Week 2: Popular religion and popular media
Post by Caitlin Lidbetter
Discussing Birgit Meyer (2012) and the relationship between media and religion

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Meyer's assertion is that forms of media are "intrinsic to religion" (162) and that ultimately media and religion can, and do, work together in complimentary and co-dependent harmony. I found this idea very interesting when considering the role media, particularly social media, has in the changing technological landscape we find ourselves inhabiting as constant consumers of media. We are always texting, typing, blogging, posting aren’t we? In that case how many of us are consuming religion through forms of social media? How many of us are consuming forms of religious or spiritual content through media without realising it?

Meyer (2012) looked at the interaction between religion and media in the rise of Pentecostalism in Ghana (162) where there was a distinct "intersection of Christianity, media and entertainment" (163). Pentecostal religions with charismatic leaders and interactive rock concerts have adopted forms of media and social media to create a transcendental experience for adherents. What I find most interesting after reading Meyer (2012) is the notion that "the adoption of new media does not happen in a vacuum, but is bound up with broader social and cultural processes" (164). For years we've seen these passionate and eccentric concerts and church services broadcast on television networks however in 2013 we are seeing multiple religions take hold of social media and forms of mass media in new ways. In my opinion the tools of the 21st century; smart phones, laptops and tablets, are becoming more readily available and accessible to the masses. The individual is empowered by the smart phone, the individual has a voice with the internet. It is what individuals do with this voice and empowerment that is important.