So apparently, there’s a site called Deep Web Ministries on the Tor network, whose motto is “Shining the Light of the Gospel in the Deep Web.” (Yes, I know – I’ve been calling it the dark web…who cares?)

I decided to feature this because it was kind of a shock. I, like many others who hear about or visit the dark web, tend to think of it as a place full of crime, scams, and other such things. At the same time, I know that’s not always the case.

Once again, I know that screenshot is kind of small, but as you can see, there’s a range of topics from “Prayer Request” (“Let us know how we can pray for you”) to “Privacy” (“To the greatest extent possible we must learn to protect our privacy and anonymity when using the net”), to “The Trinity” (“The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”).

So, you might wonder – why is there even a site like this on Tor? Well, for one – someone who was trying to reach out and share Christianity with others might consider the dark web, especially if they saw it as a haven for terrible things (like child pornography).

Also, I found the statement about “privacy” very telling. Remember, the preservation of privacy was one of the very reasons that Tor was created in the first place. So, even for a church organization, I would imagine they’d value privacy just as much as the next person.

There’s also a forum topic entitled “Pornography, Pedophilia, and Drugs.” (surprise, surprise!) Their message says “Our aim is not to attack anyone but to help set people free of their vices. Through discussion, prayer, and most importantly faith in the power of JESUS CHRIST you will be set free. Drug abuse, pornography, pedophilia and other vices are tools of the thief who kills, steals, and destroys.”

You know, I’m not sure whether or not they’ll reach many people on the dark web, but I could be wrong about this. I may not have the exact same religious beliefs, but I do like that the people who created this website are trying to do positive things within the dark web.

Oddly enough, it’s one of the better-designed church websites I’ve seen, and not too shabby for a Tor site either (have you seen them?).

Well, Jesus Christ, I hope you’re able to get through to some of the dark web netizens. Sounds like an uphill battle.