'Modern forms of mass media and their religious implications provide
the theme of this very fine collection of essays by some of the
most prominent thinkers in the field . . . An excellent and valuable
book.' (The Month)
'Modern forms of mass media and their religious implications provide
the theme of this very fine collection of essays by some of the
most prominent thinkers in the field . . . An excellent and valuable
book.' (The Month)
'Religion and the Media is like a breath of fresh air . . . rewarding and challenging.' (Media Development)
The relationship between religion and the media is often pictured in simplistic terms: either people think of the use of the media to propagate a particular message, or else of a religious critique (usually of television or the tabloid press) in which a preoccupation with sex or violence is condemned. This book suggests that much more important and wide-ranging issues are raised when various aspects of the media are examined from a religious perspective.
Are society's values now communicated by the mass media, and can television therefore be seen as part of a powerful new pseudo-religion? Can the values implicit in advertising be reconciled with traditional Christian values? How would Islamic journalism picture the world? Do newspapers handle religious stories in a way which accurately reflects the interests and expectations of their readers? Should soap operas be seen as the modern equivalent of morality plays?
Religion and the Media considers some of the ways in which modern mass media may be acting both to express and erode our spirituality. Students of theology and religious studies, media professionals and those working in the churches will find much food for thought in this book.