Mediatization of Dangerous Faith Practices in the New Prophetic Churches in South Africa."

Abstract

Previous studies on media and Pentecostalism have demonstrated the role of media in the growth of the Pentecostal movement worldwide. A literature review on the mediatization of dangerous practices in the new prophetic churches demonstrates that mass media is pivotal in making the religious sphere more popular in the public sphere. This changes the discourses on the relationship between Pentecostalism and media with some implications for both South African and Global Pentecostalism. Pentecostalism and media are no longer understood only in terms of the church square but also in terms of the public sphere. Discourses on the relationship between media and Pentecostalism will be explored with particular reference to African Pentecostalism. The different dangerous faith practices and how they were reported by mass media shall be highlighted in detail. The rationale behind this reporting will be discussed to show some implications for both South African and global Pentecostalism.