Virtually Islamic: Computer-mediated Communication & Cyber Islamic Environments (Religion, Culture, and Society) - Softcover

Bunt, Gary

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0708316115 ISBN 13: 9780708316115

Publisher: University of Wales Press, 2002

Synopsis

This is the first broad-ranging academic survey to explore how Islam and the internet combine and interact.

Information technology is now making a global impact on how Muslims approach and interpret Islam. Given its utilization as a primary source of information, the internet also influences how non-Muslims perceive Islam and matters relating to Muslims. Among the issues addressed are: how multimedia applications are being integrated into websites, enabling surfers to listen to and see ‘sermons’ delivered thousands of miles away and to partake of new opportunities for religious experience; how Muslim organizations are networking globally through the electronic medium, and how that impacts upon understanding of Islam and Muslim identities; how can Muslims and non-Muslims approach the Qur’an in its digital form; how the internet is used to present diverse dialogues relating to Islam, often reaching wide audiences where other forms of communication are heavily censored.

About this title

About the Author

Gary Bunt is lecturer in Islamic studies at University of Wales, Lampeter.

Review

"Virtually Islamic is a tiny book packed with more information and insight per page than anything that I have encountered on the subject of religion and the Internet. There are many audiences who can benefit from reading this volume, but it is absolutely essential reading for students of religious movements . . . Undergirded by an enormous amount of information about Islam on the Internet, Bunt’s book is ever probing without sensationalising the subject, cautious without eschewing a personal reflection from time to time. Most importantly, his analysis invites an open mind towards the many possible ways in which cyberspace may have an impact on religion." (Journal of Contemporary Religion)

"Recommended for scholars, upper-division undergraduate and up, interested in the convergence of religion, popular culture, and technology in the modern world." (Choice)

" . . . a valuable guide to things Islam on the Internet, especially to readers pondering technology’s impact on religious identity or the ummah’s urgent social, moral political questions." (Asiaweek)

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Wales Press
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0708316115
• ISBN 13: 9780708316115
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 189