What is it about?
This article deals with the fact that different Christian churches and denominations use digital media, such as social media, in different ways, for different reasons. Here two Swedish cases are the point of departure for this study – the Swedish rather tech-hesitant Laestadian movement and the more tech-positive charismatic movement (with origin in the Pentecostal movement). Depending on their understanding of themselves and their tradition, and their role in society, their use of digital media is negotiated, and the outcome therefore differs.
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Why is it important?
This work is important because it questions what good and bad use of digital media is, in an objective sense. Depending on internal factors (for example tradition and structures) and external factors (such as the role of religion and digital penetration in specific countries) the use of digital media differs. In other words, it is not a matter of good or bad use, instead, it is a matter of purpose and expected outcomes in specific contexts.
Perspectives
This article questions ideas about good and bad use of digital media. It also questions the concept of digital religion. To me, the study of digital religion in contemporary society must incorporate the study of the non-use of digital media, as well as that the study of religion must relate to how the digital (in many societies) penetrates our lives.
Stefan Gelfgren
Umea Universitet
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Social Media as Periodicals? Tradition and Continuity in Conservative and Charismatic Movements, July 2023, De Gruyter,
DOI: 10.1163/9789004678156_014.
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