Description:
What are the ecclesiological challenges and opportunities raised by technology? How have developments related to the COVID-19 global health crisis impacted churches, forcing a swift move to mediated and online worship? And how will this change the shape churches of theological and programmatic choices for years to come?
Drawing together a diverse group of theologians and media scholars, this volume considers the key theological question churches and religious leaders need to engage with as they look towards long term strategies involving church life and technology.
Brief description: Heidi A. Campbell is Professor of Communication, affiliate faculty in Religious Studies and a Presidential Impact Fellow at Texas A&M University. She teaches undergraduate and graduate course in digital media, religious studies, and communications. A leading international expert on religious communities' negotiation with technology and the Internet, she is the author of 10 books, and over 100 journal articles and book chapters.
Review Quotes:
'In a time when the role of the digital world is being experienced by many for the first time, Ecclesiology for a Digital Church has come along at just the right time. Assembling an array of scholar-practitioners from a global perspective, this book takes on this issue theologically, sociologically, and practically. For those perplexed about the tension between reach for a church and embodiment, this collection helps you sort things out. It is a needed work for a time of transition for the church that is reflective and wise.' -- Darrell L. Bock, Dallas Theological Seminary
'This is such an important book for both theologians and sociologists. Heidi and John have brought together a wealth of experience and thought from across the world to offer their own thoughts on what is means to be church in the digital age. This book helps us grasp the Church's global response to the COVID pandemic and how digital played its own part in an ongoing revolution in church practice. It is a must read for students, pastors, researchers and professors alike.' -- Pete Phillips, Spurgeon's College, UK