Description: This book explores British media coverage and representation of religion and contemporary secular values and is set in the context of wider debates about the sociology of religion and media representation. The authors consider the media portrayal of Christianity and public life, Islam and religious diversity, atheism and secularism, and popular beliefs and practices, and draw on research conducted in the 1980s and 2008-10 to assess what has changed in the last 25 years.
Review Quotes: '... surveys with intelligence the changing media landscape in relation to religion...' Church Times 'For us researchers in the Nordic Region, the dimensions of this programme are the stuff of dreams. It's time to make more space on the bookshelf!' Olav Hovdelien, Notater Om Religion Og Samfunn What the authors show - tellingly, and with great skill - is that there is a new story emerging. Religion is being reclaimed in the secular sphere and in public life. It is being wrestled out of the hands of religious leaders, and debated, commented upon and refracted in new ways that appeal to the wider public. Modern Believing 'Recommended.' Choice 'Portrayals of Religion and the Secular Sacred, which examines the British media, is therefore a useful and welcome addition to the few such studies in Britain.' Communication Research Trends 'Media Portrayals is well presented account of some carefully conducted research. Readers may especially enjoy the chapter on media representations of Christianity in public life, which exposes the biases and agendas of the media outlets studied...a stimulating read for those interested in how religious beliefs of all sorts are represented within the media.' Anvil