The Unavoidable Dialogue: 5 Interfaces Between Theology & Communication
[Gregorian Dissertation by Daniel J. Felton – Summary prepared by Frances Forde Plude.]
Interface & Sources
1. Theology and Communication
Paul Soukup
Communication and Theology
2. Communicative Theology
A. Van der Meiden, “Appeal for a More Communicative Theology”
3. Systematic Theology of Communication
John Orme Mills as cited in Soukup
Gaston Roberge cites on iconsphere in Semiological Reflection on a Theology of Communication”
Robert Webber and Emil Santos
4. Pastoral Theology of Communication
Communio et Progressio (1971); Guide to the Training of Future Priests Concerning the Instruments of Communication (1986)
Latin American Bishops’ (DECOS-CELAM) of Medellin (2968) and Puebla (1979)
5. Christian Moral Vision of Communication
Clifford Christians, Media Ethics; Robert Rutherford Smith; Michael Traber, Communication For All
Evangelii Nuntiandi (1975)
Communio et Progressio (1971)
Determinants/Horizon
Theology borrows theories, method models from communication science to reflect upon religion
Standing in the field of communication looking at the horizon of theology
Not a theology of communication, but rather a communication-centered, communication-oriented theology
One stands within the theory and practice of theology looking at the horizon of communication
Seeks to build a theoretical systematic, theological study of the phenomenon of communication, as a specific discipline, or within the sphere of systematic theology
One stands in the field of pastoral theology looking at the horizon of communication
One stands in the field of moral theology looking at the horizon of communication
The communication is primarily the horizon (reality) of communication practice and policy-making
Concepts & Categories
The major topics are: religious self-understanding, attitudes toward communication, Christian uses of communication, Christian ethics/advocacy
Organizing principles and perspectives: linguistics, aesthetics, cultural, dialogic theories, models
Theologians must know these constructs to ensure the integrity of what is borrowed: meta-theories of communication systems and methods: discourse, contexts, and texts
Takes culture seriously: its influence on the ways we think, speak, write
Should develop knowledge about the communicative human being: encoding, decoding messages; how people process media content
Looks at how theology self-consciously uses and is formed by communication constructs
Theology is self-consciously informed by communication; its content, as in theology, and product (disseminating theology)
Church documents have urged an explicit theology of communication
This usually draws upon communication found in a theology of revelation, trinity, incarnation, doctrinal development.
These theological categories tend to be existential and presume a “conversionist” understanding of Christ and culture.
Emphasizes practice (ministries, catechesis, preaching, counseling, etc.)
Examines emerging patterns of communication in local Christian communities and evolving forms of popular communication as in Latin America
Need for a theology that has appropriated communication theory and cultural studies (i.e. a habit of theologizing about communication on pastoral situations).
Key area is ministry of formation (going beyond training in media use)
Addresses moral dimension of communication practice and policy making within the church and ethical issues human communication
Issues include: news; media evangelization; media culture and the family; freedom of expression in the church; advertising; privacy; elite ownership of media
Posits communication is a human right
Need to address the social justice of participatory and democratic communication within churches and the global society
Framework for Future Study
What is the theology underlying communication?
How is theology illuminated or systematized internally by the communication constructs?
What is the nature of communication being explored by theology (communication theory, methods)?
How will theology be more communicative, understood?
Is there a model of communication self-consciously contained process (how it develops communicative theology)?
Will the theological content be vhanged?
What is the nature of communication to be systematized?
What are the practical issues that can be addressed this way?
Webber suggests a biblical framework (creation, incarnation, man and sin, redemption)
What is the cultural context for this communication concern?
How can solid theological grounds be established for the communication concerns faced within ministries?
How will current practical practice change as we gain new theological insights into communication?
What are the implications for moral theology of raising ethical issues on communication practice and policy making?
How would these findings change pastoral practice and policies within the Christian church?