Transformation by Media; Reflections by Religion

by Sylvie Shaw

In his article in The Routledge Companion to the Study of Religion, Gordon Lynch (2010:549) asks: 'In what ways are particular forms of media and popular culture implicated in transforming contemporary [lived] religion?'

In answering his own question, Lynch is critical of the mediatization theory of religion which he suggests results in a 'linear' or one-way influence of media products on religion. Instead he argues for seeing the interconnection between religion and media as a vital two-way process in which religion can affect or 'act on' the media, and in turn, media can influence or 'act on' religion, specifically the expression of lived religion in contemporary culture.

In reviewing this interconnected triad between religion, media and popular culture, Lynch points out that religions which do not keep pace with mediated approaches may risk a loss of adherents, especially younger believers. Religion needs to speak to 'religious sub-cultures', so 'adherents feel part of a wider collective, learn and maintain aesthetic and sensory regimes for encountering their vision of the sacred, and find reinforcement for particular ways of seeing and acting in the world.' (552).

These issues about how to see and act in the world were highlighted on Good Friday, 2012, when Anglican leaders raised differing perspectives of the 'darkness' apparent in Australian society. The Anglican Archbishop of Brisbane, Dr Phillip Aspinall pointed to the use of social media and youtube as damaging cultural values and social harmony by being used as 'a weapon for bullying, brutality and destruction.' (Sydney Morning Herald 2012).

In contrast, the Archbishop of Melbourne,  Dr Phillip Freier, saw the 'darkness' in society in the growing equity gap between rich and poor, highlighting the corporate world's high profits and reluctance to share its wealth. He singled out the banks and mining companies for failing both their employees and the nation as a whole. As a counter to this financial bonanza, he referred to the actions of the global Occupy Movement which promoted the need for intimacy between the common-wealth, the common good, and moral and social responsibility.

Other Anglican leaders across the country were similarly critical of social networking and continuous political reporting. Bishop Stuart Robinson of the Canberra Goulburn diocese focused on the Twitter barrage and the 24/7 news cycle, saying they lead to a social disenchantment and lack of trust of both politics and politicians. His view was supported by the Anglican Archbishop of Adelaide, Jeffrey Driver, who called on politicians to 'lead the nation, openly, selflessly and with integrity.' (Hegarty 2012).

All Anglican leaders promoted a vision for change, a change resplendent in the vision of the story of resurrection and renewal, for hope and selfless service. In particular, Archbishop Driver stated: '"In the story of Jesus we see that renewal begins with openness, vulnerability and a willingness to sacrifice institutional privilege in order to give and serve without heed for self.' He especially noted the need for religion to promote these values - and 'renew its influence in the modern world.' (Hegarty 2012).

As Gordon Lynch warns above, religions need to get relevant or lose influence. Australian religious leaders have heeded the warning and recognised the need to promote their product. But there's a catch. This easter they are using the very same mediated 24/7 news cycles and social media networks they are critical about.  

Questions

- Why are religious organisations having their cake and eating it too (criticising mediated practices while utilising them)?

- Do you imagine that mainline religions will lose adherents unless they become socially relevant?

- What is your view of Lynch's perspective - get active, get modern or lose members?

References

Hegarty, A. 2012. Politicans told to think about others at Easter. The Advertiser, http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/national/politicians-told-to-think-about-others/story-e6freooo-1226320202585

Lynch, G. 2010. Religion, media and cultures of everyday life. In J. Hinnells, Ed., The Routledge companion to the study of religion. 2nd edn., Abingdon, OX: Routledge.
Sydney Morning Herald. 2012. Social media bad for society: archbishop. Sydney Morning Herald, April 6, http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/social-media-bad-for-society-archbishop-20120406-1wgho.html

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