ABSTRACT
Religion is depicted variously across the media. How such portrayals are interpreted is the subject of this chapter. How is the religious value of media assessed? How does one get the most from media treatments of religion? Such critique requires frameworks of analysis. Criticism is the examination of media from diff erent perspectives; it requires media literacy1 or the ability to make optimal use of the media. Media literate individuals know the fundamentals of media criticism; they possess skills to analyze and enjoy media. In an era when the numinous is omnipresent, media criticism is a vital area of study.
