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Religion & Media

Media technology has a complex relationship with religion. Many faith communities have noticed that media messages on TV, film, video games, the Web, etc. can influence the attitudes and behaviors of their followers in ways contrary to religious teachings.

On the other hand, technology is providing these same faith communities with many new ways to reach more people with their message, plus new techniques (multi-media, music, etc.) to capture and hold an audience's attention, especially young people.

In late 2006, Fox Faith was launched, a new brand of Twentieth Century Fox’s home entertainment subsidiary that the studio giant is using to label and market family-friendly movies to Christian audiences.

If Christian churches find themselves with problems getting the word out, ChurchMarketingSucks.com, from the Center for Church Communication, uses the Web as a means of providing help.

To help their followers reconcile the teachings of their faith with the "teachings" of our mediated world, many religious communities have developed extensive media literacy educational programs. Some have organized efforts aimed at media reform as a tool for civil and human rights, economic justice and social reform. This article describes speakers on the issue of faith communities and media at the 2005 National Conference for Media Reform.

Check out these organizations, online resources, speakers, and books on these subjects.

Organizations

Act One, Inc. is "a nonprofit organization that trains people of faith for careers in mainstream film and television...[and seeks to provide] special tools for Christians concerned with creating entertainment that will foster in viewers an encounter with God, a sense of connection with others, and deeper knowledge of self."

Center for Media LiteracyThis is a consulting organization based on the former non-profit of the same name. The company's website still has the excellent CML Reading Room, with excellent articles on faith-based media literacy.

The Center for Religion and Media at New York University. This group's goal is to "develop and broaden interdisciplinary and cross-cultural scholarship, pedagogy, and public knowledge of religion and media at New York University. While this project was conceived before September 11, that event and its aftermath have dramatized the need for understanding the spread of religious ideas and practices through a variety of media."

The Jesuit Communication Project. The major work is to encourage, promote and develop media education across Canada. Not strictly a faith-based media education program, these materials were developed by John Pungente, S.J. Excellent materials on film and television.

Sister Rose Pacatte, FSP, is one of the most thoughtful and articulate educators in media literacy. She's a fan of TV and movies -- check out Sr. Rose's Blog.

SIGNIS is "the World Catholic Association for Communications," a non-governmental organization that includes members from 140 countries. It brings together radio, television, cinema, video, media education, Internet, and new technology professionals. Click on Programs for the section on Media Education, one of its eight "priority programs."

United Church of Christ has excellent materials and programs administrated through its Media Justice Advocacy Arm. Its "Why Media Matter" pamphlets cover media issues related to Faith Groups; Immigrant Groups; Labor Activists; Parents, Youth & Families; Independent Artists; Community Organizers; and Environmental Advocates. Free download one pamphlet or the whole set.

The University of Dayton Institute for Pastoral Initiatives creates and implements innovative pastoral initiatives designed to meet the needs of the Church and to articulate faith within the context of the contemporary culture.

Online Resources

GlobalTolerance.com - Global Tolerance is a British "award- winning public relations consultancy and media training company for all organisations that have a positive social message they wish to spread through the media." It trains and advises groups how to increase and improve their media coverage, and runs websites and productions that build understanding between people of different backgrounds. All global tolerance websites reflect our belief in creatively using digital technology to promote religious tolerance and inter faith dialogue. Global tolerance is not affiliated to any political or religious belief system."

Media, Culture and Religious Faith - This is an e-mail discussion group about "the impact of electronic media and media-culture on Christian faith and practice, and the contextualisation of Christian faith in this new media culture." According to Sister Rose Pacatte, advisor to MediaLiteracy.com, this list is " very international and very inter-faith based. Media literacy is discussed but it is one of many topics; justice and education are the prevalent themes. You don't get many postings."

MovieMinistry.com provides "resources, Sermon Illustrations, Bible Studies, FilmTalk Cards and more to assist Pastors, Youth and Lay Leaders in using the power of film to communicate and discuss our relationships with God."

ReligionLink.org is "the only religion story idea and source list by journalists, for journalists." They "strive to help journalists write about religion with balance, accuracy and insight, and [their] story ideas are independent of any religious or political viewpoints."

Wisdom of the World: Media for a Meaningful Life is a California-based media production company that "creates and distributes resources designed to cultivate emotional and spiritual intelligence as we face the transitions of our lives. Using a proprietary technology, Wisdom of the World produces contemplative listening experiences which feature the world's spiritual and humanitarian leaders of our time." Spoken word audio, music and printed resources.

Books

Walter Armbrust. Mass Mediations: New Approaches to Popular Culture in the Middle East and Beyond. Examines how popular culture through mass media defines the scale and character of social interaction in the Middle East.

Dale Eickelman and Jon W. Anderson, editors: New Media and the Muslin World: The Emerging Public Sphere. How today's newest media—fax machines, satellite television, and the Internet—and new uses of older media—audio and video cassettes, cinema, pulp fiction, the telephone, and the press—reshaping belief, authority, and community in the Muslim world