The theology of mass communication

Abstract

The history of the human race, whatever man's achievements, is overshadowed by an endless series of feuds and conflicts between men at all levels -- family, race, nation and inter nation -- symbolised by the Biblical account of· Cain's murder of his brother Abel. It is the story of man turned away from God and towards self. The history of Salvation on the other hand, is an account of LOVE emanating from the Creator, offering man communion, i.e. a share in God's divine life; it is an account which unfolds gradually, reaching its climax and perfection with the Incarnation and the founding of the Church which is to continue until the end of time the salvific mission of Christ. The Church is God's gift to humanity, offering men the means to enter into a unique fellowship with themselves and with God. But the Church -- a divine institution that She is walks in history. To communicate with men She must speak the language which humans speak and employ methods and instruments which are available to her. The most powerful means which the Church has at her disposal today are undoubtedly the mass media. The press, radio and television, particularly the latter two, have reached such an advanced stage of development in this age of communications that through them it has become possible, indeed commonplace, for men and nations to speak to one another regardless of distances and physical barriers. Thus for the first time in the history of mankind, dialogue between all the peoples of the world is technically, and hence physically possible. It is the purpose of this dissertation to study the means of communication in the light of Revelation, and in particular to examine the role which the mass media can play in this final stage of the history of salvation.