Celebrity Worship / Edition 1

by Pete Ward

Overview

Celebrity Worship provides an introduction to the fascinating study of celebrity culture and religion. The book argues for celebrity as a foundational component for any consideration of the relationship between religion, media and culture. Celebrity worship is seen as a vibrant and interactive discourse of the sacred self in contemporary society.

Topics discussed include:

• Celebrity culture.
• Celebrity worship and project of the self as the new sacred.
• Social media and the democratisation of celebrity.
• Reactions to celebrity death.
• Celebrities as theologians of the self.
• Christian celebrity.

Using contemporary case studies, such as lifestyle television, the religious vision of Oprah Winfrey and the death of David Bowie, this book is a gripping read for those with an interest in celebrity culture, cultural studies, media studies, religion in the media and the role of religion in society.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781138587090
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	12/06/2019
Series:	Media, Religion and Culture
Pages:	174
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Pete Ward is Professor of Practical Theology at Durham University, UK; NLA University College, Bergen, Norway; and MF The Norwegian School of Theology, Oslo, Norway.

Table of Contents

Introduction; 1. Media, Religion and Celebrity; 2. Celebrity, Religion, and the Sacred Self; 3. The Roots and Origins of Celebrity Culture; 4. Celebrity, Lifestyle, and the Self; 5. The Presentational Self; 6. Celebrity and Religious Change; 7. Celebrities as Theologians of the Self; 8. Celebrity Death; 9. Evangelical Celebrity Culture; Bibliography; Index