Hovering between Virtuality and Reality: A Response to “Virtual Litugy” from Pentecostal Perspectives

Hovering between Virtuality and Reality: A Response to Virtual Litugy from Pentecostal Perspectives

LEI Tin Kwan

This article focuses on responding to the discussion of “virtual liturgy” in online worship services from Pentecostal perspectives. First, it begins with the most frequently debated topic of “virtual communion” in the virtual liturgy, and shows how Pentecostal view of the Eucharist influences their stance on “virtual communion” and even “virtual sacrament.” This is followed by a survey of the turn of sacramentality and liturgy within the current Pentecostal theological studies, and the examination of whether there will also be a turn in the position of “virtual liturgy” within this development. Furthermore, with the studies on the experience and work of the Holy Spirit in the sacrament and throughout the worship, particularly from the understandings of mediation and embodiment, it shows that the work of the Holy Spirit is hovering between virtuality and reality, and this aspect is a unique insight in the Pentecostal view of the sacrament and liturgy. Finally, the Pentecostal view on “virtual liturgy” can lead to more attention and responses to the development of the virtual and technological world in both theory and practice, including embracing and constructing the theory of digital theology, as well as promoting more active and positive feedback on the practice of “virtual liturgy.”