Media and the Formation of Secular/Religious Networks

Abstract

Abstract A recent New York Times op-ed about “Instavangelists” claims these women are replacing traditional religion with their own gospel through Instagram and other online platforms. Christian celebrity pastors also gain success on social media by mimicking the success those media necessitate. Because of these trends the term religion is now networked with elements that make its meaning unstable. Instability comes through experiences that direct understanding in relation to a variety of human activities, which in turn gives religion its meaning. As part of this shift, the social media networking of religion with other elements online in word and image further dilutes the barrier between secular and religious. Whether on affiliated or unaffiliated social media sites, teaching women how to be their best selves is now classified under the shifting category religion, even though both the media and the message further blur the lines between religion and the secular.