AN EXPLORATORY ANALYSIS OF RELIGIOUS COMMUNICATION AND PRACTICES IN THE ERA OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATION PLATFORMS

Abstract

This paper was an exploration of religious communication and practices among adherents in the era of digital platforms. The paper precisely looked at how the emergence of digital platforms is redefining the way religious information is communicated and how religion is practiced among adherents. The paper argued that digital platforms are no doubt redefining how religious information is disseminated as well as how members practice their religions. Specifically, it was argued that religious leaders, groups and organization have embraced digital platforms in order to reach, engage and connect with its audience in new ways, bringing religion outside the confines or church or temple and into the pockets of practitioners/followers. Platforms such as Facebook, blogs, texting and streaming media are beginning to transform the ways religious groups interact and enhance their sense of community. With the advent of digital platforms, religious adherents have a new means of both practicing and speaking their faith. Christian pastors and priests, Jewish rabbis, Muslim imams, Hindu gurus, and even the Dalai Lama now all use sites like Facebook and Twitter to reach out to their communities.