Religion and Peace Promotion in New Media

The aim of this research is to understand how new media can intertwine the multifaceted dimensions and processes of religion and peace within (global) society in the current era. Additionally, it explores how religion can utilize new media to promote peace globally and converge various social and cultural groups.

This article employs existing theoretical and research capacities in religious studies and communication/media studies, utilizing a library-based method and an analytical approach. It seeks to answer research questions through a conceptual triangulation of three theories: "Meaning Mediation," "Geertz's Model; Religion as a Cultural System," and "Lederach's Peacebuilding Pyramid." 

New media can alter the meanings of concepts and, by enhancing knowledge and awareness, create platforms for constructive dialogues, mobilize civil actors, and showcase war victims to garner public support for conflict resolution. Religion, as a cultural resource, can also collaborate with new media to unite religious and secular actors around the theme of peace, overcoming media limitations such as filtering and the dissemination of fake news.