Digital Religion: Understanding Religious Practice in Digital Media

This book provides a critical and systematic survey of the study of religion and digital media, covering religious engagement with a wide range of digital media forms and highlighting examples of new media engagement in all five of the major world religions. It offers a detailed review of major topics, includes engaging case studies, and considers theoretical, ethical, and theological issues. The updated edition provides a comprehensive overview of this fast-paced, constantly developing, and fascinating field.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate relationship between religion and digital media, offering a critical and systematic exploration of the subject matter. It encompasses a wide range of digital media forms and highlights examples of new media engagement across all five major world religions. From mobile apps and video games to virtual reality and social media, the book provides a detailed review of significant topics such as ritual, identity, community, authority, and embodiment.

To illustrate and elucidate these thematic explorations, the book includes a series of engaging case studies, each presenting real-world examples of religious engagement with digital media. These case studies cover various religious traditions, including Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Judaism, allowing readers to gain a deeper understanding of the diverse ways in which digital media is being used to shape religious practices and experiences.

In addition to its theoretical and methodological insights, the book also considers the ethical and theological issues raised by the intersection of religion and digital media. It explores the potential benefits and challenges of digital media, such as the ability to reach wider audiences, facilitate interfaith dialogue, and provide access to religious resources. It also raises concerns about the potential manipulation of digital media for religious purposes, the erosion of traditional religious practices, and the impact of digital media on individual and collective consciousness.

This unique volume brings together the expertise of scholars from various disciplinary perspectives, including religious studies, media studies, and technology studies. It serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars seeking to develop a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between religion and digital media. Thoroughly updated throughout with new case studies and in-depth analysis of recent scholarship and developments, this new edition provides a comprehensive overview of this fast-paced, constantly evolving, and fascinating field.

In conclusion, this book offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the study of religion and digital media. It provides a valuable resource for students, scholars, and practitioners interested in exploring the ways in which digital media is shaping religious practices, experiences, and beliefs in the modern world. By examining the theoretical, ethical, and theological dimensions of this relationship, the book contributes to our understanding of the complex and multifaceted nature of religion in the digital age.

Weight: 478g
Dimension: 154 x 348 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367272364
Edition number: 2 New edition