Page 17 - Religion in the Media Age Media, Religion & Culture

6 Introduction

Some momentous events occurred during the course of these studies. It
is one of the values of qualitative and interpretive approaches that they are
flexible enough to adapt themselves to such historical circumstances. Two
of these events – the terrorist attacks of September 2001 and the general
elections of 2004 – are specifically addressed in Chapter 9, which attempts
to reflect both specific field research related to the events in question, and
to reflect the nuanced understandings growing out of this research in anal-
ysis of their meanings and potential implications.
So, what the reader will see here is a book that intends to be focused, but
that will nonetheless portray a good deal of complexity and breadth. In
many ways, it is only a beginning, not a “last word.” It stands as a study
that is unique for its comprehensive view of media behaviors in the
domestic sphere, and its commitment to look at these issues in general
terms. This generality is intended, in part, to be generative in that it should
serve to support the development of a variety of inquiries and reflections on
themes, locations, outcomes, and implications. At least that is the intention.
As we move further and further into this century, media and religion
will continue to interact and evolve. More than was the case in 1988 we
now can see that the interaction between religion and media raises a crit-
ical set of public issues and challenges. The implications of this interaction
will only grow in importance. A whole new field of inquiry into their rela-
tionship is emerging, and should serve to help us understand how best to
respond to these developments as scholars, as citizens, as parents, and as
people responsible for the spheres of media and of religion. It is my inten-
tion that this book serve as a waypoint in that evolving discourse. There
already is much more that can be said and that is being said. The ongoing
process of scholarly and informed lay inquiry continues and should be the
point of efforts such as this. The service of this book in speaking to those
discourses and inquiries will be its measure of success.