The End of the Collective? On the Relationship Between Subject and Ecclesial Social Form in a Culture of Digitality

Abstract

In the 21st century, digital structures are advancing to become a culture-shaping force encompassing the whole of society. Participatory forms of communication are on the rise, especially in terms of social media. With regard to institutionalized religion, digital media have a destabilizing effect, while at the same time providing impulses for new forms of communalization. This ambivalence reveals powerful ecclesiogenetic effects. In appreciating these effects, it seems natural to turn to the plurality of ecclesial social forms at the beginning of Church formation, as reflected in the writings of the New Testament. Thus, the “culture of digitality” (Felix Stalder) creates an opportunity to remember this diversity of ecclesial social forms – on the basis of a broadened understanding of the Church, beyond congregational hegemony – and to transfer it into creative forms of church life.