very affordable technology at that—the quest for spiritual renewal would go on the web.
What are some examples of religious podcasts? (See our Podcast Directory - Religion & Spirituality) Some are tapes of the last week’s sermon, or selected sections of the sermon with “bonus” material like an additional commentary from the priest or minister. They’re meant to reach out to those who may have been unable to personally attend the service (perhaps due to illness or distance from the church) or would like to review some points and mull over them. Some podcasts also reflection points or suggestions for additional readings. The educational functions of the podcasts don’t end there. There are podcasts that guide the listeners to difficult scriptural readings, by providing historical contexts or juxtaposing the accounts from different gospels. Others are meant to bring out the modern or practical applications of a verse, making it more real and more relevant to the viewers. Podcasts can also carry religious songs or instrumentals, and when interspersed with scriptural readings, can truly be inspiring and moving. Which brings us to another reason why these podcasts can be so helpful among the congregation. Everyone, even the saints, needed a little push now and then. Sometimes they’d get a little nudge from the heavens by seeing the Red Sea part—but for everyday affirmations of faith, it may be easer to click on an iPod button rather than wait for a sign of the suspension of any laws of Nature.
Furthermore, podcasts are so easy and affordable to make that it’s possible for church volunteers—with no background in computers or broadcasting—to make a regular “show” in their free time and with their limited personal resources. One can make a podcast with the computer, a microphone, and software (many of which can be downloaded for free from the Internet). One can even find step by step instructions and tips on the web, or join podcasting forums where other aficionados can offer advice or even assistance. Ultimately, the podcasting technology has been a great help in the church communities, whether it be as a teaching tool or a source of much-needed inspiration during the middle of the work week. And with its affordability and ease of use, anyone can do it—especially when they think about all the people they are helping because of their work.