ABSTRACT
This book offers a critical and systematic survey of the study of religion and digital media. It covers religious engagement with a wide range of digital media forms and highlights examples of new media engagement in all five of the major world religions. From mobile apps and video games to virtual reality and social media, the book:
• provides a detailed review of major topics including ritual, identity, community, authority, and embodiment;
• includes a series of engaging case studies to illustrate and elucidate the thematic explorations;
• considers the theoretical, ethical, and theological issues raised.
This unique volume draws together the work of experts from key disciplinary perspectives and is the go-to volume for students and scholars wanting to develop a deeper understanding of the subject area. 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 developing, and fascinating field.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part 1|97 pages
Themes in the study of religion and new media
part 2|109 pages
Thematic case studies
chapter 11|9 pages
Rituals: prayer app rituals
chapter 13|9 pages
Identity: "The Niqab Is a Beautiful Extension of My Face"
chapter 14|10 pages
Community: dual production for dual publics
chapter 17|8 pages
Authority: maintaining and establishing authority on Facebook
part 3|51 pages
Reflections on studying religion and digital media