Mass Media Communication and the Transmission Effects on Religious Beliefs
Abstract
In recent years, religion has been in conflict over the association to the television for several different reasons. One of the most important reasons for this connection is the availability to project a topic or subject to the public in a large setting without leaving the church. However, the older styles of religions do not support this type of modern technology due to the lack of the personnel factor that is included in many religious teachings. Many of the modern religions have taken to this type of display because of the benefits that are available. Support for this style of information dissemination is clearly expressed by modern religion figures. Recent religious figures can be quoted as saying, “Religion and media are overlapping social processes producing and interpreting symbols and rituals through which people express and contest social meaning including their relationship to the transcendent or sacred.” (Campbell, 2010)
This message was delivered from Pope John Paul II for the 23rd World Communications Day in 1989, “The question confronting the Church today in not any longer whether the man in the street can grasp a religious message, but how to employ the communications media so as to let him have the full impact of the gospel message.” (Paulus PP.II, 1989) Mass media has gained significant ground as the “go to” source of accurate news and information. This form of communication has become heavily entwined with current religion events. Though mass media has provided religion with a positive venue in an attempt to gain more visibility and support efforts encompassing beliefs and faith practices. Mass media has also negatively impacted the foundation of religion because it has allowed for the loss of the core meaning of the religion’s belief infrastructure during transmission. Historically, this form of communication works against established religious values. The relationship between mass
In recent years, religion has been in conflict over the association to the television for several different reasons. One of the most important reasons for this connection is the availability to project a topic or subject to the public in a large setting without leaving the church. However, the older styles of religions do not support this type of modern technology due to the lack of the personnel factor that is included in many religious teachings. Many of the modern religions have taken to this type of display because of the benefits that are available. Support for this style of information dissemination is clearly expressed by modern religion figures. Recent religious figures can be quoted as saying, “Religion and media are overlapping social processes producing and interpreting symbols and rituals through which people express and contest social meaning including their relationship to the transcendent or sacred.” (Campbell, 2010)
This message was delivered from Pope John Paul II for the 23rd World Communications Day in 1989, “The question confronting the Church today in not any longer whether the man in the street can grasp a religious message, but how to employ the communications media so as to let him have the full impact of the gospel message.” (Paulus PP.II, 1989) Mass media has gained significant ground as the “go to” source of accurate news and information. This form of communication has become heavily entwined with current religion events. Though mass media has provided religion with a positive venue in an attempt to gain more visibility and support efforts encompassing beliefs and faith practices. Mass media has also negatively impacted the foundation of religion because it has allowed for the loss of the core meaning of the religion’s belief infrastructure during transmission. Historically, this form of communication works against established religious values. The relationship between mass
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