"#monthoftherosary" A theological reconstruction of an Instagram image

Abstract

On social network sites, individuals express, contour and stage religious and spiritual practices; communication and image practices are developed and expanded according to site-specific affordances. This article is a contribution to empirical research on religion and, using the documentary method, theologically reconstructs a single image of an Instagram account posting Roman Catholic content. Understanding visuality on social network sites requires the consideration of visual, textual, communicative and technological aspects. The analysis touches on various questions concerning the representation of Catholicism as well as related interests and guidelines. How is an image used as a strategic communication, what perceptions and expectations are entangled? What specific contexts and networks can be derived from images and texts? The analysis is situated within the context of Religious Education. Researching and accompanying religious education processes in a mediatized society requires precise knowledge and understanding of media socialization, media practices and places of informal learning.