Media, Religion and Culture: An Introduction

Religion has always been shaped by the media of its time. Religious individuals, communities, and institutions use media as tools to communicate, but also as locations where they construct and express identity, practice religion, and build community. This lively book offers a comprehensive introduction to the contemporary field of religion, media, and culture. It explores

• the religious content of media texts and the reception of those texts by religious consumers who appropriate and reuse them in their own religious work.
• how new forms of media provide fresh locations for new religious voices and identities to emerge.

Thoroughly updated, this second edition of Media, Religion and Culture features case study examples from both established and new religions, and each chapter is followed by insightful Reflections from leading scholars in the field. Illustrated throughout, the book also contains discussion questions and a glossary of key terms.

Jeffrey H. Mahan is Ralph E. and Norma E. Peck Professor Emeritus of Religion and Public Communication at Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado. He has also served as affiliate faculty at the Center for Media, Religion and Culture at the University of Colorado in Boulder.

James H. Thrall is Knight Distinguished Chair Emeritus for the Study of Religion and Culture at Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois.