1st Edition
Digital Culture and Religion in Asia
This book critically analyses the functions and interconnectedness between religion and digital media in a range of East Asian countries. It discusses both how religious organizations make use of new technologies, and also explores how new technologies are reshaping religion in novel and interesting ways. Based on extensive research, the book focuses in particular on Christianity in South Korea, Neo-Shintoism in Japan, Falun Gong in China and Islam in Southeast Asia. Offering a comparative perspective on a broad range of media practices including video gaming, virtual worship, social networking and online testimonials, the book also investigates the idea that use of technology in itself mirrors religious practices. With an analysis of the impact of religion and new technology on national consciousness in a range of geographical locations, the authors offer a broadening of the scope of the study of religion, culture and media.
Introduction: Understanding Digital Culture and Religion in/of Asia 1. Digital Christianity in Korea: Practical Affects and Additive Religion 2. Religion as moral infrastructure: The practice of neo-Shintoism in Japan 3. Religion as propaganda: The Falun Gong’s Info-War 4. New Media Islam in Southeast Asia 5. Hyper-Real Religions in Asia: Beyond popular culture and popular religion 6. Religion for Millennials: The Prospect of Religious Life and Identity in the New Asian Century 7. In lieu of a conclusion
Biography
Sam Han is Assistant Professor of Sociology at Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore and Adjunct Research Fellow at the Hawke Research Institute of the University of South Australia.
Kamaludeen Mohamed Nasir is Assistant Professor of Sociology at the Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
"Given that digital and religion are two pillars of modern culture in Asia, this is a timely exploration into a relationship that has not previously been covered in such detail...Han and Nasir provide an insightful look into the cultural impact of digitalisation and the complex and interconnected direction of modern religion." - Jan Wisniewski, Communication Director magazine, asia-pacific issue, Number 4/2015, p. 93
"The interdisciplinary approach in expanding on the historical, social, political and economic background provides valuable information for the reader in understanding the context of each case study. The choice of case studies are in line with the current discourse trends on religion and digital culture." - Denzil Chetty, University of South Africa, Journal for the Study of Religion
"Sam Han and Kamaludeen Mohamed Nasir have done an excellent job in interrogating the role of the Internet in bringing different faith communities together, connecting so many others who can find peace which major faith traditions bring to our lives." - Subhasis Chattopadhyay, Narasinha Dutt College, Howrah, Prabuddha Bharata
