The Handbook of Religion and Communication

The Handbook of Religion and Communication provides a comprehensive exploration of the complex relationship between media and religion, offering insights from leading international scholars on how both traditional and new media sources impact religious belief and practice. Divided into five parts, the book covers institutional and functional perspectives, theological and cultural approaches, and new approaches in digital technologies. It explores topics such as religious use of media, religious identity, audience gratification, religious broadcasting, religious content in entertainment, films and religion, news reporting about religion, race and gender, the sex-religion matrix, religious crisis communication, public relations and advertising, televangelism, pastoral ministry, death and the media, online religion, and future directions in religious communication.

Format: Hardback
Length: 576 pages
Publication date: 20 March 2023
Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

The Handbook of Religion and Communication delves into a comprehensive exploration of the intricate interplay between communication and religion, presenting a contemporary perspective on this dynamic relationship. Spanning across diverse faiths and cultures, this esteemed publication offers a rich tapestry of insights from esteemed international scholars, shedding light on the profound ways in which both traditional and new media sources continue to shape and influence religious belief and practice.

In its five meticulously organized parts, the Handbook provides a comprehensive overview of the intellectual landscape, encompassing the historical background, theoretical foundations, and major academic approaches to communication, media, and religion. The first part sets the stage, offering a state-of-the-art examination of the subjects, while subsequent sections delve into institutional and functional perspectives, theological and cultural approaches, and innovative approaches in digital technologies.

The essays within the Handbook cover a wide array of topics, ranging from the religious utilization of media to the formation of religious identity, the dynamics of audience gratification, religious broadcasting, the integration of religious content in entertainment, films, and religion, news reporting about religion, issues of race and gender, the complex sex-religion matrix, religious crisis communication, public relations and advertising, televangelism, pastoral ministry, the portrayal of death and the media, online religion, and prospects for future directions in religious communication.

Through its comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach, the Handbook offers valuable insights into the ever-evolving dynamics between communication and religion, shedding light on the complex ways in which media shapes religious experiences, influences religious institutions, and contributes to the broader cultural landscape. This invaluable resource is a must-read for scholars, researchers, practitioners, and anyone interested in understanding the intricate relationship between communication and religion in the modern world.

Weight: 454g
Dimension: 10 x 10 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781119671558