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Divine Communication in the Digital Era

A Theological Reflection on Authentic Presence and Evangelization

Septian Marhenanto, SJ

From: Loyola Papers Vol. 6 No. 1 (2025)

  • July 21, 2025
  • pp. 207–220

Abstract

This synthesis paper reflects theologically on divine communication in the digital era, arguing that authentic evangelization requires more than the transmission of religious information. Beginning with divine revelation as God's self-communication in Dei Verbum, the author examines how the Trinity, understood through Karl Barth's model of Father as speaker, Son as word, and Spirit as interpreter, offers a paradigm of communication rooted in genuine presence and relationship. Christ's incarnational adaptability, the Church's ongoing kerygmatic mission, and Mary's attentive, obedient, and proclamatory response to the Annunciation together model how digital tools can extend rather than replace authentic encounter with God. The paper concludes that pastoral ministry in the digital age must balance technological engagement with the depth, sincerity, and community proper to genuine faith communication.

Research Areas: Pastoral Theology, Systematic Theology

Keywords: communication theology, Dei Verbum, digital evangelization, Incarnation, kerygma, Mary, social media, Trinity