Mobilization of Political Interests in the Internet Age

please use the book Religion and Politics in the US seventh edition by Kenneth D Wald & Allison Calhoun-Brown 2014
M3 Discussion: Mobilization of Political Interests in the Internet Age
As we have seen in this module, religious interests can be mobilized into political venues in a variety of ways. There are various theories that have been purported to explain the motivations for political participation among religious groups – namely status politics and resource mobilization theories.

The status politics theory posits that religious groups who lament the manifestations of secularization (e.g., legalization of abortion, losses in court on issues related to curriculum, school prayer, and other issues) see the traditions that they identify with being attacked and they may be prone to mobilization in order to protect their status in a modernizing world. Resource mobilization theories posit that political participation requires resources. Leaders, activists, and others must acquire resources in order to communicate, frame, organize, and incite participation. Both of these theories work in tandem to explain why and how religious groups can enter the political arena in mass, high-profile, and powerful ways.

In the past, before the explosion of communications technologies, membership groups with limited resources were at a distinct disadvantage. Larger membership groups have used secular media, such as television and radio to spread their messages and promote political action. For example, in the 1980s, Jerry Falwell mobilized members with his old Time Gospel Hour show, and similar efforts gave rise to the televangelism phenomenon. However, because of the proliferation of the Internet, almost anyone can gain “air time” online. Now, all groups can reach many people, across geographic boundaries with quick, effective, targeted messages through “Internet-evangelism.”

Read the short article, “Religious Authority in the Age of the Internetopens in a new window,” by Campbell and Teusner (2011).

Discuss the following points:

How do you think the rise of Internet-evangelism is impacting the religious community in the case of Christianity?
Is the Internet giving rise to new leaders who serve as religious interpreters of theological ideas or spiritual guides for groups, whereas in the past media messaging was limited to religious authorities?
The Internet offers increased access to information, opinions, and viewpoints online for all people. How do you think this will impact religious group leaders?
Please post an initial response to the question(s) above, then reply to at least two different peers over the course of the module. Remember, in order for class discussions to be meaningful, you must participate regularly and consistently.