Towards a Theology of Communication Rights

Authors

  • Philip Lee World Association for Christian Communication

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/firn.v4i2.191

Keywords:

communication rights, humanity, social justice, theology

Abstract

A conspicuous absence in the field of communication and theology presents a challenge to theologians and communicators alike. It is the absence of a theology of communication rights, which this chapter seeks to address by identifying “pointers” drawing on the theory and practice of communication for development, the “capability approach,” and the right to communicate debate. It argues that, if globalization is to have moral validity, it must bring with it an enhanced sense of globalized humanity. As such, we must ask if we are willing to live in a world with disenfranchised people – the “new slaves” of society. If not, we are obliged by our faith and our common humanity to take responsibility for the world’s failings. Unless we work to understand the structures and inadequacies that enable marginalization and oppression to persist, and unless we take action to change them, we are complicit with injustice.

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Author Biography

  • Philip Lee, World Association for Christian Communication

    World Association for Christian Communication 308 Main Street Toronto Ontario M4C 4X7 Canada Philip Lee joined the staff of the World Asso-ciation for Christian Communication in 1975, where he is currently Deputy Director of Pro-grams and Editor of the international journal Media Development. Publications include The Democratization of Communication(ed.) (1995); Requiem: Here’s Another Fine Mass You’ve Gotten Me Into (2001); Many Voices, One Vision: The Right to Communicate in Practice(ed.) (2004), and Communicating Peace: Entertaining Angels Unawares (ed.) (2008).

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Published

2010-05-28

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Lee, P. (2010). Towards a Theology of Communication Rights. Fieldwork in Religion, 4(2), 191-207. https://doi.org/10.1558/firn.v4i2.191