About This Book

This volume is an attempt to organize the thinking and dialogue occurring among theologians and communication theorists and practitioners – as they explore connections between the two areas of thought and practice in today’s global, digital world. Individuals, and their writings, included in this book (from many nations) have been reflecting upon how communication studies and practice (including much digital communication) can enrich theology and religious practice today.

Somewhat analogous thinking has been done, exploring liberation theory, practice, and theology, resulting in what has been known for decades as liberation theology. And, more recently, much writing and thinking has been developed linking feminist theory and practice, with theology, resulting in what some call feminist theology. These dialogues have enriched theological thought. Communication specialists ask: “How can theology not be changed by the ever-present communication challenges – from self-communication to global digital networks? First, we present here introductory frameworks, for example examining communication systems throughout history, the cultural-contexts in which these systems existed, and their impact on religious thought and practice. The varied texts then go on to trace how Communication and Theology studies have developed – sometimes referred to as “Communication Theology” or CT.

Sections three and four in this volume reflect the further development of Communication Theology thought, with examples of the wide-ranging dialogue among theologians (of varied theological specialties), and communication specialists. Many of these texts were presented at a growing number of CT conferences held around the world; in addition to formal presentations, these meetings allowed much thinking-together over coffee breaks and conference meals. Section five takes us to many of these conferences, with many presenters and text titles revealed.

The next section (six) deals extensively with reflections on practical case studies, for example: media coverage of papal visits; the sexual abuse issue within churches; hackers; leadership issues (like the US bishops’ conference); communication training (or the lack of it) in seminaries; and other issues “on the ground”.

Section seven introduces a variant, Communicative Theology, developed in Europe. The individuals who formulated this very practical version of CT have provided concepts and historical development. The success of this approach is demonstrated by the hundreds of those who attend their meetings, contributing to the solid research behind this work. This Communicative Theology work has been enriched by the thought of Ruth Cohen and several texts explore and explain Cohen’s work done in both the U.S. and Europe, and now being studied by Muslims, and other religious groups. The model of Theme-Centered Interactions (TCI), developed by Cohen, plays a key role in conceptualizing Communicative Theology in Europe.

The volume concludes with a section listing many book titles that are valuable for all those interested in how communication and theology can mutually enrich each other.