Follow ME!: Christian Faith and Digital Self-Presentation in Focus
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Critically Understanding Digital Worlds of Faith
When religious messages travel through social networks, new forms of closeness, authority, and community arise. The public lecture series Follow ME! Religious Self-Presentation in Social Media invites participants to view digital faith communication attentively, theologically reflectively, and critically from a societal perspective.
Beautiful, Pious, Reactionary
In the opening lecture on October 15, 2026, PD Dr. Claudia Paganini from the University of Innsbruck will speak about Christian influencers between digital charisma and authoritarian faith doctrine. The focus will be on Christian influencers who connect Bible quotes and faith concepts with images of beauty, idyllic scenes, family, and femininity.
Religious Self-Presentation in the Digital Space
The lecture examines how notions of gender, sexuality, upbringing, and obedience are conveyed in religious social media content. It addresses the question of why conservative and authoritarian worldviews can appear attractive in aesthetically appealing digital formats and how followers perceive such messages.
Theology, Media, and Social Responsibility
The lecture series combines perspectives from religious studies, theology, and media analysis. It opens up space for a nuanced discussion on digital charisma, religious authority, faith practice, and the ethical challenges posed by social networks. The session will be moderated by Prof. Dr. Georges Tamer from Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg.
Participate Online and Engage
The event will take place online via the ReliLab platform. The format is aimed at students, academically interested individuals, members of religious communities, and anyone who wants to better understand digital spirituality and religious communication. Participation offers a contemporary experience of faith through reflection, questioning, and interreligious exchange.
Look forward to an informed lecture on Christian influencers, religious identity, and the power of digital images. Experience the lecture series live and discover how social media changes religious experience, community, and societal debates.
