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Encyclopedia of Religion, Communication, and Media
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Daniel A. Stout (ed.)

New York: Routledge (2006), xx, 467 pp.

"This volume breaks down disciplinary walls in numerous ways. First, it combines information about the intrapersonal, interpersonal, group, and societal levels of communication into a single resource. At the intrapersonal level, new issues are raised about communication between individuals and deity ... : Why is religious experience difficult to explain in rational terms? Why is silence more sacred than spoken prayer in some religious communities? What is the nature of “thought communication” in religious meditation? Why is the use of profanity justified in some religious circles? How does idolatry reinforce religious customs and values? Why was chanting one of the first forms of religious communication? Religious information is also exchanged between individuals at the level of interpersonal communication. This volume identifies rituals that have not been adequately analyzed in terms of communication aspects: Why do some sects require public confession? Why is body decoration an acceptable form of worship in some religious groups, but not in others? How does dance communicate the sacred through metaphoric movement? What are the multiple forms of communication with the dead? Why are feasts a form of religious worship in all major religions? How does the study of organizational communication apply to religion? This volume also aids study of mediated communication to larger groups both inside and outside religious denominations. Throughout history, technology has simultaneously aided and impeded communication processes; this also applies to religious culture: How did religion change during the historical transition from orality to literacy? How did printing contribute to the diffusion of religious values in the world? Why have religious novels grown in popularity? Is television considered a religious medium? How has the Internet affected religious congregations and communities? What is religious media literacy? These are only a few of the questions addressed by this encyclopedia. Articles also deal with (1) concepts such as information, communication, and censorship, (2) denominations which exhibit different communication practices, and (3) the various media used in religious worship. Entries were contributed by scholars from various disciplines, including religious studies, communication, anthropology, sociology, ancient studies, religion and modern culture, theology, and many others." (Introduction, page xiii-xiv) more

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The Media and the War on Terrorism

Stephen Hess, Marvin Kalb (eds.)

Oxford: Oxford University Press; Brookings Institution Press; and Public Policy at Harvard University Politics Shorenstein Center on the Press (2003), xv, 307 pp.

"This collection of conversations between journalists and federal officials aims to capture the tensions between the press and the government during wartime. They cover issues including military censorship and the difficulties of maintaining security in an era of satellite technology." (Publisher de ... more

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The Power and Limits of NGO's: A Critical Look at Building Democracy in Eastern Europe and Eurasia

Sarah E. Mendelson, John K. Glenn (eds.)

New York: Columbia University Press (2002), xiii, 264 pp.

"Since the end of the Cold War, a virtual army of nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) from the United States, Britain, Germany, and elsewhere in Europe have flocked to Central and Eastern Europe and Eurasia. These NGOs are working on such diverse tasks as helping to establish competitive political ... more

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International Assistance and the Development of Independent Mass Media in the Czech and Slovak Republics

Karen Ballentine

In: The Power and Limits of NGOs

Sarah Mendelson, John K. Glenn (eds.)

Columbia University Press (2002), pp. 91-125

"In order to promote a mass media that is both professional and supportive of democratic culture, funders should give special attention to distinguishing opposition media from independent media, integrating media support with other efforts at civil society and democratic development, and ensuring di ... more

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Democracy Assistance and NGO Strategies in Post-Communist Societies

Sarah E. Mendelson, John K. Glenn

Washington, DC: Democracy and Rule of Law Project Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (2000), 75 pp.

"Covers experiences of political parties and elections support, media assistance, support to women's and environment advocacy groups and reduction of ethnic conflict in Eastern Europe." (commbox)

Encyclopedia of Religion, Communication, and Media Top Insights

The Media and the War on Terrorism

The Power and Limits of NGO's: A Critical Look at Building Democracy in Eastern Europe and Eurasia

International Assistance and the Development of Independent Mass Media in the Czech and Slovak Republics

Democracy Assistance and NGO Strategies in Post-Communist Societies

Encyclopedia of Religion, Communication, and Media
Top Insights