Technology’s influence on Pentecostalism: Shaping perception and religious impact

African Journal of Pentecostal Studies

 
 
Field Value
 
Title Technology’s influence on Pentecostalism: Shaping perception and religious impact
 
Creator Mudau, Ndidzulafhi Tshifhumulo, Rendani
 
Subject Practical Theology; Liturgics; Homiletics; Inculturation media technology; Pentecostalism; digital religion; social media; religious communication; online worship.
Description Background: The advancement of media and technology has significantly influenced religious expression, particularly among Pentecostals, facilitating novel engagement methods, outreach and worship.Objectives: The study’s setting is global, investigating how contemporary Pentecostalism mediates between traditional and digital religious expressions through various media formats, including social media, live streaming and multimedia worship performances.Method: Utilising a literary research methodology focused on modern literature, media and technological themes associated with Pentecostalism. Data were collected from scholarly journal articles, church publications, internet sermons, social media posts and films. This was executed to provide a comprehensive overview.Results: The results indicate that Pentecostal leaders adeptly utilise modern media to enhance religious participation in compelling manners, expanding worldwide outreach while preserving local ties. Media channels allow churches to meet contemporary societal demands by promoting theological education, evangelism and community building beyond geographical boundaries.Conclusion: Although media and technology provide novel avenues for worship, foster theological innovation and facilitate global development, concerns arise regarding the authenticity of the worship experience, the influence on established traditions and the marginalisation of individuals lacking technological proficiency.Contribution: This study enhances comprehension of the interplay between Pentecostalism and digital media, offering insights for religious leaders seeking to incorporate technology while preserving their theological principles. It establishes a foundation for future enquiries into how religious communities may leverage technology’s potential while recognising its constraints in spiritual contexts.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor University of Venda
Date 2025-06-27
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — Review
Format text/html application/epub+zip text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/ajops.v2i1.50
 
Source African Journal of Pentecostal Studies; Vol 2, No 1 (2025); 9 pages 3005-6136 3105-434X
 
Language eng
 
Relation
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:

https://ajops.org/index.php/ajops/article/view/50/143 https://ajops.org/index.php/ajops/article/view/50/144 https://ajops.org/index.php/ajops/article/view/50/145 https://ajops.org/index.php/ajops/article/view/50/146
 
Coverage South Africa 2014-2024 Ethnicity
Rights Copyright (c) 2025 Ndidzulafhi Mudau, Rendani Tshifhumulo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
ADVERTISEMENT