Mitchell, Jolyon and Sophia Marriage, eds.   Edinburgh:  T&T Clark, 2003. xv + 407 pp.  $34.95 (USD).ISBN: 0-567-08807-3.

[1] Mediating Religion is an outgrowth of the Third International Conference on Media, Religion and Culture, following the pattern of Rethinking Media, Religion and Culture and Practising Religion in the Age of Media.  Like its predecessors this edited volume reflects the wide range of ongoing research in the field of religion, media, and culture.  It provides a snapshot of a moment in research.

[2] The volume is divided into seven sections: Identity, Media and Religion; Conflict, Media and Religion; Popular Piety, Media and Religion; Media Literacy and Religion; Film and Religion; New Media and Religion and finally Media Ethics and Religion.  The variety of topics covered in these sections allows for an effective overview of the breadth of this growing field.  The works contained in each section are equally diverse, giving the reader a glimpse of the many possibilities for research in this field.  The works also represent a variety of geographical locations and religious traditions. It is evident that the events of September 11, 2001, had an impact on the thinking of some of the contributors to the volume.  It is highly appropriate that this volume makes space for conversation about this significant “media event.”  What is also highly commendable is that, in keeping with its metaphor of conversation, the volume introduces voices that view the events of 9/11 through various cultural and geographical lenses, avoiding any simplistic analysis.

[4] Besides the collection of twenty-nine insightful essays, this volume includes four extremely helpful annotated bibliographies covering the areas of Media Ethics; New Media and Religion; Film and Religion; and Communication Theology.  These bibliographies are invaluable tools to both the beginning and advanced researcher.   The annotations help sort through the growing mounds of material being published in this general field. The inclusion of annotated bibliographies and thorough indices makes this volume incredibly user friendly for the researcher and student of media, religion, and culture.

[5] This volume will be an invaluable resource to researchers and interested readers in various fields.  It is obvious that this volume targets the student and researcher in the field of religion, media, and culture.  But, as this volume includes perspectives from persons in various fields, its possible audiences are many.  Communication students, film students, and researchers in popular culture will find many of the essays useful and provocative.  Ethicists, religious leaders, and educators will all find this volume useful to them.  The appeal of the work lies in its variety and its accessibility. 

[6] For example, people (like myself) who are primarily interested in film and religion will find themselves exposed to a far wider range of thinking in media, religion, and culture than their specific field could offer.  These essays are highly readable, and the researcher will quickly see how the research in these intersecting fields inform and provoke each other.  One is struck by the sheer variety of approach and theoretical methodology being put to use in this field of study.  One may be forgiven in thinking that this field has been fully mined, but Mitchell points to even more possibilities in the conclusion of the work.

[6] Mediating Religion provides a comprehensive overview of current research trends in media, religion, and culture.  The variety of essays can prove to be both inspiring and overwhelming.  There is a lot of material to be waded through, and the reader is likely to use the annotated bibliographies as well as the shorter bibliographies at the end of each chapter to peruse further reading.  The book provides brief and tantalizing beginnings of conversations and also provides the information needed to continue any such conversation in more depth.

Joanne Mercer
Queen’s College
St. John’s, Newfoundland
jmercer@mun.ca