The paradox of our times is that, we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less. We read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We build more computers to hold more information. These are days of throwaway morality, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet and to kill. It is a time when there is much in the show window, and nothing in the stockroom. Indeed it’s all true.
Today, what is the role of religion in the lives of the people? We are more attuned to secularism then religion. One would advise the other not to mix up religion with the secularism. Religion is considered to be altogether a different entity and whereby, secularism is left to be by itself. Values promoted by secularism are widely spread and dominant. Today ecclesiastical documents are hardly of use for any government proves. Some people do not give importance to Church documents since they are of very less value in the secular world. The broken marriages are settled or separated lawfully in the civil court than in the church. Corruption is the trend of profit making. Relationships are mostly getting better for business purpose.
We are trained to be polite and gentle for business relationships. This is exactly what is called de-Christianization in the world of today. We need to work ardently towards re-Christianization today by using the effective means of social digital communication. This paper attempts to show ‘Media as a means for re-Christianization.’
Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
2. MASS MEDIA
2.1. FUNCTION OF MEDIA
2.2. TYPES OF MEDIA
3. CHURCH AND MEDIA TODAY
3.1. CONTRASTS AND TENSIONS
3.2. TEMPTING ATTRACTION
3.3. NEW BEGINNING
3.4. EVANGELICAL ENTHUSIASM
3.5. THROUGH TROUBLED WATERS
3.6. ATTRACTION OF INTERNET EVANGELISM IN THE WEB WORLD
4. NEED FOR RE-CHRISTIANIZATION
5. MISSION OF RE-CHRISTIANIZING THROUGH MEDIA
5.1. CHALLENGING SITUATIONS FOR RE-CHRISTIANIZATION
5.2. STIMULATE A PUBLIC DIALOGUE OF FAITH
5.3. CHRISTIAN ALL ROUND EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT
5.4. PARTICIPATION AND NETWORKING
5.5. CHURCH’S NET MISSION
5.6. CHRIST-ORIENTED COMMUNICATION THROUGH MEDIA
5.7. CHRISTIAN WITNESS - CORE OF THE MESSAGE
5.8. UPHOLD A CULTURE OF RESPECT, DIALOGUE AND FRIENDSHIP TO RE-CHRISTIANIZE
5.9. AUTHENTICITY OF LIFE IN THE DIGITAL MEDIA
6. CONCLUSION
Objectives and Topics
This paper examines the role of modern media and digital communication as essential tools for the re-Christianization of contemporary society, which is increasingly influenced by secular values. It explores how the Church can effectively utilize electronic media and internet platforms to promote Gospel values, foster genuine relationships, and address the challenges posed by de-Christianization in a globalized, technological world.
- The influence of mass media and electronic communication on modern society.
- The historical and contemporary relationship between the Church and media technologies.
- Strategies for utilizing digital platforms for evangelization and mission.
- Addressing the conflict between secularism and Christian values in the digital age.
- The importance of fostering dialogue, respect, and authentic human connections through digital media.
Excerpt from the Book
1. Introduction
The paradox of our times is that, “we have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less. We read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom. We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We build more computers to hold more information. These are days of throwaway morality, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer to quiet and to kill. It is a time when there is much in the show window, and nothing in the stockroom. Indeed it’s all true.”
Today, what is the role of religion in the lives of the people? We are more attuned to secularism then religion. One would advise the other not to mix up religion with the secularism. Religion is considered to be altogether a different entity and whereby, secularism is left to be by itself. Values promoted by secularism are widely spread and dominant. Today ecclesiastical documents are hardly of use for any government proves. Some people do not give importance to Church documents since they are of very less value in the secular world. The broken marriages are settled or separated lawfully in the civil court than in the church. Corruption is the trend of profit making. Relationships are mostly getting better for business purpose.
We are trained to be polite and gentle for business relationships. This is exactly what is called de-Christianization in the world of today. We need to work ardently towards re-Christianization today by using the effective means of social digital communication. This paper attempts to show ‘Media as a means for re-Christianization.’
Summary of Chapters
1. INTRODUCTION: This chapter introduces the paradox of modern times, characterized by secularism and de-Christianization, and proposes the use of media as a necessary tool for re-Christianization.
2. MASS MEDIA: This chapter defines the concepts of 'mass' and 'media' and explores their multifaceted functions, including information, entertainment, and advertising, as well as the evolution of media types.
3. CHURCH AND MEDIA TODAY: This chapter analyzes the historical and ongoing relationship between the Church and modern electronic media, highlighting both the challenges of secular influence and the opportunities for evangelism.
4. NEED FOR RE-CHRISTIANIZATION: This chapter discusses the conflict between world values and religious values, arguing that societal trends like secularism necessitate a deliberate effort towards re-Christianization.
5. MISSION OF RE-CHRISTIANIZING THROUGH MEDIA: This chapter explores practical strategies for the Church, including media education, networking, and the promotion of a culture of respect, dialogue, and authenticity in digital spaces.
6. CONCLUSION: This chapter summarizes the paper's argument that media is the most powerful communication tool available and calls for the faithful to use it responsibly to promote Gospel values and genuine human relationships.
Keywords
Re-Christianization, Mass Media, Digital Communication, Church, Secularism, Evangelization, Electronic Media, Internet, Technology, Gospel Values, Media Education, Religious Dialogue, Digital World, Christian Witness, Social Networks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental theme of this seminar paper?
The paper focuses on the necessity of re-Christianizing contemporary society by utilizing modern media and digital communication tools to counteract the influence of secular values.
What are the primary areas covered in the document?
The work covers the definition and function of media, the history of the Church's involvement with media, the conflict between secularism and Christian values, and practical strategies for using digital platforms for the Church's mission.
What is the core objective of the research?
The primary goal is to demonstrate how social and digital communication can be effectively employed by the Church to promote Gospel values and foster authentic human connections in a secularized world.
What scientific methods were used in this work?
The paper utilizes a theological and analytical approach, drawing on ecclesiastical documents, existing literature on media studies, and sociological perspectives to evaluate the intersection of Church mission and digital technology.
What does the main body of the paper discuss?
The main body examines the evolving nature of media, the Church's adaptation to electronic and internet-based communication, the challenges of modern de-Christianization, and the specific roles of media education and professional engagement in the Church's mission.
Which keywords best characterize this publication?
Key terms include Re-Christianization, Mass Media, Digital Communication, Secularism, Evangelization, and Christian Witness.
How does the author define the role of the Church in the digital age?
The author argues that the Church must be a proactive participant in the digital world, using new technologies not just for broadcasting, but for fostering honest dialogue, human relationship, and the transmission of faith.
What is meant by the term "de-Christianization" in this context?
It refers to the process where secular values, which often prioritize profit and individual convenience over traditional morality, replace Christian values in the daily lives, family structures, and social relationships of people.
Why is the "culture of respect and dialogue" emphasized in the final chapters?
The author emphasizes this because the digital environment can easily become impersonal or superficial; thus, the Church must intentionally promote honest, genuine encounters to ensure that digital communication leads to true human and spiritual growth.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Albert Fernandes (Autor:in), 2011, Media as a Means for Re-Christianization, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/386204
