tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-302863462024-03-07T16:17:56.883-08:00When Religion Meets New MediaExploring the Intersection between New Media, Religion & Digital CultureSoup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.comBlogger205125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-78686325082253324142012-02-07T14:31:00.000-08:002012-02-07T14:31:08.519-08:00Announcing the Launch of the New Media, Religion & Digital Culture Studies Website<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="color: #262121; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-no-proof: no;">With an increased awareness that religion, rather than fading continues to play an important role in contemporary society, academics, futurist and religious practioners have become concerned about the impact new media are having in </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-no-proof: no;">how people conceive<span style="color: #262121;"> of and practice religiosity in the 21<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>st</sup> century. To this end the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Network for New Media, Religion and Digital Culture Studies</i> seeks to highlight this vibrant new interdisciplinary research area and provide scholars, students and independent researcher’s access to key findings and information in this important field of inquiry.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Key to this endeavor the Network has launched a resource web site found at </span><a href="http://digitalreligion.tamu.edu/"><span style="color: blue;">http://digitalreligion.tamu.edu</span></a>, to provide access to cutting edge studies about how religious groups are engaging new media and how new technologies highlight growing trends in lived religious practice online.<o:p></o:p></span></span></span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #262121; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-no-proof: no;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-no-proof: no;">With the support of a grant from <span style="color: #262121;">the </span>Evans/Glasscock Digital Humanities Project at Texas A&M University, the<span style="color: #262121;"> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Network for New Media, Religion, and Digital</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Culture Studies</i> was </span>established in 2010. The central goal of the Network is to house and maintain a collaborative online resource for scholars, students and those interested in studying more extensively the unique dynamics of new media, religion, and digital culture. The Network website (<span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://digitalreligion.tamu.edu/"><span style="color: blue;">http://digitalreligion.tamu.edu</span></a></span><span style="color: #262121;">) </span>features an interactive online bibliography highlighting key scholarly works in this growing research area. The site also features a “scholar’s index” listing key scholars in the field, a blog where guest bloggers highlight important research developments and studies, as well as a newsfeed to keep users up-to-date with upcoming events and publications related to religion and the digital. Seeking to broaden its scope of influence and interaction between scholars and the public Network maintains a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Network-for-New-Media-Religion-and-Digital-Culture-Studies/">Facebook page</a> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-no-proof: no;">as well as a <a href="https://twitter.com%20/?lang=en& logged_out=1#!/nmrdcnetwork">Twitterfeed</a> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-no-proof: no;">where recent studies, news articles and calls for papers are highlighted . By highlighting</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt; mso-no-proof: no;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-no-proof: no;">the latest research as well as cataloguing the foundational studies in this field, the Network serves as an excellent resource for those seeking to contextualize their personal studies and narrow down their research questions. </span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-no-proof: no;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="color: #262121; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-no-proof: no;">Not only is the Network abundant with resources, it has room for growth! Membership is open to any scholars, students or researchers actively working in these areas of study. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apply for membership involves filling out an online application for a new account on the site, along with <a href="http://digitalreligion.tamu.edu/join-network">emailing a briefbiography statement describing the applicant’s reasons for wanting to join the</a> network.Once a member, individuals will be able to add articles to the online bibliography, communicate with other members through the Network, and contribute to the news feed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Due to the launch of the website I will be moving my blogging energies to the new site as well as micro-blogging on the website Facebook page. I encourage you <span style="color: #262121;">"like" and bookmark these pages to keep up-to-date on my work as well as this emerging field.</span></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span>Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-77103801813507221382011-10-26T07:28:00.000-07:002011-10-26T07:29:42.024-07:00CFP for 2012 International Media, Religion & Culture Conference<div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://mrc.anadolu.edu.tr/index.html">The International Conference on Media, Religion, and Culture</a>, organized every two years by the International Society for Media, Religion, and Culture, invites papers for its July 8-12, 2012 conference to be held in Eskisehir, Turkey (outside of Istanbul), at Anadolu University.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><div class="MsoNormal"> </div><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_2144817671"> </a><span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://mrc.anadolu.edu.tr/sub.html">Deadline for paper, panel, workshop, and roundtable proposals</a>: January 31, 2012</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">In contemporary societies, electronic media such as smart mobile phones, satellite television, radio, and laptop computers have become ubiquitous. Although historians point out that world religions have always been mediated by culture in some way, people have incorporated these electronic media into everyday practices, and industries and state organizations have arisen to profit from those practices, in ways that are unprecedented. Today's media can connect people and ideas with one another, but they also foster misunderstandings and reinforce societal divisions. They may provide the means for the centralization of religious authority, or the means to undermine it. Scholars of religion, as well as scholars of media and of culture, must consider how these various societal institutions of the media interact with one another and with systems of religion, governance, and cultural practices, as our societies demand better means by which to understand emergent concerns in an increasingly interconnected, globalized context.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "Trebuchet MS","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">The contemporary location of Turkey has long been the meeting place between Eastern and Western culture, religion, trade, and communication. This conference provides a crossroads for scholars, doctoral students, media professionals, and religious leaders from a variety of religious and secular traditions to meet and exchange ideas. Interdisciplinary scholarship is welcome, as is comparative work, theoretical development, and in-depth ethnographic studies that shed light on contemporary phenomena at the intersection of media, religion, and culture.</span><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">Papers, panels, workshops, and roundtable proposals could address, but should not be limited to:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> * Global and Glocal Media and Religion(s)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">* Mediation and Mediatization of Religion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">* Media and The Boundaries of the Religious and the Secular</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">* Media, Power, Religion and Democracy</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">* Religion and Visual Expression</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">* Crossroads of Old/New Media and Religion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">* Religion, Gender and Media</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">* Dialogue/Conflict: Media and Religion</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">* Islam and Media/ Islamic Media</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">* Social Media, Religion and Cultures</span><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt;">More Information about the International Media, Religion, and Culture Conferences can be found <a href="http://cmrc.colorado.edu/international-conference-on-media-religion-and-culture/">here</a>.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div></div>Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-51999497728284859792011-10-15T14:11:00.000-07:002011-10-15T14:19:00.749-07:00Surveying Our Understanding of Digital ReligionYou are cordially invited to an engaging, upcoming panel entitled" <strong>Surveying Our Understanding of Digital</strong> <strong>Religion</strong>" at the upcoming <a href="http://www.aarweb.org/">American Academy of Religion</a> <a href="http://www.aarweb.org/Meetings/Annual_Meeting/Current_Meeting/">meeting in San Francisco</a>. <br />
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This event will be held on Saturday, 19 Nov 2011 from 9:00 am-11:30 am, in the Telegraph Hill room at the <a href="http://www.intercontinentalsanfrancisco.com/">Intercontinental Hotel</a>. The panel is sponsored by the Media, Religion and Culture group.<br />
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This panel will together bring scholars to reflect on how digital and mobile technologies are changing the field of religious studies by altering and enhancing our understanding how people practice and interpret religion within contemporary culture. It will also feature the work of a forthcoming collection of essays, <a href="http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415676113/">Digital Religion: Understanding Religious Practice in New Media Worlds</a> (Routledge), which explore key issues and questions that arise from religious engagement online. Specifically, panel participants will address how online ritual practice challenge traditional notions of embodiment and spirituality, how the internet informs and challenges traditional notions of religious community/authority, how users construct religious identities in digital environments and how the digital realm is shaping our understanding of the very nature of religion.<br />
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<em>Panelists Include:</em><br />
<a href="http://sociologyandsocialanthropology.dal.ca/Faculty/Chris_Helland.php">Christopher Helland</a>, Dalhousie University, talking about ritual online<br />
<a href="http://www.teol.uu.se/Staff/Mia_Lovheim/">Mia Lövheim</a>, University of Uppsala, taking about identity online<br />
<a href="http://comm.tamu.edu/people/campbell.html">Heidi A Campbell</a>, Texas A & M University, talking about community online<br />
<a href="http://www.uncg.edu/rel/contacts/faculty/Grieve.htm">Gregory Grieve</a>, University of North Carolina, Greensboro, talking about changing understandings of religion online<br />
<a href="http://journalism.colorado.edu/faculty/stewart-m-hoover/">Stewart Hoover</a>, University of Colorado-Boulder [Respondent]<br />
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Please come and join us! And feel free to pass on this information to anyone else you feel who might be interested.Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-17868404917238423902011-10-06T04:32:00.000-07:002011-10-06T04:35:15.496-07:00The Memorialization of Steve Jobs and Digital ReligionToday I am hosting a <a href="http://comm.tamu.edu/digitalreligion.html">Symposium on Digital Religion</a> at TAMU today. Last night I went to bed to the news of Steve Jobs passing and awoke to the blogosphere, twitter-sphere and facebook a buzz with the event and the beginnings of his online memorilization taking shape. Macfans had already declared Oct 14th to be <a href="http://stevejobsday2011.com/">Steve Jobs Day</a> before hearing this news and it is now becoming a day tocommemorate the passing of their leader and prophet. The event's <a href="https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=167358663346841">facebook page</a> has already become a virtual shrine and memory book for people from all over the world. Of course online memorial are nothing new, virtual cemetaries have existed since the mid-1990s, and the internet has become an important tool for grieving fans to gather and create a communal experience around such events. As a scholar interested in the intersection between religion and new media I will be interested to see the religious themes and iconography that emerges in the hours and days ahead as the internet becomes a space to honor the Messianic and <a href="http://www.apple.com/stevejobs/">Revolutionary images of Jobs</a>.<br />
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<object style="height: 390px; width: 640px"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S4HEOVQ4RRs?version=3"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S4HEOVQ4RRs?version=3" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="640" height="360"></object>Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-7491571108656119002011-09-04T14:55:00.000-07:002011-09-04T14:55:44.137-07:00Symposium on Digital Religion at Texas A&M UniversityThis is to announce an upcoming symposium and workshop being held on 6 Oct 2011 at <a href="http://www.tamu.edu/">Texas A&M University</a> on new media, religion and digital culture. The <a href="http://comm.tamu.edu/digitalreligion.html">Digital Religion Symposium & Workshop</a> will explore how new media is shaping our understanding of religion in a networked society. <br />
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This event will feature presentations by recognized experts in this area:<br />
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<a href="http://humancommunication.clas.asu.edu/content/pauline-hope-cheong">Pauline Cheong</a>, Associate Professor of Communication at Arizona State University, presenting her work on authority online especially as they related to Buddhist and Christian engagement with new media<br />
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<a href="http://journalism.colorado.edu/faculty/nabil-echchaibi/">Nabil Echchaibi</a>, Assistant Professor of Mass Communication at University of Colorado-Boulder, presenting on Islam and the Internet and related issues of religious identity negotiation online<br />
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<a href="http://sociologyandsocialanthropology.dal.ca/Faculty/Chris_Helland.php">Christopher Helland</a>, Associate Professor of Sociology of Religion at Dalhousie University (Canada), presenting on issues of ritual and authenticity related to Buddhist & Hindu online contexts<br />
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The symposium will be held 9am-1pm at 410 Rudder Tower on the campus of Texas A&M and will involve presentations by the 3 speakers followed by a panel discussion on what studying religion online has to teach us about social and religious life in an information society.<br />
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The event will also feature a workshop from 2:30-4pm at the Glasscock center library on Researching Digital Culture. This will be an opportunity for faculty and graduate students to learn and ask questions about methodological and ethical issues raised by doing online research in various internet and virtual world environments.<br />
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These events are free and open to the public, but reservations are required for the workshop and lunch. <br />
RSVPs and inquiries related to this event can be directed to <a href="http://comm.tamu.edu/people/campbell.html">Heidi Campbell</a>, Associate Professor of Communication-TAMU (heidic@tamu.edu).Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-5525995706345622512011-08-17T11:52:00.000-07:002011-08-17T11:52:06.965-07:00Recent Articles in Religion and New MediaBelow are some recently published articles (and a PhD thesis) on a variety of topic related to religion and new media from interevangelists to cyberpilgrimage. Included is one by me on religious negotiations of Israeli rabbis and orthodox communities regarding the internet. Happy reading!<br />
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<a href="http://utpjournals.metapress.com/content/10v704n674gjn622/?p=f05471f4dc1a4f29b49bf51521ef3396&pi=0">Denis Bekkering, From ‘Televangelist’ to ‘Intervangelist’: The Emergence of the Streaming Video Preacher, Journal of Religion and Popular Culture.</a><br />
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The present study begins by recovering the origins of the terms “televangelism” and “televangelist.” “Televangelism” first appeared in 1958 as the title of a proselytization project of the Southern Baptist Convention that combined dramatic television programs with efforts to engage viewers in person. “Televangelist” was introduced in 1975 to describe an emerging type of American television preacher, the most successful of whom built powerful parachurch organizations. The neologism “intervangelist” is then presented to label contemporary video preachers broadcasting online. A content analysis of video platforms on the site.<br />
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<a href="http://religion%20and%20the%20internet%20in%20the%20israeli%20orthodox%20context/">Heidi Campbell, Religion and the Internet in the Israeli Orthodox context, Israel Affairs</a>.<br />
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This article provides an overview of research on religion and the Internet within the Israeli context, highlighting how Orthodox Jewish groups have appropriated and responded to the Internet. By surveying Orthodox use of the Internet, and giving special attention to the ultra Orthodox negotiations, a number of key challenges that the Internet poses to the Israeli religious sector are highlighted. Exploring these debates and negotiations demonstrates that while the Internet is readily utilized by many Orthodox groups, it is still viewed by some with suspicion. Fears expressed, primarily by ultra Orthodox groups, shows religious leaders often attempt to constrain Internet use to minimize its potential threat to religious social norms and the structure of authority. This article also highlights the need for research that addresses the concerns and strategies of different Orthodox groups in order to offer a broader understanding of Orthodox engagement with the Internet in Israel.<br />
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<a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1749-8171.2011.00281.x/abstract">Connie Hill-Smith, Teaching & Learning Guide for: Cyberpilgrimage: The (Virtual) Reality of Online Pilgrimage Experience, Religion Compass</a>.<br />
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Despite the profound and growing impact of the internet on contemporary ‘Western’ thought, rationalistic, physically orientated understandings of reality and experience continue to undermine notions that the internet might mediate religious experiences that are as ‘genuine’, meaningful, and transformative as offline ‘equivalents’. The absence of the physical body from cyberspace may be relatively unproblematic for some online religious practices; but ‘cyberpilgrimage’, the practice of undertaking pilgrimage online, is another matter. Interestingly, however, cyberpilgrimage can be viewed as continuing older traditions of semi-ratified virtual pilgrimage stretching back to medieval Europe, and perhaps beyond. The primacy in (terrestrial) pilgrimage experiences of imagination and mind is well-attested and recent years have, moreover, seen huge on-going leaps in technologies ‘linking’ mind and body to computerised systems. The challenge which cyberpilgrimage represents to theory and wider thought is not only great but increasing. This guide suggests an approach to teaching about cyberpilgrimage and the place of ‘the physical’ in cyberspace, especially within religious contexts, with the aim of fostering debate into this vital, compelling, and fast-evolving new field in Religious Studies.<br />
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Kevin Healey,<a href="https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/handle/2142/24142"><span style="color: #0000cc;">The Spirit of Networks: <b>New Media </b>and the Changing Role of <b>Religion </b>in American Public Life</span></a> [PhD Thesis-University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign]<br />
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The Spirit of Networks examines the implications of new media for the future of American religious politics. I argue that we are at a critical juncture in both media and religion, similar to the early days of radio broadcasting. The outcome of that earlier juncture involved an increase in media commercialization and the proliferation of conservative evangelical broadcasters—developments which paved the way for the emergence of the Religious Right. Today, technological and generational shifts have the potential to alter the course of American religious politics. Younger people are more wary of political partisanship and religious hypocrisy, and are more likely to use new technologies as tools of political engagement. These shifts have led some journalists and researchers to pronounce the death of the Religious Right and the emergence of a new Religious Left. The research presented here assesses the potential outcome of this critical juncture by examining the impact of new media technologies on public discourse at the intersection of religion and politics. Through qualitative analysis of newspaper articles, cable news transcripts, and blog commentaries, I demonstrate how new media tend to generate debates about the authenticity and sincerity of public figures. Pundits and bloggers frequently claim to glimpse public figures’ “backstage” identity through video clips, instant messages, and e-mails. In this way, the new media environment generates competing “discourses of authenticity.” Occasionally this dynamic favors independent media sources and grassroots activists. For example the Republican sex scandals, which drove some evangelicals away from the GOP, erupted when liberal bloggers exposed the private messages of conservative congressmen. More often, though, established media industries and political organizations manage to exploit the dynamics of new media to their advantage, leading to what Charles Taylor calls shallow or “flat” debates about authenticity. The scandal that erupted in the summer of 2010 surrounding the firing of USDA official Shirley Sherrod exemplifies a trend that began during the 2008 election, as video clips of Rev. Jeremiah Wright circulated between cable news and YouTube. Media coverage of Wright, and subsequently of Sarah Palin<br />
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Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-49719775349785753352011-07-11T20:44:00.000-07:002011-07-11T20:44:53.367-07:00CFP for Australian Journal of Communication Special Issue on Media & ReligionCall for papers<br />
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SPECIAL ISSUE<br />
Australian Journal of Communication<br />
Issue 39(1) 2012<br />
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Media and religion: The changing landscape<br />
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From a situation just a decade ago where it was considered religion had all but disappeared, religion is back as a significant social, political and economic force. This resurgence is more than just traditional institutions flexing their muscles or rejuvenating their media practices - it reflects a significant reworking of religion within the media marketplace. New religious entrepreneurs are using new media effectively to build global audiences with packages of branded religious and secular content that ignore old religious loyalties and sensibilities and cross previously defined boundaries of sacred and secular. Online networking is making possible de-institutionalised and eclectic experimentations with religious and spiritual themes that are producing new hybridisations of religious ideas and practices. Commercial media organisations are also realising the potential market for spiritual and metaphysical themes, and are producing commercial programs and products in competition with religious bodies to capitalise on this significant market. In the process, old frames of institution-based authority and management are giving way to market-defined religion based on charisma, the attraction and maintenance of audiences, the management of brand, and offering competitive material of consumer value - ideology, images, solutions and products. This special issue will examine this convergent media-religious-cultural landscape and contributions are sought that explore aspects or present research that maps the terrain.<br />
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Final date for submission of full papers 31 OCTOBER 2011<br />
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Send abstracts, any enquiries and completed submissions to the Special Issue Editor:<br />
Professor Peter Horsfield<br />
School of Media and Communication<br />
RMIT University<br />
GPO Box 2476V<br />
Melbourne Vic 3001 Australia<br />
<a href="mailto:peter.horsfield@rmit.edu.au">peter.horsfield@rmit.edu.au</a>Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-22589433355990853362011-07-10T14:46:00.000-07:002011-07-10T14:46:41.528-07:00CFP for Conference Workshop--RELIGION IN CYBERSPACE 2011RELIGION IN CYBERSPACE 2011<br />
<br />
Call for Papers<br />
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You are cordially invited to participate in the workshop 'Religion in Cyberspace 2011' which will take place at the 9th international conference Cyberspace 2011 held in Brno, Czech Republic, 25-26 November 2011.<br />
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Illustrative topics<br />
- religious normative frameworks in cyberspace, networking diasporas,<br />
- religious collaborative environments, on-line counseling, on-line<br />
- fatwas and cyber muftis, new religious movements, religious discourses<br />
- in cyberspace, methodology of online-religion research, rituals in cyberspace etc.<br />
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Note: Authors of accepted papers will be invited to submit their papers for peer review to Masaryk University Journal of Law and Technology (<a href="http://mujlt.law.muni.cz/">MUJLT</a>).<br />
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Important dates<br />
Abstract submission deadline: 31 July 2011<br />
Notice on acceptance deadline: 31 August 2011<br />
Full papers deadline: 31 December 2011<br />
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Abstract formal requirements<br />
Range: max. 1.500 characters incl. spaces<br />
Submission: on-line at <a href="http://www.cyberspace.muni.cz/">http://www.cyberspace.muni.cz/</a><br />
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<a href="http://uisk.jinonice.cuni.cz/sisler/">Vit Sisler</a>,Workshop Chair<br />
Charles University in Prague<br />
Faculty of Arts & PhilosophySoup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-46382620845361354042011-06-28T12:57:00.000-07:002011-06-29T09:19:19.341-07:00Call for Chapters for Collection on “Finding Religion in Digital Gaming”Chapters are being sought for an edited volume, which seeks to map the study of religion in relation to digital games and gaming environments. The book will focus on how video games can be read as religious texts, rituals or experiences, as well as investigations of religious narratives/themes employed in video games and the implications of video games created for religious markets. This book will fill an important gap in the field of game studies by providing an overview of current work in the study of religion and digital gaming, and highlight key questions emerging within this area of inquiry. <br />
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Chapters in this collection should explore issues in one of the following areas:<br />
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(1) Analysis of dominant narratives, characterizations or symbols appearing in religiously-themed games and their implications for our understanding of religious community, identity and/or authority. <br />
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(2) Investigation of the extent to which popular, mainstream games rely on religious strategies, narratives and rituals in game play and implication this has for gamers and the gaming enterprise.<br />
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(3) Critical reflection on the ways digital games and virtual world gaming environments facilitate religious-like ritual or encourage forms of implicit religion (by which secular activities, such as gaming, take on a sacred role or meaning for individuals) amongst players and gaming communities.<br />
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Chapters should also respond in some way to the book’s central research question: How do video/digital games inform or reform our understanding of religion within digital and gaming culture?<br />
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This book is aimed at Indiana University Press’s new Digital Gaming Series and is edited by <a href="http://comm.tamu.edu/people/campbell.html">Heidi Campbell</a>, Associate Professor of Communication at Texas A&M University and <a href="http://www.uncg.edu/rel/contacts/faculty/Grieve.htm">Gregory Grieve</a>, Associate Professor of Religion at University of North Carolina-Greensboro.<br />
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Prospective contributors are invited to submit their initial proposals (500-800 word abstracts) and a biography statement highlighting previous research and writings to the editors by 10 August 2011. Selected authors will be notified by early to mid September 2011. The intent is for invited chapters (of 6000-8000 words) to be submitted to the editors by 15 December 2011. Please send abstracts and any questions to Heidi Campbell (heidic@tamu.edu).Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-73835732154332188302011-06-23T07:05:00.000-07:002011-06-23T07:10:48.096-07:00Recent Articles on Religion and Internet Worth ReadingWhile conducting my my bi-monthly lit review search on religion and the internet I came across a remarkably diverse and interesting range of articles appearing in the first part of 2011 on topics from African Muslims media usage to Orthodox Women in Israel's negotiation with the Internet. I have added these to my current reading list and thought others might want to check out them out as well:<br />
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<a href="http://afraf.oxfordjournals.org/content/110/439/253.short">Jon Abbink (2011) Religion in public spaces: Emerging Muslim–Christian polemics in Ethiopia. Affrican Affairs. 110(439): 253-274.</a><br />
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In Ethiopia, as in other parts of Africa, relations between Christians and Muslims show a new dynamic under the impact of both state policies and global connections. Religious identities are becoming more dominant as people's primary public identity, and more ideological. This development has ramifications for the ‘public sphere’, where identities of a religious nature are currently presented and contested in a self-consciously polemical fashion. This shared space of national political and civic identity may become more ‘fragmented’ and thus lend itself to conflict and ideological battle. This article examines recent developments in the polemics of religion in Ethiopia, and the possible role of the state as custodian (or not) of an overarching civic order beyond religion, as well as the emerging rivalries between communities of faith. A crucial question is what social effects these polemics will have on communal relations and patterns of religious coexistence. Polemics between believers have a long history in Ethiopia, but a new and potentially problematic dynamic has emerged which may challenge mainstream believers, their inter-group social relations, and Ethiopian state policy. Polemics in Ethiopia express hegemonic strategies and claims to power, and are rapidly evolving as an ideological phenomenon expanding in public space. The secular state may need to reassert itself more emphatically so as to contain its own erosion in the face of assertive religious challenges. <br />
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<a href="http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0271530911000309">Patrick Eisenlohr (2011) Media authenticity and authority in Mauritius: On the mediality of language in religion. Language & Communication. 31(3): 266-273.</a><br />
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In this article I suggest that the rapidly growing interest in the intersection of linguistic anthropology and media needs to be accompanied by a deeper investigation of the mediality of language. Discussing Mauritian Muslims’ uses of sound reproduction in religious events revolving around the recitation of devotional poetry, this paper explores how language as a medium converges and interacts with media technologies of other kinds. I suggest that the oscillation between a foregrounding of the medium and its phenomenological withdrawal characterizes the functioning of both linguistic mediation and other media technologies and provides a comparative dimension to examine their interplay.<br />
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<a href="http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a938505849~frm=titlelink">Justin Ferrell (2011) The Divine Online: Civic Organizing, Identity Building, and Internet Fluency Among Different Religious Groups. Journal of Media and Religion. 10(2): 73-90.</a><br />
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The number of religious congregations with Web sites nearly tripled from 1998-2006, and each year another 10,000 congregations launch a Web site (Chaves & Anderson, 2008). Couple this with the fact that 79% of attendees are now in a congregation with a Web site. Scholars of media and religion know very little, however, about the content of these Web sites or what they tell us about the culture of different religious groups. The aim of this article, therefore, is to examine how congregations are constructing Web sites to advertise their identity, organize their followers to get involved in civic and political issues, and provide an interactive space for online participation in actual ministries. Extensive qualitative data were gathered from 600 individual congregation Web sites from nine denominations in 53 different cities across the United States. The results of the descriptive analysis of these data suggest that there is a strong correlation between the “off-line” characteristics of a particular congregation and the “on-line” characteristics of the same congregation. Evangelical congregations tend to have more complex, attractive, and interactive Web sites and fall into the “online religion” camp. Liberal-Protestant and Catholic congregations tend to create static “brochure” style Web sites that emphasize their denominational identity and thus fall into Hadden and Cowan's (2000) “religion online” camp. This study expands our theoretical knowledge about the proliferation of media into, and out of, religious congregations, and offers a broader understanding about how institutions negotiate their online identity in the digital age. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1749-8171.2011.00277.x/abstract">Connie Hill-Smith (2011). Cyberpilgrimage: The (Virtual) Reality of Online Pilgrimage Experience. Religion Compass. 5(6):236-246.</a></span><br />
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Cyberpilgrimage is the practice of undertaking pilgrimage on the internet. Such pilgrimages may be performed for a host of reasons, ranging from idle curiosity to the need to ready oneself, psychologically or informationally, for a ‘real’ (terrestrial) pilgrimage. For some web-users, these experiences may amount to little more than interesting diversions, mildly intriguing ripples in a sea of information and possibility, to be paused upon and pondered briefly before surfing onward to other things. Depending on individual motivations and circumstances, however, they can be deeply charged, transformative, enlightening and profoundly fulfilling on both emotional and spiritual levels. As new as the internet is, cyberpilgrimage is newer; and it seems clear we are witnessing the birth of one of a number of largely uncharted ways by which people are beginning to experience themselves spiritually on the internet. Such experiences tend to be perceived as more self-mediated and, thus, more individualised, liberated and radical than terrestrial experiences of a similar sort (though this is not necessarily the case). This article is intended to explain what cyberpilgrimage can entail, to survey the input to-date of contemporary scholars to the study of cyberpilgrimage; and to offer insight into some of the major debates and questions it raises, in particular with regard to the authenticity of computer-based ‘experience’.<br />
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<a href="http://firstmonday.org/htbin/cgiwrap/bin/ojs/index.php/fm/article/viewArticle/3228">Azi Lev-On & Rivka Neriya-Ben Shahar (2011). A forum of their own: Views about the Internet among ultra-Orthodox Jewish women who browse designated closed fora. First Monday. 4(4)</a><br />
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The paper studies Internet uses and gratifications by ultra-Orthodox women who are members of closed online fora. The fora constitute a unique environment for ultra-Orthodox women, where they can talk amongst themselves anonymously using modern technology, for purposes that may be illegitimate in their community. It was found that the women perceive the Internet as harmful and dangerous to the ultra-Orthodox lifestyle, but as constructive and empowering personally. The paper also studies what relationships women form online and who they discuss their activities with.<br />
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<a href="http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a938608685">Mia Lovheim (2011) Mediatisation of religion: A critical appraisal. Culture and Religion. 12(2): 153-166.</a><br />
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Media as a context for shaping religion in modern society has generally been overlooked in the mainstream sociology of religion. This article discusses the relevance of the thesis of a mediatisation of religion presented by Stig Hjarvard for studying religious transformation in a modern, Western society. Though the theory contributes to sociology of religion through its focus on how the characteristics of modern mass media relate to the processes of secularisation, the narrow approach to religion and to the interplay between modernisation and religion in the thesis so far limits its validity. This article suggests two starting points for the development of a theory to better grasp the implications of mediatisation of religion in the contemporary world; first, an understanding of religion that better acknowledges the complexities of modern religion and second, an understanding of mediatisation that also acknowledges the agency of religious actors to take part in the shaping of media as well as modern society. <br />
<a href="http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a937053411">Dana M. Janbek (2011) Terrorism in the Age of the Internet: The Case of Muslim Arab Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Journal of Religious & Theological Information. 10(1):5-15.</a> <br />
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This study focuses on Muslim Arab extremism online. It specifically looks at the case of Muslim Arab organizations identified by the U.S. Department of State as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. The use of the Internet to communicate extremist rhetoric is not a new phenomenon nor is it one that is particular to Muslims or Arabs. This study simply focuses on this specific subgroup, partially due to the increased scholarly attention to the topic of terrorism and to the public's heightened interest in the Muslim and the Arab world since 9/11. <br />
<sup></sup>Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-24590225353443750292011-06-23T06:14:00.000-07:002011-06-23T06:14:10.870-07:00CFP for special issue of the New Review of Hypermedia and Multimedia on Cultures in virtual worldsCFP: Cultures in virtual worlds, A special issue of the New Review of Hypermedia and Multimedia <br />
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Guest-edited by Jeremy Hunsinger and Adrienne Massanari<br />
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Virtual worlds (VW) embody cultures, their artefacts, and their praxes; these new and old spaces of imagination and transformation allow humans to interact in spatial dimensions. Within these spaces, culture manifests with the creation, representation, and circulation of meaningful experiences. But virtual worlds are not novel in that regard, nor should we make the mistake to assume that they are novel in themselves. Virtual experiences have been around in some respect for hundreds of years, and virtual worlds based in information technology have existed for at least 40 years. The current generation of virtual worlds, with roots over four decades old in studies of virtual reality, computer supported cooperative work (CSCW), sociology, cultural studies, and related topics, provide for rich and occasionally immersive environments where people become enculturated within the world sometimes as richly as the rest of their everyday lives. <br />
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We seek research that encounters and investigates cultures in virtual worlds in its plurality and in its richness. To that end, we invite papers covering the breadth of the topic of cultures in and of virtual worlds. Some possible areas/approaches of inquiry:<br />
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1. How culture of virtual worlds affect relationships <br />
2. VW interfaces and culture/s <br />
3. Hidden subcultures/communities in virtual worlds <br />
4. Ages and VW cultures <br />
5. Emic and etic experiences of virtual worlds <br />
6. Producing VW cultures <br />
7. Traditional cultural/critical studies inquiries of VWs <br />
8. Transnational or cosmopolitan cultures in/of VWs<br />
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While all forms of scholarship and research are welcome, we prefer theoretically and empirically grounded studies. We seek a Special Issue that exemplifies methodological pluralism and scholarly diversity. The use of visual evidence and representations is also encouraged. We especially seek pieces that investigate virtual worlds that have received little scholarly attention.<br />
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Submission guidelines<br />
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This special issue is Guest-Edited by Jeremy Hunsinger (Virginia Tech) and Adrienne Massanari (Loyola University Chicago). Queries regarding the Special Issue should be directed to them at jhuns@vt.edu and amassanari@luc.edu. The Guest-Editors welcome contributions from both new researchers and those who are more well-established. Submitted manuscripts will be subject to peer review.<br />
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Length of papers will vary as per disciplinary expectations, but we encourage articles of around 7000 words (longer articles may be possible, if warranted). Short discussion papers of around 3000 words on relevant subjects are also welcomed as 'Technical Notes'. Detailed author submission guidelines are available online at http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals/journal.asp?issn=1361-4568&linktype=44.<br />
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Papers must be submitted via the journal’s online submissions system: http://mc.manuscriptcentral.com/tham Please indicate that your submission is for the Special Issue on Culture in Virtual Worlds.<br />
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The special issue will be published in summer 2012.<br />
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Important dates: <br />
November 11, 2011 Paper submission deadline<br />
February 10, 2012 Author notification<br />
May 5, 2012 Final copy due <br />
Summer 2012 PublicationSoup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-86647029627192532582011-03-08T08:12:00.000-08:002011-03-08T08:12:45.544-08:00International Conference on Digital Religion 2012<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">The <a href="http://cmrc.colorado.edu/">Center for Media, Religion, and Culture</a> at the University of Colorado-Boulder has announced an International Conference on Digital Religion, to be held 12-15 January 2012 in Boulder, Colorado, USA.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">‘Digital Religion” today includes a myriad of examples: an evangelical mommy blogging community, a Jewish online dating service, a virtual pilgrimage of the Muslim ritual of Hajj, offering Poojas on an online Hindu Temple service, a YouTube series of an ex-Catholic nun, the invention of Kosher phones, playing "Al-Quraysh", a Muslim video game, an Anglican Church on Second Life, or a religious iPhone app like iTalk to God. What is striking about the proliferation of this digital religious culture is not only the creative adoption of new technologies, but also the challenges and possibilities these technologies offer for religious meaning-making in modern society. Both individuals and religious institutions today vigorously appropriate interactive forms of media generating new religious deliberative spaces, religious publics and counterpublics, and competing sources of authority, and collapsing in the process old boundaries of what constitutes the religious realm. </span><br />
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This international conference will bring together scholars of media and religion and producers of digital religion content from a variety of religious traditions to reflect on the implications of these developments. Papers and panels may address, but should not be limited to questions such as: <br />
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Theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of digital religion Relationships between offline and online forms of religious practice The emergence of networked religious communities The cultivation of authority and legitimacy in digital religious spaces Digitization of religion and the implications for scriptural text dissemination and reception Mediatization of religion in digital spaces Technological mediation and religious authenticity Representations of religion in digital platforms Intersections of religion and the market Influence on the religious public sphere questions of mundane, "banal" or "implicit" religion Digital religious transnationalism Religious aesthetics and sensations in digital forms Religions and spiritualities in social networking Generational and demographic difference and issues<br />
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Digital Religion is a conference of the Center for Media, Religion, and Culture. For more information or for the full CFP, contact: Stewart M. Hoover, Director: <a href="mailto:hoover@colorado.edu">hoover@colorado.edu</a>, or Nabil Echchaibi, Associate Director: <a href="mailto:nechchai@gmail.com">nechchai@gmail.com</a>.Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-12599716943258916422010-10-30T07:47:00.000-07:002010-10-30T07:48:09.809-07:00New Publications in Religion and the InternetAfter doing a regular bi-monthly literature review online I have come across a few neew studies and articles on religion and the Internet that look worth checking out.<br />
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First in Islam and the Internet, the journal <a href="http://www.springerlink.com/content/1872-0218/">Contemporary Islam</a> has published a piece by Heather Marie Akou has written an article entitled <a href="http://www.springerlink.com/content/w41770g620200607/">Interpreting Islam through the Internet: making sense of hijab</a> that focuses on how the Internet has emerged as a place where Muslims from diverse backgrounds can meet to debate ideas such as wearing the hijab.<br />
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In the study of Buddhism a Recent PhD from University of Queensland-Australia entitled <a href="http://espace.library.uq.edu.au/view/UQ:194261">Buddhist Meditation Through the Medium of the</a> Internet investigates extent to which the rituals constitutive of the Buddhist practice of meditation have been achieved by Cybersanghas. Joanne Miller studies online mediation websites to look at the limitation of online religious experiences.<br />
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The journal of Asian Social Science has published a study on interface between religiosity and Internet use of Filipino migrants in Japan that creates long-distance ritual practice entitled <a href="http://journal.ccsenet.org/index.php/ass/article/view/4410/0">Religiosity Online: Holy Connections with the Homeland by Filipino Migrants in Japan</a>. <br />
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I highly recommend Sanderson & Cheong's study of how fans of deceased celebrities create and disseminate web-based memorials using new social media practices in <a href="http://bst.sagepub.com/content/30/5/328.abstract">Expanding Tweeting Prayers and Communicating Grief Over Michael Jackson</a> Online in the journal the <em><a href="http://bst.sagepub.com/content/current">Bulletin of Science Technology</a> Society.</em><br />
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And finally, I am looking forward to reading Bobkowski & Kalyanaraman's study on the <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-5906.2010.01522.x/full">Effects of Online Christian Self-Disclosure on Impression</a> Formation in the <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10.1111/(ISSN)1468-5906">Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion</a> which looks at the extent to which Christian identity is assumed in social networking profiles by viewers.<br />
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Happy Reading!!Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-8249519051090683172010-09-25T08:09:00.000-07:002010-09-27T10:47:09.339-07:00Review of When Religion Meets New Media<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today I came across a review of my new book </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1744525329">When Religion</a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.routledge.com/books/details/9780415349574/"> Meets New Media</a> that appeared this month in </span><a href="http://cscc.scu.edu/trends/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Communication Research Trends</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, a quarterly journal focused on state of the field and review essays on research related to media, religion and culture. I was pleasantly surprised to find this summary and assessment written by <span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">Claire Badaracco of Marquette University online, and honored by her description of my book stating...</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><em>Heidi Campbell examines how religions negotiate borders and the social and cultural processes of meaning-making using new media technology. This work has advanced the field as Campbell makes a compelling case for her argument that a robust scholarly approach within the study of media, religion, and culture is needed as it applies to media technology. The author provides the rigorous, comprehensive level of analysis grounding her discussion in the history and traditions of the community as determinative of the currency and wisdom informing new media use, and how orthodox and fundamentalist believers' "core values" (p. 88) contextualize their uses of new media. </em></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><span style="line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To read the full review which provides a detailed description of the book's contents check out this </span><a href="http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_7081/is_3_29/ai_n55207929/"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">link</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span></span></span>Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-31082576303060139522010-09-22T05:23:00.000-07:002010-09-22T05:23:17.509-07:00Considering Inter-Religious Dialogue OnlineOver the past decade there has been continued debate as to whether the internet simply encourages communities of consensus or can be used to bridge communication gaps and encourage diverse and heterogenous <span style="background-color: #f3f3f3;">relations. The Huffington Post engaged these issues recently in an article entitled </span><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/joshua-stanton/cyber-dialogue-the-future_b_708054.html" id="title_permalink" title="Permalink"><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">Cyber Dialogue: The Future of Interreligious Engagement</span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: white;">.</span> In it the author stress how social networking sites help to religious communities communicate their messages internally and externally and asks to what extend can/do online forums encourage inter-religious dialogue. He sites successful examples such as <a href="http://www.patheos.com/Resources/Additional-Resources/Cyber-Dialogue-Future-of-Inter-Religious-Engagement.html">Patheos</a>. Othe notable examples could be <a href="http://www.childrenofabraham.org/homePage.html">Children of Abraham</a> or <a href="http://www.beliefnet.com/">Beliefnet</a>.<br />
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Related to this a <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_782996501">call </a><span class="UIStory_Message"><a href="http://irdialogue.org/articles/call-for-nominations-contributing-scholars-to-state-of-formation/">has been issues for nominations and self-nominations for Contributing</a> Scholars for a new blog, called State of Formation. The blog is sponsored by <span style="color: black;"><a href="http://irdialogue.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: black;">Journal of Inter-Religious Dialogue</span></a><span style="color: black;">, in partnership with the </span><a href="http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/"><span style="color: black;">Parliament of the World's Religions</span></a> and seeks to engage religious and philosophical thinker on<span style="color: black;"> questions related to life in a religiously pluralistic society. The call goes out to young scholars and/or religious leaders who are currently learning about and reflecting on religious and moral issues who see a unique opportunity for public dialogue and mentoring on issues related to inter-religious discourse. The program also offers travel grants. Apply <a href="https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dEYtSlVfbjJscXVQUHVNZjQ4M0p0WlE6MQ">here</a>.</span></span></span>Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-26674495995575994702010-08-24T06:43:00.000-07:002010-08-24T07:40:25.724-07:00Can an online community be a church ? IRS says "No"!A recent ruling by the <a href="http://www.wordiq.com/definition/United_States_Courts_of_Appeals">U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit</a> puts an interesting spin on the online community/church question. According to their decision in the case <a href="http://www.fhu.com/">Foundation for Human Understanding</a> verses the US, a religious organization that primarily holds their worship services on the Internet (or radio), did not meet the <a href="http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-tege/eotopica92.pdf">Internal Revenue Code's definition of a "church</a>." That means they are not eligible for tax-exempt status.<br />
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The criteria for what makes a church is not cut and dry. The IRS states that the entity must have a recognized creed and form of worship; a formal code of doctrine and discipline; a membership not associated with any other church or denomination; ordained ministers selected after completing prescribed studies; and holds regular religious services.While an online or cyber-church can arguably have many or most of these characteristics they still hold "electronic ministry" does not fit the criteria (see <a href="http://www.law.com/jsp/article.jsp?id=1202470154549&Federal_Circuit_Groups_Internet_and_Radio_Worship_Does_Not_Meet_IRS_Definition_of_Church">summary at Law.com</a>).<br />
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The official court <a href="http://www.cafc.uscourts.gov/images/stories/opinions-orders/09-5129.pdf">ruling</a> is meant to crack down of online entities collecting money for bogus purposes and organization, however this also a huge ideological impact on the nature and definition of religion online.<br />
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The full ruling it explains this online church failed meet a <a href="http://www.t-tlaw.com/cf-14.htm">14 criteria test</a> set out by the IRS on the form/function of a church. This includes proving it is "a cohesive group of individuals who join together to accomplish the purposes of mutually held beliefs". Therefore, by my reading, to legally be considered a church there would need to be things in place like formal record keeping, defined authority structure online/offline and ability to clearly define membership and host a "gathered" annual membership meeting etc. This force any online church to function within offline boundaries/structures if they want to be considered/protected as a church and remain tax-exempt. So to have validity the online will be forced to establish offline structures of accountability. That seem an important shift to me.Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-87975485895021857732010-08-23T14:36:00.000-07:002010-08-23T14:36:50.468-07:00CFP: Special Issue of CyberOrientCall for Papers for Special Issue of <a href="http://www.cyberorient.net/">CyberOrient: Online Journal of the Virtual Middle East</a> <br />
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Today we witness an unprecedented proliferation of the internet and satellite television as well as growing interdependency of various media outlets in the Middle East and the Muslim world. This process includes media that morph into each other, messages that migrate across boundaries, and social networks that utilize multiple technologies. The unanticipated assemblages formed by these media contribute simultaneously to preserving traditional cultural norms and religious values while asserting cosmopolitan and global identity; appealing to a local audience while addressing transnational communities; and asserting conformity with existing political order while fueling resistance and public discontent. Therefore, this special issue of CyberOrient aims to transcend the media-centric logic and to analyze the impact of the internet and new media in the light of the interdependency and hybridization within broader social, cultural and linguistic context of the Middle East and the Muslim world.<br />
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<strong>Aims and Scope</strong><br />
The special issue of CyberOrient aims to bring together the state of the art research dealing with the growing influence of the internet and new media in the Middle East.<br />
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<u>Key questions include:</u><br />
- What opportunities for representation have the internet and new media created in the Middle East, and how has it influenced popular culture, language and norms?<br />
- Does the proliferation of sites by individuals from various cultural backgrounds democratize political and religious behavior in the Middle East?<br />
- What does the internet and the social networks it enables offer to groups who have not traditionally had access to an open public domain for expression, especially women and marginalized sects?<br />
- Does the wide range of views posted on the internet foster tolerance and greater understanding on current issues of political and religious strife?<br />
- What is the impact of the virtual Islamic community on the practices of Muslims worldwide?<br />
- How does access to internet cafes and global connections influence cultural norms in Middle Eastern societies?<br />
- What role do new media such as video games and video clips play in the identity construction of Middle Eastern and Muslim youth?<br />
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<strong>Submission Details</strong><br />
Please, submit a manuscript no longer than 8000 words to the editors as an e-mail attachment to Daniel.M.Varisco@hofstra.edu and vsisler@gmail.com no later than 1 December 2010. Please format your submission as follows:<br />
<br />
- Cover page with your name, affiliation, address, article titlwe<br />
- Second page with article title, abstract (150-200 words) and three or four key words. Do not put your name on this page or on the pages of the following text.<br />
- Article with references at the end, following the AAA format(<a href="http://www.aaanet.org/publications/guidelines.cfm">http://www.aaanet.org/publications/guidelines.cfm</a>).<br />
<br />
Please note all papers will be subject to anonymous peer review following submission.<br />
<br />
<strong>Important dates</strong><br />
1 December 2010: Deadline for manuscript submission<br />
15 January 2010: Announcement of results of peer-review<br />
1 March 2011: Publication of special issue<br />
<br />
<strong>Inquiries and submission of manuscripts should be addressed to:</strong><br />
<br />
Daniel Martin Varisco, Daniel.M.Varisco@hofstra.edu<br />
Vit Sisler, vsisler@gmail.com<br />
<br />
<strong>About the Journal</strong><br />
<a href="http://www.cyberorient.net/)">CyberOrient </a>is a peer-reviewed journal published by the Middle East Section of the American Anthropological Association in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts of Charles University in Prague. The aim of the journal is to provide research and theoretical considerations on the representation of Islam and the Middle East, the very areas that used to be styled as an “Orient”, in cyberspace, as well as the impact of the internet and new media in Muslim and Middle Eastern contexts.Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-30586232066679199482010-08-10T05:34:00.000-07:002010-08-10T11:20:10.040-07:00On Religious Apps in a Mobile world<a href="http://www.cyberorient.net/"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">CyberOrien</span></a>t is an Online Journal on the "Virtual Middle East" hosted by the website <a href="http://www.digitalislam.eu/">Digital Islam</a>. It's latest issue features a piece by Gary Bunt on <a href="http://www.cyberorient.net/article.do?articleId=3817">Surfing the App <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Souq</span>: Islamic Applications for Mobile </a>Devices, which is worth checking out. As his abstract states:<br /><br />This article introduces issues associated with Islamic apps for mobile devices, and surveys some of the products that have emerged into the market. It considers the potential impact of mobile phone interfaces in relation to interpretations of Islam and the use of Islamic resources, given that mobile devices have widened potential audiences for online materials in various forms, especially in areas where other forms of digital access may be more problematic. The article also explores some of the religious and ethical concerns associated with mobile phone use.<br /><br />There has been a lot of interest in the press on religion and mobile technologies and apps, such as the Vancouver Sun's piece last week on <a href="http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Faith+smart+phones+commune+religion+apps/3357790/story.html">Faith and Smart Phones</a> and Fox's coverage of <a href="http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/08/03/faith-smart-phones-commune-religion-apps/">Religious Apps</a>. <a href="http://faculty.ithaca.edu/rwagner/">Rachel Wagner </a>is doing some interesting work in this area and I for one look forward to her forthcoming book called <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><em>Godwired</em></span> that will look in detail at religious engagement/framing of technology in a digital, mobile world.Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-69019457371793207522010-08-08T13:39:00.001-07:002010-08-08T13:39:33.651-07:00CFP: Continuum Approaches to Digital Game Studies Book SeriesDouble CFP: Continuum Approaches to Digital Game Studies Book Series (Edited Collection on Digital Role-playing Games and Edited Collection on First Person Shooters)<br /><br />These two collections will be the first two titles in a larger series of edited volumes, Approaches to Digital Game Studies, published by Continuum. Each book in the series will be organized around a thematic or functional genre of game. Although digital game genres and the criteria for defining such genres are contested and dynamic categories, exploring the promises and pitfalls of genre is precisely one of the goals the series hopes to accomplish. Additionally, the series will bring the insights of a variety of scholarly disciplines to bear on the analysis of digital games in order to better understand the nature of this medium, its role in reshaping civic life and its impact on the production, circulation and contestation of global and local cultures.<br /><br />Potential chapter contributions will be vetted by the series Review Board and invited manuscripts will be reviewed by the series Editors and approved by the Review Board. <br /><br />Series Review Board:<br />Mia Conslavo, University of Ohio<br />James Paul Gee, Arizona State University<br />Helen Kennedy, University of the West of England* <br />Frans Mayra, University of Tampere<br />Toby Miller, University of California, Riverside*<br />Torill Elvira Mortensen, IT University Copenhagen*<br />Lisa Nakamura, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign <br />Gareth Schott, University of Waikato <br />Mark JP Wolf, Concordia University Wisconsin<br />(* indicates commitment still subject to final contract)<br /><br />Series Editors:<br />Gerald Voorhees, High Point University<br />Joshua Call, Grand View University<br />Katie Whitlock, California State University, Chico<br /><br />>>> Edited Collection on Digital Role-playing Games: "Dungeons, Dragons and Digital Denizens: Digital Role-playing Games"<br /><br />One of the most popular and culturally significant game genres, digital role-playing games (RPGs) generate a rich tapestry of technologies, players, communities, cultures and commercial forces. This edited collection, provisionally titled, "Dungeons, Dragons and Digital Denizens: Digital Role-playing Games," is designed for a broad academic audience and will feature essays that either examine specific games or consider the genre as a whole.<br /><br />We invite scholars and critics to contribute to this edited collection of essays exploring the theory and criticism of digital RPGs. The collection will publish essays on digital RPGs that engage the theory and criticism of console, computer and/or massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs). However, contributions not focused on MMORPGs are especially encouraged. <br /><br />Contributions from all academic disciplines and geographic regions are invited. The collection and series aim to advance theory and criticism by bringing different voices and perspectives into conversation. However, critical inquiry is preferred. <br /><br />All contributions must be the original work of the author and cannot be published elsewhere, unless author retains copyrights. For co-authored essays, all authors must agree to submission of work.<br /><br />For consideration, please send an abstract to gamestudies.books@gmail.com by September 15, 2011. Abstracts should be 500 words and must outline a theoretically grounded approach to a specific game or set of games. Completed essays must be 7000 words (including notes and references) and Continuum uses Chicago Manual of Style for references. Reprints will be considered on a case by case basis.<br /><br />Provisional Timeline:<br />Abstracts will be accepted until September 15, 2010<br />Abstracts will be evaluated and requests for manuscripts will be issued by October 15, 2010 <br />Completed manuscript will be required by January 15, 2010<br />Revisions must be completed by March 1, 2011<br /><br />>>> Edited Collection on First Person Shooters: "Guns, Grenades and Grunts: First Person Shooter Games"<br /><br />Known for their graphical extravagance and social recognition, first-person shooters have long held a highly visible position among digital games. This edited collection, provisionally titled, "Guns, Grenades, and Grunts: First-Person Shooter Games" is designed for a broad academic audience and will feature essays that either examine specific games or consider the genre as a whole.<br /><br />We invite scholars and critics to contribute to this edited collection of essays exploring the theory and criticism of FPS games. The collection will publish essays on FPS games that engage the theory and criticism of console, computer and hand-held FPS games. <br /><br />Contributions from all academic disciplines and geographic regions are invited. The collection and series aim to advance theory and criticism by bringing different voices and perspectives into conversation. However, critical inquiry is preferred. <br /><br />All contributions must be the original work of the author and cannot be published elsewhere, unless author retains copyrights. For co-authored essays, all authors must agree to submission of work.<br /><br />For consideration, please send an abstract to gamestudies.books@gmail.com by November 15, 2011. Abstracts should be 500 words and must outline a theoretically grounded approach to a specific game or set of games. Completed essays must be 7000 words (including notes and references) and Continuum uses Chicago Manual of Style for references. Reprints will be considered on a case by case basis.<br /><br />Provisional Timeline:<br />Abstracts will be accepted until November 15, 2010<br />Abstracts will be evaluated and requests for manuscripts will be issued by January 1, 2011 <br />Completed manuscript will be required by April 1, 2011<br />Revisions must be completed by July 15, 2011<br /><br />Queries and questions may also be sent to gamestudies.books@gmail.com. <br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Gerald Voorhees, Ph.D.<br />Assistant Professor of Games and Interactive Media<br />Nido R. Qubein School of Communication<br />Drawer 33<br />High Point University<br />High Point, NC 27262-3598<br />Tel: 336.841.9174<br />Office: Qubein 356<br />www.communication.highpoint.edu/Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-40877121152924480412010-07-30T07:07:00.000-07:002010-07-30T09:45:35.441-07:00Is Apple Really A Religion? And dealing with the aftermath of being miquoted by Fox NewsIn the past 24 hours I have <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">received</span> a steady stream of email from angry Mac Fans and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">virulent</span> online critics regarding the research conducted by myself and a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">colleague</span> on religious <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">language</span> and imagery associated with the iPhone. (see <a href="http://nms.sagepub.com/content/early/2010/05/11/1461444810362204.abstract">How the iPhone Became Divine: New Media, Religion and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Intertextual</span></span></span> Circulation of Meaning</a>) Most of these seem to be linked to an article on Fox News that was originally titled "Christian, Jew ... iPhone? Apple Is the New Religion, Academics Say" but was later changed to "<a href="http://www.foxnews.com/scitech/2010/07/28/new-religion-apple-say-academics/">For Apple Followers, It's a Matter of Faith, Academics Say</a>".<br /><br />An interesting part of the back story is that I was never actually interviewed by Fox for the article, which seems to have caused so much of a stir. I did <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">receive</span> an email from a freelance journalist who writes for Fox and who asked me the following (leading) question via email.<br /><br /><em>"This is obviously intended as more than an analogy, but is the religion aspect a way of explaining the Apple phenom or a way of explaining/warning about how it has actually become a religion?"<br /></em><br />Since I was traveling that day and had 15 minutes to check out of my hotel I simply emailed him a copy of the article and the following brief response.<br /><br /><em>"The religious like behavior and language surrounding Apple devotion/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">fandom</span></span></span> could be interpreted as an example of 'implicit religion', where secular activities/rituals & artifacts take on sacred like attributes due to how they are used and viewed by some fans. Implicit religion demonstrates technology use can take on a religious role or quality in postmodern culture when it substitutes for belief and behaviours once attached to religion and religious practice."<br /></em><br />I also emailed him my cell number to call me for further clarifications, which he did not. From this brief interaction via email he deduced that I was making the claim that “Apple is a religion” which in my opinion I was not and is a gross generalization taken way out of context. It also resulted in bothersome email backlash, and several scathing online critiques of our research. So I though I would set record straight to what the article claims.<br /><br />The article is essentially about how tech <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">bloggers</span></span></span> and journalists used the term "Jesus phone" in relation to the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">iPhone</span> in different <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">venues in </span>2007 to communicate different, and often conflicting, meanings about the iPhone before and after its launch. My co-author and I argue that there is a close and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">interestingconnection</span></span> within popular culture discourse between technology and religion. Invoking religious language and images provides flexible tools for meaning making, i.e the calling the iPhone the Jesus phone was used by some <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">bloggers</span></span></span> to praise its infallibility or and by others to critique it as an example of flawed fanatic fervor.<br /><br />In one section of the article we do state fan culture can exhibit attributes of what “implicit religion”, where secular practices can perform a religious function for some people or exhibit characteristics of the sacred (i.e. notions of transcendence, adherence to recognized core beliefs and rituals, etc.). In the case of apple this tendency amongst some of its fans has helped build brand loyalty over time in certain respects and weather controversies like tech/pricing issues in 2007 when the iPhone was launched and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">attenagate</span></span></span>.<br /><br />I do hope future journalist covering this story will actually read the article (and actually interview me) before critiquing this study rather than rely on 3rd party reports. While not a pleasant experience it is going to be a great example for my Media Ethics & Cultures of Journalism lectures this fall on how media message get circulated online and the consequences of bad journalistic practices in the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error"><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">blogosphere</span></span>. It is also a lesson to me in that journalist have a hard time comprehending and translating complex, nuanced ideas, even when one tries hard to make them clear and clarify their context. And even when you don't speak, you may still be misquoted.Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-85331723119973091822010-07-23T10:27:00.000-07:002010-07-23T10:42:42.057-07:00iPhone 4 and brand culture as religionToday <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/">the Atlantic </a>has an article entitled <a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2010/07/the-varieties-of-religious-experience-how-apple-stays-divine/60271/">The Varieties of Religious Experience: How Apple Stays Divine</a> which looks at how Apple may weather the recent "<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">attenagate</span>" deficiency in the iPhone4. I am quoted in the article highlighting the idea that Apple functions as a religious-like brand cult and so generates religious like behaviors and sentiments from Mac Fans that build trust in and devotion to the product even in the face of criticism.<br /><br />The article also cites a recently published co-authored piece my myself and a colleague wrote for <a href="http://www.newmediaandsociety.com/">New Media & Society</a> entitled <a href="http://nms.sagepub.com/content/early/2010/05/11/1461444810362204.abstract">How the iPhone Became Divine: New Media, Religion and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Intertextual</span> Circulation of Meaning</a>, were we consider why and how religious language, imagery gets linked to technology (specifically the iPhone) to demonstrate that there is a long tradition of equating technology with religion/magic/spirituality and how religion can become a unique & flexible framing and interpretive discourse related to techno- products and cultures in American popular culture. It is interesting how our article coming out(though written in 2007) at the same time there has been a lot of discourse in the popular media about <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/skye-jethani/apple-the-new-religion_b_624332.html">Apple being a form of tech-religion</a>.Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-83311688046817093252010-06-10T15:09:00.000-07:002010-06-10T15:32:24.925-07:00Back from Hiatus: CFP UpdatesAfter a nearly 2 month hiatus brought on by the end of term madness and illness I am back to blogging. I have been <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">microblogging</span> at the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=147898082571&ref=mf">New Media, Religion and Digital Culture group </a>at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Facebook</span> and encourage you join and keep posted with news updates there as well.<br /><br />A number of interesting conference have emerged in the past 6 weeks some of you might be interested in dealing with religious/cultural groups and their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">engagement</span> with different forms of new media.<br /><br />The Pontifical University in Rome is offering a one-week seminar called <a href="http://www.church-communication.net/">The Church Up Close: Covering <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Catholicism</span> in an Age of Benedict XVI</a> held 6-12 September 2010 especially geared at traditional and new media journalists.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">CRASSH</span> at the University of Cambridge has issued a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">CFP</span> for a conference to be held 14-16 Oct 2010 on New Media & Alternative Politics: Communication Technologies and Political Change in the Middle East and Africa.<br /><br />A <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">CFP</span> has been released by Brigham Young University for an upcoming <a href="http://ce.byu.edu/cw/mmstudies/papers.cfm">conference on Mormon Media Studies</a> to be held 11-12 Nov 2010 with a stream looking at new media and the M<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">ormon</span> church.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">CFPs</span> is also announced for the <a href="http://cyberspace.muni.cz/english/search.php?rsvelikost=uvod&rstext=all-phpRS-all&rstema=12&stromhlmenu=12">Religion in Cyberspace workshop </a>which will take place at the 8<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">th</span> international conference Cyberspace 2010 held in Brno, Czech Republic on 26-28 November 2010.<br /><br />An finally Registration information is also now available online for the upcoming International <a href="http://www.journalism.ryerson.ca/websites/cmrc2010/index.aspx">Conference on Media, Religion & Culture in Toronto</a> to be held 9-13 August 2010.<br /><br />It's an interesting time to be studying religion and new media.Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-61039440585015415402010-04-15T20:28:00.000-07:002010-04-15T20:37:45.333-07:00Postdoc in Religion and MediaThere is an opening for an interesting <a href="http://blog.humlab.umu.se/?p=1882">post-doc position within digital humanities</a> in 2010 hosted by the University of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Umeå</span> in Sweden under the <a href="http://blog.humlab.umu.se/postdoc2010">theme is “Religion and media</a>”. The Postdoc also has the opportunity to be associated with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Jørgen</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">Straarup</span> and Stefan <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Gelfgren</span>’<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">sproject</span> “<a href="http://blog.humlab.umu.se/?p=1247">Pinocchio goes to church</a>: the Religious Life of Avatars”.<br /><br />The Position runs for one year at approximately <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">SEK</span> 200 000 (tax free) and requires residency in <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">Umeå</span>, Sweden. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">HUMlab</span> is an internationally recognized center for the humanities and information technology. Much of the work takes place in a 5,300 square feet studio space at the center of the university and in different kinds of digital and hybrid environments. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">HUMlab</span> is based on a double affiliation model where much of the work is done in close collaboration with the humanities (or other) departments. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">HUMlab</span> offers an open, friendly, creative and intellectually rich milieu for doing work in the humanities and information technology. Full details can be found at: http://blog.humlab.umu.se/?page_id=1806Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-58263250953373865562010-04-08T21:18:00.000-07:002010-04-08T21:22:52.800-07:00Theology and The Legend of Zelda: CFPI was contacted by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Jonny</span> Walls about and interesting project on theology and gaming. He is looking for contributors for a book tentatively title: The Legend of Zelda and Theology. I promised I would help him out by posting is Call for abstract here, so if you are interested check out the details below...<br /><br />I (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Jonny</span> Walls) am editing the book, The Legend of Zelda and Theology, which is to be published by Sideshow Media Group, a Los Angeles based multi-media company.<br /><br />The articles will be roughly 3500-4500 words in length. Within them we will focus on the way that the symbolism, storytelling, characters and imagery within the Zelda universe can be used to reflect the Christian story. We are NOT trying to prove that the Zelda games are in fact preaching a Christian message; we will be using Zelda’s rich mythology as a lens through which we may examine Christian theology, and give others another approach to the faith.<br /><br />Some possible topics for articles include but are not limited to:<br /> <br />-The great flood of the Wind <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Waker</span> and the great flood of the Old Testament; The theology of a loving yet wrathful God.<br /><br />-The twilight realm from Twilight Princess and the shadow world from A Link to the Past, and the theology of Purgatory.<br /><br />-Awaiting the Hero of Time (specifically the people in The Wind <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Waker</span>) and awaiting the Messiah.<br /><br /> -The nature of the Video Game and the theology of Predestination.<br /><br />-Theology of Life, death, the afterlife and the soul as seen in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Majora</span>’s Mask.<br /><br />-<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Ganondorf</span> and the Theology of the Devil.<br /><br />-The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Triforce</span> and the Trinity <br /><br />These are just a few very surface level suggestions. To, for example, point out the way the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Triforce</span> and the Trinity share some shallow similarities would not alone suffice. What we want to do is use these types of topics as starting off points that our readers may use to get oriented and feel at home within the Zelda universe, and then go into a much deeper look at the Christian virtues that are present in all great fantasy, Zelda included. Please feel free to come up with your own ideas and submit them. If you are interested please e-mail me back at <a href="mailto:walls.jonny@gmail.com">walls.jonny@gmail.com</a>Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30286346.post-59178165666879548982010-03-16T07:23:00.000-07:002010-03-16T07:35:32.448-07:00SSRC & the New Landscape of the Religious BlogosphereRecently the <a href="http://www.ssrc.org/">Social Science Research Council </a>released a report on the <a href="http://blogs.ssrc.org/tif/religion-blogosphere/">new landscape of the religion <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">blogosphere</span></a> that mapped an analyzed the top 100 religion blogs to look at their influence on religious discourse and the academic study of religion. Especially interesting is <a href="http://blogs.ssrc.org/tif/religion-blogosphere/religion-blogosphere-3/">section 3 </a>which discusses the shape of religion <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">blogosphere</span> which seek to categorize the range of blogs and their approach to religion.<br /><br />Last week the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">SSRC</span> asked me and several other academics to respond to the report and the question: How are new media—from blogs and social networking sites to mobile technologies and other forms of digital connection—shaping and reshaping the practice of religion? After some thought, here was my response:<br /><br />More than reshaping the practice of religion, I would argue that the uptake of new media by religious <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">practioners</span> and the resulting forms of religion online points to larger cultural shifts at work in the practice and perception of religion in society. New media tools support networked forms of community, encourage experimentation with religious identity construction and self-presentation and promote the drawing from multiple and divergent religious sources and encounters simultaneously. This encourages an open, fluid and individualized form of religious engagement ,which compliments what many scholars have noted as a move towards “lived religion” where media resources serve as tools to help redefine religious practice contemporary life (see <a href="http://pewforum.org/docs/?DocID=510">Pew’s Religion Among Millennial’s report</a>). Yet this religion online is clearly intimately connected to offline religious engagement, serving as a supplement and compliment to the ways many people engage religion offline. In a recent study I found that there are a variety of motivations for religious blogging: from a desire for a more integrated online-offline religious experience, a chance to engage in new levels religious discourse, wanting to make their private spirituality public or hoping to create new spiritual networks with like minds. Blogger’s motivation were also frequently linked to their religious or theological tradition, their beliefs about religious authority, and the offline roles or positions they held within a given faith community. Thus religious blogging seems to be embedded and connected to individual’s offline practices and convictions. (see <a href="http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/123248037/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=">Religious Authority and the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">Blogosphere</span></a>) So I would argue paying careful attention to religious practice and belief online is important, because it provides a forum in which to study in a nuanced way the nature and practice of religion in the global information society.<br /><br />To read other scholars reflections on the report and the question posed check out this <a href="http://blogs.ssrc.org/tif/2010/03/16/new-media-and-the-reshaping-of-religious-practice/">link</a>.Soup Twin-1http://www.blogger.com/profile/02445972640508482428noreply@blogger.com0