The Mediatization of Religion When Faith Rocks [Hardcover]

Filling a significant gap in the literature by offering a theoretical framework by which we can understand the issues of media, religion and politics Luis Mauro Sa Martino asks how can a religious denomination have any sort of influence on people in a secular age? The author presents data which suggests that the presence and influence of religion in public affairs around the world has been strongly supported by the use of media communication, and highlights the way some religions have adopted media communication and drawn on popular culture to build their message. The use of media enables a religion to reach more people, attract more members and generate more income but also increases religious influence on public matters. The book offers a number of case studies and contemporary examples to illustrate the theory, and will be essential reading for all students and scholars of media, politics and all those interested in the part religion plays in our society.Contents: Preface; Introduction: addressing the questions; Part I Dimensions of Mediated Religion and the Public Space: Mediation and mediatization of religion, a North-South dialogue; What makes religion suitable for mediatization?; Mediated religion in a mediatized society: the public visibility of religion. Part II Mediated Religion, Religious Practices and Culture: High-mediated, low-mediated, and some differences among denominations; The politics of the body, appearance and aesthetics in mediated religion; Borrowing styles from the media; Conclusions: Social networking? Yeah, we do that. Jump in and join us!; Bibliography; Index.Dr Luis Mauro Sa Martino is Senior Lecturer at Casper Libero Faculty of Media and Communication in Sao Paulo, Brazil. He has published several articles and six books on Media Theory and Cultural Studies, focusing mainly on identity, religion and popular culture.