The Public Character of Church in the Digital Age☆

Abstract

The rise of digital technology in recent decades has led to a rapid change of communication and interaction within society and its public dimensions. As this shift in the technological landscape raises theological questions about the appropriate ecclesial use of digital technology, it also touches upon fundamental questions about the church's public role, its claims, and its mission. Under the theological premise of the public character of church and its witness (1), this essay discusses the relationship between the public character of church and the ongoing digital transformation. The discussion begins by challenging a reductionist view of technology, emphasizing its socio-cultural significance and the profound implications it holds for both society at large (2) and the ecclesial context in particular (3). Building on these foundational insights, the essay delves into an analysis of three prevailing perspectives on the church's public character – viewing the church as an institution of moral formation, as a public, and as an active participant in the public sphere – each reconsidered in the context of digital transformation (4). In the final section, it is proposed that the discourse on public theology, when reconsidered through the lens of digital media, may be enriched by embracing a form of ‘irregular’ public theology (5).