Religion, Media and Conversion in Iran: Mediated Christianity in an Islamic Context

Religion, Media, and Conversion in Iran explores the reception of Farsi Christian television channels by Muslim audiences in Iran, analyzing their motivations, methods of interpretation, and process of changing or altering their religion. Based on empirical research, it investigates three hundred narratives from four channels between 2010 and 2015, examining factors that influence their interpretations and negotiations with religious media messages. Drawing on Reception Theory, the book investigates the negotiations between meaning-making and mediation and the process of faith transformation in contemporary Iran, offering a valuable resource for scholars of Religious Studies, Media Studies, and Middle East Studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 204 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Religion, Media, and Conversion in Iran delves into the captivating realm of how Farsi Christian television channels resonate with Muslim audiences in Iran. Through a robust empirical foundation, this study explores the intricate motivations behind these viewers' engagement with the Christian message, the diverse methods they employ to interpret and negotiate media texts, and the transformative journey they undergo as they explore or alter their religious beliefs.

Rooted in extensive research, this comprehensive analysis encompasses a rich collection of three hundred narratives sourced from the audiences of four Farsi Christian satellite television channels between 2010 and 2015. These narratives serve as the foundation for an in-depth investigation into the process of conversion to Christianity facilitated by these media platforms. By employing Reception Theory as a guiding framework, the research delves into the intricate negotiations between meaning-making and mediation, shedding light on the transformative power of religious media in contemporary Iran.

This book offers a unique perspective on the interplay between media and religion, providing valuable insights for scholars of Religious Studies, Media Studies, and Middle East Studies. It also holds significant value for religious media practitioners, as it sheds light on the strategies employed to engage and influence religious audiences. Through its comprehensive exploration, Religion, Media, and Conversion in Iran contributes to our understanding of the complex dynamics between faith, media, and cultural contexts, fostering a deeper appreciation of the role of religion in shaping contemporary societies.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367436698