A study has been conducted to collect the opinion of digital religious teachers and students to find out the outreach of digital technologies for various temple services, rituals and extension services. Data has been analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. The results showed the interest, acceptance and amalgamation of digital technology into religion of candidates and teachers and the concerned literature confirmed the same.
The participants in this study belong to different religions of the World. Digital religion is religion on digital media and also an amalgamation of all of the societal and cultural aspects of religion with all segments of the digital society. Digital religion studies analyses and discusses how different religious practices incorporated, absorbed and acknowledged digital technology into their religious lives. The main attention of the present article is, to explore religious practices with emerging digital technologies in contemporary culture. The present article provides an outline of the development of digital religion studies and some of the practical approaches usually applied in this area. Societal and cultural influence on digital technology and vice versa has been looked within the arena of digital and religious studies. Though digital religion study is an upcoming area, it is a unique research area with unfolding of extraordinary results.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. The concept of Digital Religion
3. Methodology
4. Profiles of digital religious teachers and candidates
5. Analysis of results
6. Discussion
7. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Core Themes
This study aims to examine the integration of digital technologies into religious practices by collecting insights from religious teachers and students. It seeks to understand how modern digital tools, such as the internet and mobile applications, impact traditional rituals and temple services, particularly within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic and contemporary cultural shifts.
- Acceptance and amalgamation of digital tools in religious life.
- The impact of digital religion on ritualistic modes of worship.
- Comparative analysis of traditional versus digital religious practices.
- The influence of social media and online connectivity on religious communities.
- The role of digital platforms in maintaining religious continuity during crises.
Excerpts from the Book
The concept of Digital Religion
Terms like “religion” and “media” can be understood and articulated differently in various social, cultural and geographical locations (Hutchings, et al., 2020). For some people religion is a part of culture and inseparable from their daily lives, for some it is so ‘sacred’ that they have high regard for the same and some others no regard at all.
The “digital religion” concept is investigated as a way to encompass a society with internet technology impacts and influences the culture and religion (Ivanov, 2018). From the daily ritualistic practices to pilgrimages, many things are digitalized. For example, by watching YouTube some of the rituals can be practiced. Online bookings start from darshan (the meeting of a devotee of Hinduism with a holy person or guru, Collin’s dictionary, 2021) to different forms of rituals in temples. Apart from this, services like advance booking for accommodation and the other such services are common.
Digital Religion refers to not only religion, which is carried out online, but also the way digital media interrelate with religious practice and belief (Zeiler, 2019). Digital Religion is online religious activities and the interrelation of digital media with religious practice and belief.
Summary of Chapters
Introduction: Provides the foundational context of how internet technology and media challenge and reshape traditional religious practices in modern society.
The concept of Digital Religion: Defines digital religion as the intersection of online media and religious practices, highlighting how technology has become a mechanism for ritual performance.
Methodology: Details the research approach, including the use of online questionnaires and telephone interviews to collect qualitative and quantitative data from 97 teachers and various candidates.
Profiles of digital religious teachers and candidates: Describes the demographics and the diverse methods of engagement (online vs. traditional) utilized by the study participants.
Analysis of results: Presents the findings regarding teacher and student perspectives on the necessity, convenience, and perceived threats of digital religious practices.
Discussion: Analyzes the broader implications of these findings, focusing on how religious organizations adapt to social distancing and the potential for long-term transformation of religious communities.
Conclusion: Summarizes the study’s findings, acknowledging the significant role of digital technology in contemporary religion while maintaining that it serves as a supplement rather than a complete replacement for traditional structures.
Keywords
Digital religion, religious practices, online rituals, application of digital technology, internet, social media, modernization, religious teachers, students, ritualistic needs, COVID-19, communication, virtual community, religious belief, digital society.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research study?
The study focuses on exploring how digital technologies, such as the internet and mobile applications, are being adopted and integrated into religious practices and temple services across different traditions.
What are the primary thematic fields covered?
The main themes include the amalgamation of digital media into religious life, the shift in ritual performance, the impact of the pandemic on religious interaction, and the cultural influence of digital tools on faith.
What is the primary research question?
The research investigates how emerging digital technologies influence, facilitate, or challenge contemporary religious practices and how religious communities adapt these technologies to their specific needs.
Which scientific methodology was utilized?
The research employed a mixed-method approach, utilizing both qualitative and quantitative analysis based on data collected through online questionnaires and telephone-based interviews with religious teachers and candidates.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the conceptualization of digital religion, the profiles of practitioners, the analysis of survey results regarding the transition of rituals to online formats, and a discussion on the future of religious interaction.
How would you summarize the work using keywords?
Key terms include Digital religion, religious practices, online rituals, application of digital technology, internet, and social media, among others, reflecting the intersection of faith and technology.
How did the COVID-19 pandemic specifically affect the findings?
The pandemic acted as a catalyst that accelerated the adoption of digital religious services, forcing many traditional communities to rely on virtual platforms to maintain contact and perform religious rituals during times of social distancing.
Is digital religion considered a complete substitute for traditional practices?
According to the study's conclusions, while digital religion is user-friendly and convenient, it is not viewed as a complete replacement for traditional, physical religious practices and personal interactions.
- Quote paper
- Dr. Pratibha Mallu (Author), 2021, Digital religion studies. Exploring religious practices with emerging digital technologies, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1011231
