Faith In VR: Meet The Metaverse Church Goers Challenging Stereotypes

DJ Soto, a Fredericksburg pastor is celebrating his seventh year as the founder of the first Virtual Reality (VR) Metaverse Church. He states that his faith in paradise includes all the functions of a physical church.

What was the motive behind the Metaverse Church?

Soto explains that the inability to reach out to believers who are physically or mentally challenged forms the main purpose of the Metaverse Church.

Aline Depp, a physically challenged member, is happy with the Metaverse Church’s experience. She is unable to attend a physical due to her neuromuscular condition. She describes it as “feel(ing) empowered again.” Soto’s leadership helped Depp receive her e-baptism. However, sceptics question the validity of e-baptism.

Some religious leaders have reacted negatively to Soto’s multi-denominational metaverse church. They are claiming such services are an attempt to dilute the gospel’s efficacy. Others, on the other hand, see it as a brilliant way to get more tech-savvy people involved.

Other Churches Throughout the Metaverse

Though Soto’s VR church was the first, it is not the only metaverse innovation that provides spiritual solitude. Lifechurch, a multi-site church in Edmond, Oklahoma, recently reported two new altar calls during its first metaverse service, which drew nearly 100 people. Greg Gackle, the company’s founder, explained that they began investigating the Metaverse’s possibilities in 2007. In the last decade, newer technologies have aided the group’s metaverse ambitions, and it is now hosting its service in Microsoft’s Altspace VR.

Lifechurch VR services provide an immersive experience, with receptionists and ushers greeting attendees in the lobby and at the entrance. Gackle wants it to be as close to the physical church as possible.

In other news, Decentraland has made notable changes to its platform, including a brand new desktop client.