Hermeneutic Dynamics of Individual and Communal Endowment of Life with Christian-Religious Meaning in a Culture of Digitality

In recent years, an increasing emergence of religious networks in the digital space has been evident. While some networks develop—as a supplement to local congregations—through the use of digital media by pastors and employees, other Christian networks and churches are formed inductively through digitally active individuals who connect online and enter into a theological discussion.

Against this background, the research project "Hermeneutic Dynamics of Individual and Communal Endowment of Life with Christian-Religious Meaning in a Culture of Digitality" examines the extent to which the various actors in digital space are theologically productive and how life is endowed with meaning collectively and individually.

We also consider how religious experiences are interpreted and how religious identity and community-building processes take place. In addition, we pursue the question of the extent to which religious authority and authenticity are created and transformed in these networks. A distinctive feature of our methodology is the "Citizen Science" approach, which includes interested volunteers in the research process as experts in the field.

The aim of this research project is a deeper understanding of lived Christian religion and theology under digital conditions. With this, we contribute to the question of how Christian self-image is formed in the context of a pluralistic society that is increasingly digitally networked, and where this situation creates specific risks and opportunities.