The Internet, Religion, and Popular Culture
Document Type : scientific
Author
Abstract
This paper tries to study the complex relationship between religion, popular culture and the internet. The Internet not only prepares some facilities for religion, but also it’s a site for a new interaction between religion and popular culture. First, the paper points out five features of the Internet which help to extend and promote the religious communication in the cyberspace:
1. deterritorialization and globalization of religious market,
2. religious democratization,
3. anonymity,
4. easy accessibility,
5. trust.
The paper distinguishes between two forms of presence of religion on the net: religion online and online religion. Religion online is a more interactive form of relationship among the faithful. Finally, the paper deals with the presence of popular culture on the net, and its interaction with religion that will lead to a new interpretation of religious beliefs and values in the believers.
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