"Ist Künstliche Intelligenz der neue Gott des digitalen Zeitalters? In diesem tiefgründigen Essay entfaltet Claudia Paganini eine philosophisch brisante These: Erstmals erschafft der Mensch einen Gott, statt ihn nur zu denken. Die KI übernimmt zunehmend, was einst der Religion vorbehalten war: Si
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nnstiftung, Orientierung, allzeit verfügbare Antworten. Wir beten nicht mehr, wir klicken. Mit analytischer Schärfe und theologischem Weitblick untersucht Paganini die spirituellen Konsequenzen dieser Entwicklung und zeigt: Im anbrechenden dritten Jahrtausend könnten nicht nur Menschen durch KI ersetzt werden, sondern auch kein geringerer als Gott selbst. Eine provokante Überlegung an der Schnittstelle von Religion und Technik." (Verlagsbeschreibung)
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"El Sínodo sobre la Sinodalidad marcó un punto de inflexión en la misión y la vida de la Iglesia. No ha sido ajeno a ello la reflexión acerca de la evangelización en el mundo digital. La participación de la Hna. Xiskya Valladares en las Asambleas Sinodales como representante de esa misión pe
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rmitió incorporar una perspectiva para comprender desafíos y oportunidades de la Iglesia allí. Su testimonio ofrece aportes sobre cómo fue recibido este tema y qué caminos se vislumbran para el futuro." (Resumen)
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"La sinodalidad, rasgo de una Iglesia misionera, requiere una comunicación auténtica que fomente la credibilidad y la participación. Frente al individualismo y la cultura de la sospecha contemporáneos, se destaca la importancia de los bienes relacionales, en particular de la confianza. En una Ig
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lesia donde todos participan de la misión, la confianza surge como un valor fundamental. En el mundo digital, esta se distribuye horizontalmente, aportando empatía y autenticidad a los mensajes." (Resumen)
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"El presente escrito es un acercamiento al “ser”, el “hacer” y el “mensaje” de la misión digital desde los envíos del Resucitado en los sinópticos. El análisis de Lc 24,36-53 ilumina el ser del misionero digital como un testigo movido por el Espíritu Santo. Mt 28,19-20 define el hac
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er misionero con el imperativo de hacer discípulos. Mc 16,14-20 subraya el mensaje –la proclamación del kerigma–, que debe ser acompañado por signos. Los envíos ofrecen coordenadas esenciales para una praxis misionera digital que sea significativa en la actualidad." (Resumen)
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"El mundo digital es hoy un nuevo pozo de Sicar, donde muchas personas buscan saciar su sed de sentido, verdad y comunión. Inspirado en la simbología bíblica de la sed y el agua viva, este artículo propone una reflexión sobre la misión digital como un llamado urgente a evangelizar, dialogar, e
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scuchar, acompañar, testimoniar y transformar. La misión digital no es solo una herramienta, sino una vocación eclesial que llama a crear comunidad." (Abstract)
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"El presente artículo explora la comprensión de la misión digital en el magisterio del Papa Francisco, en estrecha conexión con su propuesta de una Iglesia en salida misionera. A partir del análisis de diversos documentos de su magisterio, se muestra cómo la conversión pastoral y misionera co
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nstituye la clave hermenéutica fundamental para interpre tar la presencia eclesial en los ambientes digitales. Asimismo, se examina el modo específico en que Francisco configura la misión digital como una práctica evangelizadora encarnada, creativa y samaritana." (Resumen)
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"Este artículo reflexiona sobre la misión de la Iglesia en el contexto digital a la luz del mandato evangélico de anunciar la Buena Nueva. Inspirado en la pedagogía del relato de Emaús (Lc 24), el texto propone un modelo de evangelización basado en el encuentro, la escucha, el diálogo y el te
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stimonio, elementos clave para una comunicación eclesial significativa en la era digital. El artículo se divide en tres partes: primero, se presenta el fundamento teológico y pastoral de la misión cristiana; luego, se reflexiona sobre los desafíos y posibilidades de las redes digitales como un nuevo espacio misionero, introduciendo el concepto de “anti-influencia digital”; finalmente, se desarrolla el “método Emaús”, ofreciendo orientaciones pastorales para una praxis evangelizadora en red. El texto subraya la necesidad de una Iglesia en salida, capaz de dialogar con lacultura digital y de “inflamar el corazón” (Papa Francisco) de los hombres y mujeres contemporáneos." (Resumen)
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"Este artículo reflexiona sobre la necesidad de una adecuada inculturación pastoral en la cultura digital, como un nuevo entorno que interpela a la Iglesia a establecer un diálogo con esta realidad emergente. El dinamismo propio de lo digital transforma valores, lenguajes y relaciones, exigiendo
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nuevas respuestas pastorales. En este contexto, se propone el desarrollo de una pastoral digital que reconozca y acompañe a los evangelizadores presentes en las redes sociales, integrando su acción misionera en la vida y comunión eclesial. A la luz del proceso sinodal, se profundiza en la dimensión misionera y participativa de estos entornos y se plantea la necesidad de una reflexión jurídica que fundamente y legitime la misión digital desde el Derecho Canónico. Inspirado por el “Sínodo Digital”, el artículo busca iluminar procesos que favorezcan una Iglesia en salida, capaz de habitar con autenticidad las nuevas periferias del mundo digital." (Resumen)
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"Este artículo busca explorar la importancia de la escucha en los ambientes digitales, comprendidos como una cultura que la Iglesia está llamada a habitar para evangelizar y construir comunión. La reflexión se centra en la experiencia pastoral de “La Iglesia te escucha”, una iniciativa desar
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rollada en el marco del Sínodo de la Sinodalidad convocado por el Papa Francisco. A partir de esta experiencia, se evidencia la necesidad de una pastoral digital que acompañe los procesos de fe de quienes viven en esta cultura y, especialmente, que se acerque a quienes se sienten más alejados de la Iglesia. El artículo busca mostrar cómo la escucha activa, en el contexto de la cultura digital, no solo fortalece la comunión eclesial, sino que también posibilita el encuentro con las “periferias existenciales” de nuestro tiempo." (Resumen)
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"This paper explores the transformative impact of social media on mediumship practice within the context of Mother Goddesses worship (Dao Mâu) in contemporary Vietnam. By examining the ways in which spirit mediums and practitioners utilise social media platforms, the study reveals that these digita
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l spaces facilitate the open expression of belief, foster connections among practitioners, and enable the sharing and promotion of spiritual services as well asthe online trade in ritual costumes and objects. Furthermore, social media has become a catalyst for emerging trends directly influencing the ritual practices and increasing the visibility of spirit mediums in today's society, creating generational shifts between younger spirit mediums and their predecessors, who practiced their belief in pre-renovation Vietnam under precarious circumstances. As rituals become more visible and accessible through social media, the interplay between digital and spiritual realms becomes increasingly significant. The findings suggest that social media not only enhances a sense of community among practitioners that transcends geographical boundaries, but also shapes the continuing developments of this traditional practices, contributing to a dynamic landscape of Mother Goddesses worship in Vietnam today. This research underscores the agency and significance of digital platforms, in particular social media, in transforming spiritual expressions and adapting cultural traditions in the modern era." (Abstract)
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"This sociolinguistic study examines the Facebook page of a Catholic parish in the Philippines as a figured world. The figured world framework is a way of viewing a particular locus of interaction as a product of social and cultural construction. This lens, which has been widely used to examine educ
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ation contexts, is applied in this study to the novel context of online religious community interactions. By using the figured world approach to discourse analysis, this research extends the view of social media for religious purposes beyond its usual attractions of entertainment, selfdocumentation, and self-expression. This paper argues that Facebook, as a platform for the digital staging of Catholic parish life, is an important space for the discursive (re)construction of church purpose, participation, interaction, and identity, with potentially important implications to the Catholic Church’s missiological trajectory." (Abstract)
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"This sociological and ethnographic study develops and employs an ecosystemic approach to examine the effects of digitalization on religious beliefs and practices among young Christians in a Pentecostal megachurch in Singapore. Through extensive fieldwork and qualitative data analysis, this paper un
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covers how the religious identity of young Christians evolves within a dynamic ecosystem shaped by indirect and direct digitalization. It outlines how Christian beliefs and practices transform indirectly through the digitalization of faith-based communities and religious authorities, and directly through individual engagement with social media and communication apps. This research contributes to understanding the interplay between religion and digitalization in the lives of young Christians in Southeast Asia, which calls for further exploration in this diverse cultural context. Conceptually, this paper proposes a framework for a more systematic and comprehensive study of the blended nature of online and offline religion, digital religion." (Abstract)
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"This research explores the ethical implications of using social media and fostering interfaith dialogue across religious traditions and cultures, utilizing Confucian principles as a framework for analysis. This research delves into the nuanced exploration of the Confucian Golden Rule within the Ana
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lects focusing on the Confucian concept of Ren, a central virtue emphasizing humaneness, benevolence, and social harmony, which offers valuable guidance for ethical media practices. By examining specific case studies and analyzing the ethical implications of media portrayals, this research aims to identify areas for improvement and offer recommendations for more ethical and responsible media practices by employing the analytical perspectives of Alfredo Co, Richard Ang. Co's meticulous examination unveils the cultural and historical context shaping Confucius' moral paradigm, elucidating the subtle interplay between filial piety and ethical conduct. Ang's critical lens adds depth by dissecting the linguistic nuances embedded in the Analects, deciphering the layered meanings behind Confucius' aphorisms and their implications for moral conduct. Key findings include the challenges of misinformation, online harassment, and commercialization in social media. The research highlights the importance of using social media responsibly, promoting religious open-mindedness, and fostering community engagement. This research shows the moral framework created by Co and Ang and investigates the multifaceted pathways of Confucian philosophy, highlighting significance of Confucius' teachings as foundational guidelines for ethical behavior in modern society. It offers valuable insights for religious people, educators, and media professionals seeking to promote ethical and responsible online practices." (Abstract)
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"Una ricerca di dottorato triennale ha indagato il rapporto tra i seminaristi in Italia e i social media. L’indagine, di cui vengono pubblicati qui i risultati, è stata condotta sotto la responsabilità scientifica della Facoltà di Scienze della Comunicazione sociale dell’Università Pontifici
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a Salesiana, promossa dall’Associazione dei WebCattolici Italiani (WeCa) – grazie alla disponibilità dei seminaristi e dei Rettori dei Seminari maggiori d’Italia – in collaborazione con l’Ufficio nazionale per la Pastorale delle Vocazioni e l’Ufficio per le Comunicazioni Sociali della Conferenza Episcopale Italiana (CEI). Più libri in un solo testo: lo stato della questione del rapporto dei giovani con i social media e dei pro e contro di tale relazione; la ricostruzione del cammino della presenza della Chiesa italiana nell’ambiente digitale dagli anni precedenti il 2000 sino ad oggi; le nuove tecnologie e la pastorale durante il lockdown; un focus sulla formazione nei Seminari; una fotografia aggiornata e, a tratti inedita, dei seminaristi in Italia, e i risultati della ricerca." (Descrizione della casa editrice)
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"The use of the internet and digital technology has permeated most facets of life from educational to business organizations both secular and religious. The digital revolution and use of the internet will have a prevailing and lasting impact; therefore, it is prudent for leaders to develop strategie
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s to integrate such innovations into their normal operations. In light of this revolution, Christian leaders and organizations are compelled to consider the capabilities that digital technology and the internet have to offer for ministry practices. Such a revolution challenges the traditional norms and practices of Christian churches and causes them to consider the biblical and theological implications of relatively new means for carrying out ministry. There are biblical, theological, theoretical, and leadership implications to embracing digital church as a biblical community. Christian leaders should examine the biblical and theological implications of digital church as a biblical community and be utilized to augment local church ministry." (Abstract)
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"A partir de uma perspectiva diferenciada, esta obra apresenta uma instigante análise do fenômeno dos influenciadores digitais católicos no complexo ecossistema comunicativo e eclesial atual. Além de socialmente relevante, trata-se de um processo que afeta de modo direto o desenvolvimento da pas
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toral, da evangelização, da teologia e da comunicação eclesial. É também uma questão cultural, que atravessa as barreiras das religiosidades, uma vez que tais influenciadores alcançam e mobilizam pessoas comuns por meio de poderosas dinâmicas tecnológicas. O foco deste livro é justamente compreender em profundidade esse fenômeno e suas possíveis consequências socioeclesiais. Fruto de uma pesquisa realizada ao longo de mais de dois anos, esta obra interliga de modo profícuo os campos da Comunicação e da Teologia. Com linguagem simples e acessível, aborda aspectos cruciais da cultura midiática, dos estudos de celebridades, da midiatização da religião, e da evangelização digital. A partir de um exame crítico e criterioso de casos empíricos, oferece-se, com isso, uma reflexão fundamental e até então inédita, a fim de conhecer e lidar com o fenômeno da influência digital, particularmente católica, mas também em outros âmbitos sociais e religioso." (Contracapa)
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"La existencia de un gran número de influencers digitales católicos indica que existe un público amplio y diverso interesado en practicar su fe en los ambientes digitales. La influencia digital ya se ha convertido en una tendencia irreversible en el ámbito católico, con la exaltación de alguna
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s figuras públicas y la aceptación de estrategias de influencia que, sin embargo, muchas veces no siguen las buenas prácticas de la Iglesia. Sin embargo, muchos de esos perfiles digitales siguen la lógica de los medios digitales, privilegiando nichos de audiencias y el consumo individualizado. Eso lleva a una acumulación de discursos y estilos católicos en red que muchas veces no se complementan e incluso pueden contradecirse. Al monetizar sus imágenes, muchos influencers digitales católicos también compiten entre sí en busca de afirmarse en el mercado de la comunicación digital, corriendo el riesgo de comprometer el discurso social católico. Para destacarse en esa “disputa”, la producción de contenidos por parte de los influencers católicos muchas veces se centra en la construcción de estereotipos, basados en premisas moralistas, fundamentalistas, dogmáticas, psicológicas y doctrinales, con discursos excluyentes de las personas “catolicamente diversas” y posicionamientos destructivamente críticos en relación a las autoridades institucionales de la Iglesia, particularmente el pontífice actual (Medeiros, et al., 2024)." (Conclusiones en abierto, páginas 18-19)
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"The youth are ardent users of digital media and there is no much difference between virtual and real life for them. So, the Catholic Church has persistently invited the faithful, especially the youth who are the true natives of the digital world, to adopt online platforms for evangelization. Concer
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ns, however, arise from cyber security issues which are part of the online experiences of the users of digital technologies. The prevalence of abuses of digital technology generated a need for legislation to foster a safe environment for those who use online platforms. Malawi’s Electronic Transactions and Cybersecurity Act 2016 is one such legislation aimed at creating a free and safe online environment. Nevertheless, concerns arise regarding the influence and relevance of this Act in Malawi, with certain sections blaming its application for curtailing freedom of expression online. This study sought to investigate the influence of Malawi’s Cybersecurity Act 2016 on online evangelisation among young Catholics in Blantyre. The study had three objectives. First, to explore the motivations and experiences of young Catholics in Blantyre as they engage in online evangelisation. Secondly, to investigate the influence of Malawi’s Cybersecurity Act 2016 on online evangelisation efforts by young Catholics. Thirdly, to assess the perceptions of young Catholics regarding the relevance of Malawi’s Cybersecurity Act 2016 in fostering safe online evangelisation. The researcher employed two theories; Diffusion of Innovation and the Chilling Effects theory of social conformity to rigorously explore the purpose of the study. Participants in this study were purposively sampled and four focus group discussions (FDGs) comprising five and seven participants were chosen for the study. The findings have revealed that there is a significant presence of the youth online platforms that are adopting online evangelisation. It also discovered that there are chilling effects resulting from the political weaponisation of the cyber laws contained in the Act. Consequently, the relevance of the Act in fostering a safe environment was questioned as it is compromised. The researcher recommended further research on other demographics and using different research methods may give a more comprehensive picture of the influence of cyber law on online evangelisation." (Abstract)
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"Tied on New Media Theory, this study came up with three objectives. First, to explore how the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri utilized digital media to reach its congregants during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, to examine the views of congregants of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri regarding the
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adoption and utilization of digital media for evangelization during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thirdly, establish challenges experienced by congregants and the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri regarding the use of digital media for evangelization during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employed the explanatory sequential mixed methods design using the questionnaire and interviews. A purposive sampling was applied based on the following criteria, first having participated in the online evangelization in the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri during the COVID-19 pandemic, and secondly based on their online evangelization experience during the COVID-19 pandemic. A sample size of 370 was randomly analyzed. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 27) software mainly through descriptive statistics with the results being presented with the aid of tables, whereas quantitative data which is in the form of audio was transcribed to text and coded to make it easier to analyze. The study established that the Catholic Archdiocese of Nyeri can do better to improve its use of digital media for evangelization during situations of pandemics such as COVID-19, respondents called for better technical support to ensure uninterrupted communication (no downtimes) while other respondents called for more interactive digital content for them to feel more involved and for more varied content formats. A notable gap in the Archdiocese's digital media strategy is the absence of comprehensive policies and resource toolkits specifically designed for digital media evangelization. The study recommends that there should be clear governing policies and guidelines in radio, print, social media, and other communication channels." (Abstract)
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"Wie bedeutsam ist Religion noch für uns - gerade in einer Zeit, in der viele institutionelle Religionen immer mehr ihrer Mitglieder verlieren? Christina Behler nimmt die digitale Gesellschaft als Ausgangspunkt und liefert eine detaillierte Analyse der Twitter-Aktivität von Papst Franziskus. Auf G
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rundlage umfangreicher empirischer Daten macht sie so, vor dem Hintergrund einer systemtheoretischen Perspektive, die Funktion Sozialer Medien sichtbar und reflektiert dabei Muster sowie die Anschlussfähigkeit digitaler religiöser Kommunikation." (Verlagsbeschreibung)
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