Media Ecology: The New Religion of Media
W: In years past, the church was the socializing agent in the community where the church family was in some regards just as important as your immediate family. The issues of the community were addressed by the preacher which sparked civil engagement in the community. Children were born into the church family, reared and cheered on by the congregants with the expectation that they would grow up to make them proud and continue the cycle. The minister and the church were looked at as change agents to help fight the social injustices of society while strengthening the spirit to face those tribulations. Over time, with the advances of technology, the church's role as a social agent has declined and has been replaced by the media, particularly in the case of youth. The images and messages displayed by the media are held as "bible" for some and a template on the way to live. One possible reason for the shift could be the portrayal of organized religion in media as suffocating and hypocritical, while the media environment provides a plethora of liberties.
Do you think the media's perception of religion has affected its stance as a socializing agent?
I think that a major reason that the church is not a major socializing agent for many people is because some of us go to churches so big, there is no way that the members can really know who you are and vice versa. In the church I grew up in, I knew everybody that was a regular member and their families. And they knew me. They helped me when I needed help, they disciplined me when I was doing wrong, they praised me when I accomplished something important, e.t.c. I miss that and wish my kids could experience it.That's different know. I couldn't begin to name or identify at least 50% of my church members. Now, I go to church for the message without the 'true fellowship' I once experienced.
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