Since we are living in a digitalized age where everything can be easily accessed, most of us can easily access information on the internet. News that would otherwise take days to reach us can now be easily accessed in just mere minutes after it has been posted. In the same way, we can easily communicate with someone that is a continent away with just a simple press of a button on our phone.
There are different facets of society that have enjoyed advancements in technology, and religion is no exception from the fact that it has made the lives of professionals in the industry more accessible. But how has it impacted religious personalities in spreading awareness of their religion? In the middle of a public health crisis, how has technology helped this sector in society bounce back? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
How Has Technology Helped Religious Personalities?
For thousands of years, religion has played an essential role in maintaining peace and order through a set of moral codes, disciplines, and laws. Such beliefs have helped us form a society based on order and discipline instead of one that is based on primal instincts and anarchy. Since religion has played such an important role in society, most leaders and religious personalities have used technology as a tool in getting the word out regarding their beliefs.
As most of us know, iconic historical religious figures didn’t need to rely on technology as a means of spreading their influence and tenets through different areas of the world. Even though most were prosecuted for going against the flow of society’s norms, most were still able to spread their word in good faith.
As centuries passed, there were even more communication innovations and technology that can easily make individuals aware of such teachings. This is especially true now that there are tried and tested means of broadcasting advertisements through digital and traditional marketing.
One of the most important innovations in the last few decades is the invention of the smartphone and the internet. Such devices have made it easier for us to access a variety of different tools and services that can easily help with information and data.
But as of right now, what are some important inventions that have helped religious personalities and organizations spread the word regarding their advocacy and religion? Here’s what you’ll need to know.
Multi-media Platforms
Traditionally, movies, songs, and plays are among the most popular ways of spreading awareness regarding certain teachings. Even though religion has been losing its impact in much of the western secular society, religious movies have been such a hit at the box office that most directors have been shifting towards it as a genre.
Why? Well, appealing to the senses is one of the best ways of immersing individuals, and most of the directors for such movies and shows are known to place a lot of emphasis on sound design and lighting.
Historically, sound design and lighting have been important aspects of almost any known media type. The ancient Greeks knew this well and used innovative acoustic stages to amplify their voices and sounds while they were acting out in dramas. Even up to this time, producers and stage managers have been placing a lot of emphasis on lighting and sound. This is evidenced in plays like the Sights and Sounds of Jesus that’s critically acclaimed for their lighting and sound design.
Livestreaming Platforms
In the last few months, authorities from around the world have been implementing measures and guidelines that restrict individuals’ movement, especially those that usually go into mass gatherings and meetings.
For a lot of religious organizations, these meetings are cornerstones in sharing ideas and insights. So what’s a good way of still being able to contact colleagues without having to come into physical contact? Video conferencing platforms are known for being an effective way of communicating without having to come face-to-face with others.
Digital Marketing
As most of us know, traditional means of marketing have been migrating to digital standards, especially when there are billions of individuals that are interacting with electronic devices and smartphones every year. In fact, there are around 3.5 billion smartphone users that interact with devices every year.
If this is the case, then it’s only logical that most religious organizations and leaders should use digital marketing as a means of increasing engagement. Essentially, you are tapping into a more general audience by doing digital marketing.
Blogging and Content Management
Last but not least, blogging is also another great way of spreading the word. Compared to digital marketing, which usually uses more direct marketing tactics and strategies in spreading awareness, blogging is known for being a great way of delivering tips, advice, and much-needed information without having to “hard sell” a certain product or advocacy. Such an approach is a great way of gaining constant organic clicks from web traffic.
Overall, there are a variety of different ways of tapping into the general public’s interest. Whether these religious organizations are secluded or lean towards a more secular approach to spreading their advocacies, technology has significantly impacted how most of these groups interact with the public. Without such technological advancements, it would be hard for most individuals to support their advocacies.