Digital Religion: Understanding Religious Practice in New Media Worlds

Digital Religionoffers students a critical and systematic survey of the study of the internet and new media. It provides a detailed review of major themes and topics in the study of religion and the internet and new media, combining these with case studies which help students understand the thematic explorations. A range of new media forms are explored including blogs, cell phones, Second Life, video games and religious websites. Buddhism, Christian, Hinduism, Islam and Judaism are all covered. Part 1 covers key topics including authenticity, authority, identity and ritual. Part 2 features a series of case studies across the internet, new media and the world's religions. Part 3 covers theoretical frameworks, ethical issues, theological reflection and the future of religion and new media. Students will find the book's structured approach along with its critical literature reviews invaluable in helping them develop deeper understanding of the field and further study.