Digital Awakening
Religious Communication in a Virtual World
Keywords:
Autopoiesis, Innovation, New Media, Religious Communication, Social Media Lessons, Virtual WorldAbstract
This paper explores the religious presence and possibilities in the virtual world. An analysis of communication progress leads to the present scenario of new media environment. Based on the idea of revelation and a system of autopoiesis, religion appears like a closed communicator. Religion’s communication needs to be placed within the context of evolving new media environment. Basing on McLuhan’s theory of extension, religious narratives need new forms of presence in the digital world. When it comes to diffusion of innovation (Everett Rogers) the state of religion appears precarious. From a communication perspective adoption of innovation by religion can come under the category of ‘laggards’ and ‘luddites’. The transference of religion`s presence from the real to the virtual demands new innovative and participatory models to serve the digital natives.
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