Word and Image: A Theology of Media As Extensions of the Person

I argue that considering media as extensions—the extension language such as used in Marshall McLuhan’s discussion of the relationship of media to persons goes beyond comparing a medium to a tool and ties a medium to its user as an extension of his self—will provide a robust theology of media. The terminology and concepts employed in the field of media ecology are reformed and augmented through theological reflection. Such a system will consider the mediated quality of human knowledge and experience of God through the divine Word and Image. Discussions of media, which have often focused on language and texts, must be expanded to include diverse sources of knowledge. I construct a framework of three aspects of media as extensions of a person: representation (an extension of presence), relationship (an extension of sociality), and communication (an extension of cognition and volition). Within the context of classical Christian doctrine, each chapter derives one aspect of this framework from theological retrieval and reflection on Christology, theological anthropology, and bibliology. Considering these doctrines, I maintain that such a theology of media preserves a holistic vision of God’s communicative self-presentation and presence in creation. Grounded in consideration of God’s self-representation and the categories of Word and Image, such a framework provides a way to navigate between common errors in how media are understood and employed. While beginning with God’s use of creaturely media, each chapter also assesses the anthropological consequences of media as extensions. Human persons and societies use media in analogous ways, as image-bearers and in fulfillment of the creation mandate. As media become increasingly prevalent in modern societies, their influence upon human personhood, identity, and community continues to expand. A theological framework of media will help navigate such development.

Grantor dc:publisher

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Neal, Christopher Douglas

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Allison, Gregg R.

Language dc:language.iso

en_US

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10392/7589

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:repository.sbts.edu:10392/7589