Third “UniCath Dialogues” Held at Our University

On Wednesday, 25 February 2026, the third theological forum in the series, entitled “Spirituality in the Age of Digital Preaching”, was held in the “Blessed Alojzije Card. Stepinac” Hall. The forum was moderated by Assistant Professor Odilon-Gbènoukpo Singbo, PhD, and organised by Kristina Vujica, PhD. In addition to professors and students of CUC, pupils from the First Economic Grammar School and the Fifteenth Grammar School in Zagreb also participated.

Following the welcome and a brief introduction to the topic, the first speaker, Associate Professor Anto Mikić, PhD, from the University Department of Communication Sciences and journalist and editor of the portal bitno.net, delivered a presentation entitled “The (In)Appropriateness of Cyberspace for Proclaiming the Gospel.” In his lecture, Professor Mikić addressed the fundamentals of media influence in communication in general, explaining how digital media affect the very essence of the message being transmitted, as well as broader changes in communication that shape society and patterns of thinking, expression and the use of time. He then connected these considerations to the Church and contemporary evangelisation.

As Professor Mikić pointed out, the Church initially viewed the development of the internet with optimism—contrary to its historical reactions to most technological advancements and the social changes they entailed—motivated by the desire for universality and unity within Catholicism. However, this initial “naivety” soon dissipated, and numerous challenges and risks associated with this technology became apparent, particularly within the context of postmodern relativism. These challenges are reflected primarily in the influence of the internet itself as a medium on the Church and its ability to proclaim the full Gospel through the very tools the internet provides. As Professor Mikić emphasised, these obstacles stem from two prevailing misconceptions: (1) “Media are merely tools of communication,” and (2) “Media are neutral in relation to content.” As confirmed by Marshall McLuhan’s well-known aphorism “the medium is the message,” these claims cannot be sustained. The internet as a medium, together with the associated “cyberculture,” complicates the proclamation of the full Word due to several unfavourable characteristics: horizontal relations (absence of hierarchy), the presence of algorithms that shape interpersonal interactions, the uniformity of opinions within online communities (“echo chambers”), the egocentric nature of experience (others serve merely to affirm the self), and mobility and selectivity (the ease of avoiding conflict and difficult relationships rather than practising tolerance and adaptation).

Paradoxically, these features contribute to greater loneliness and only the illusion of community, where true community is absent. Society fragments into a “society of spectacle” and endless, empty content, leading to sensationalism and a competition for attention that places emotion above truth and authenticity—elements incompatible with the Gospel. Individualism becomes paramount, truth becomes subjective, spirituality is reduced to a “self-help” technique for personal satisfaction, and “religion online” (as a supplement to religious experience) turns into “online religion”—a superficial surrogate of faith and spirituality.

Professor Mikić concluded by stating that, despite these difficulties, the Church must participate and remain present online and adapt accordingly, since it has the duty to guide believers it encounters toward physical encounter and real communion, which cannot be achieved behind a screen.

The second presentation was delivered by Associate Professor Richard Pavlić, PhD, from the University Chair of Theology, parish priest and dogmatic theologian. In his lecture entitled “The Dangers of ‘Internet Faith’”, Professor Pavlić compared expert opinions (including those of other scholars and Pope Leo XIV) with his own experiences and the results of surveys conducted among students and parishioners. The survey responses revealed ambivalence and tension in attitudes toward issues similar to those previously discussed. He further problematised the digital illusion of closeness (“community”), based on the “consumption” of spirituality and the passivisation of interaction—where genuine presence and reciprocal interaction are absent. “Internet faith” may enable intellectual and emotional understanding of faith, but it remains disembodied, detached from spirit and Church, and ultimately transient and fragile. Faith requires “body and community”; digital participation should be limited to exceptional circumstances and must not replace physical encounter. Professor Pavlić also highlighted the danger of the privatisation of faith—falling into echo chambers, creating a “sacred self,” and entering into subjectivism and relativism—made possible because isolated faith loses the corrective dimension of community.

Professor Pavlić concluded by emphasising that fruitful digital spirituality is possible—and in some sense necessary—and that the internet is a legitimate and important field of evangelisation. However, it must never replace ecclesial life but serve only as an encouragement to faith; otherwise, it leads from contemplation to constant stimulation, creating a “safe” yet spiritually sterile environment. It is therefore essential to find a balanced relationship between digital media, the internet and faith, since extremes lead to distortion. Only in this way can the connection between faith and spirit be successfully mediated—from the screen into life, toward prayer and conversion, and toward community and the sacraments.

In conclusion, three secondary school pupils—Petra Bubnić, Ana Jukić and Karlo Starčević—shared their reflections and experiences regarding spiritual content in digital form. The forum concluded with questions from the audience.

Text: Gabrijel Jakovljević (XV Grammar School – MIOC).