Spiritual Enlightenment in Virtual Worlds. Designing a Religion Site in Second Life

Table of Contents

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION

1.1 Research Background

1.2 Virtual Worlds

1.3 Virtual Religious Activity

1.4 Research Question

1.5 Research Scope

1.4 Research Framework

CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Ludology

2.2 Narratology

2.3 Spiritual Experience

CHAPTER III DESIGN DEVELOPMENT

3.1. Design Process

3.1.1 Define

3.1.2 Collecting Information

3.1.3 Design Steps

3.1.4 Implementation

3.1.5 Evaluation

CHAPTER IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1. Results

4.2. Discussions

CHAPTER V CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1. Conclusions

5.2. Recommendations

Research Objectives and Themes

This doctoral dissertation investigates the potential of virtual worlds, specifically Second Life, to facilitate spiritual enlightenment and religious practice through the design and implementation of a dedicated religious site. Using the Christian tradition of the Via Dolorosa as a foundational narrative, the research explores how virtual environments can be transformed into sacred spaces that foster meaningful user experiences.

• Application of Christian theology, narratology, and ludology in virtual environment design.
• Implementation of a "research through design" methodology involving a three-stage process: Design, Implementation, and Evaluation.
• Identification of key design principles—Storytelling, Mapping, Affectiveness, and Virtual Ritual—for religious sites in virtual worlds.
• Analysis of user engagement and spiritual feedback from participants within the Second Life platform.

Extract from the Book

Summary of Chapters

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION: Establishes the research background, defines virtual worlds and online religious activity, outlines research questions, and presents the research framework.

CHAPTER II LITERATURE REVIEW: Examines academic perspectives on game studies, focusing on ludology, narratology, and the nature of spiritual experience in virtual environments.

CHAPTER III DESIGN DEVELOPMENT: Details the practical methodology of "research through design," covering the definition, information gathering, design steps, implementation, and evaluation of the site.

CHAPTER IV RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: Presents the empirical findings based on questionnaires and feedback from visitors, discussing the significance of various site features.

CHAPTER V CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Synthesizes the research findings, confirms the potential of virtual worlds as sacred spaces, and offers recommendations for future study.

Keywords

Ludology, Narratology, Religion, Second Life, Virtual Worlds, Virtual Pilgrimage, Via Dolorosa, Christian Theology, Religious Education, Sacred Space, Digital Ritual, Immersive Design, Interactive Media, Online Ministry, User Experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core focus of this research?

The research explores the potential of designing a religious site, specifically the Via Dolorosa, within the Second Life virtual environment to facilitate spiritual experiences for its users.

What are the primary themes addressed?

The central themes include the integration of Christian theology with game design theories, the creation of sacred virtual spaces, and the impact of interactive environments on religious engagement.

What is the primary objective of this work?

The study aims to determine the significant features of Second Life that contribute to user spiritual enlightenment and to identify effective design patterns for religious sites in virtual platforms.

Which scientific methodology is applied?

The author utilizes a "research through design" methodology, which involves a structured cycle of design, implementation, and evaluation to create and refine the religious site.

What is covered in the main section of the dissertation?

The main section details the design development process, including mapping the Via Dolorosa, creating the Cathedral, implementing animated tours, and evaluating user experiences through surveys.

Which keywords characterize this work?

Key terms include Ludology, Narratology, Religion, Second Life, Virtual Worlds, and Virtual Pilgrimage, among others.

How is the "Via Dolorosa" design implemented in Second Life?

The site functions as a virtual mirror of the real Jerusalem path, utilizing 14 stations of the cross, where avatars can engage in scripted, animated tours to mimic the experience of carrying the cross.

What role does the "Cathedral" play on the island?

The Cathedral serves as a space for communal activities, including Sunday services, wedding ceremonies, and morning prayer meetings, enhancing the social and religious life of the island.

Why are "assistant boards" used within the simulation?

They are implemented to guide users through the interactive, animated components of the tour, ensuring that visitors understand how to use the specific scripts provided for a successful spiritual experience.