Fact or Fiction- reflection on this week's reading

In modern Western society, "mediatization" has rendered a change in the representation of religion with a trend to the more secular and “banal” religion (Hjarvard 2008, 9). Christian Churches that were once the authorities for all things “other” or “sacred” now have to compete with modern media (Hjarvard 2008, 11). Stig Hjarvard has identified this form of representation of religion in mass media as “banal religion” and also the overall affect of audiences with a fascination in the spiritual and, to a lesser extent, organised religion (2008, 22).

If these representations are not coming from the religious organisation itself, is it still valid?

Or should it be questioned and ignite further exploration from those audiences who become interested (can religion be enjoyed as simple fiction)?

Works Cited:
Hjarvard, Stig. “The Mediatization of Religion: A Theory of the Media as Agents of Religious Change.” In Northern Lights Volume 6, 2008: 9-26.