Celebrity Worship - 9781138587090

Celebrity Worship provides an introduction to the fascinating study of celebrity culture and religion. The book argues for celebrity as a foundational component for any consideration of the relationship between religion, media and culture. Celebrity worship is seen as a vibrant and interactive discourse of the sacred self in contemporary society.

Topics discussed include:

• Celebrity culture.
• Celebrity worship and project of the self as the new sacred.
• Social media and the democratisation of celebrity.
• Reactions to celebrity death.
• Celebrities as theologians of the self.
• Christian celebrity.

Using contemporary case studies, such as lifestyle television, the religious vision of Oprah Winfrey and the death of David Bowie, this book is a gripping read for those with an interest in celebrity culture, cultural studies, media studies, religion in the media and the role of religion in society.