Agenda setting theory in the new mesia

A fascinating topic!

Agenda Setting Theory (AST) is a concept in communication studies that suggests that the media plays a significant role in shaping the public's agenda and influencing what issues are considered important. In the context of the New Testament, specifically in the Gospel of Mark, we can apply AST to understand how Jesus' message and actions were perceived and prioritized by his audience.

The Media in the New Testament

In the New Testament, the media can be seen as the oral tradition, the written texts (Gospels, Epistles, etc.), and the community of believers. These media played a crucial role in shaping the message of Jesus and the early Christian movement.

Agenda Setting in the New Testament

  1. Jesus' Message: Jesus' teachings and actions were the primary source of information about his message. His parables, sermons, and miracles were the "news" that spread throughout the region.
  2. The Twelve: The Twelve Apostles, chosen by Jesus, were the primary messengers of his message. They were responsible for spreading the word about Jesus' teachings and actions.
  3. The Early Christian Community: The early Christian community, comprising believers and followers of Jesus, played a significant role in shaping the agenda of the Christian movement. They shared their experiences, stories, and interpretations of Jesus' message, which helped to shape the community's understanding of Jesus' teachings.
  4. The Written Texts: The written texts, such as the Gospels and Epistles, were the primary means of preserving and disseminating the message of Jesus. These texts were written by individuals who were part of the early Christian community and were influenced by their experiences and interpretations of Jesus' message.

Agenda Setting in the Gospel of Mark

In the Gospel of Mark, we can see how the agenda setting process worked:

  1. Jesus' Message: Mark's Gospel presents Jesus' message as the central theme. Jesus' teachings, miracles, and interactions with others are the primary focus of the narrative.
  2. The Twelve: The Twelve Apostles are introduced early in the Gospel, and their role as messengers of Jesus' message is emphasized.
  3. The Early Christian Community: The early Christian community is not explicitly mentioned in Mark's Gospel, but the narrative implies that the community is already in existence and is being shaped by the message of Jesus.
  4. The Written Text: Mark's Gospel is the written text that preserves and disseminates the message of Jesus. The Gospel was written to shape the understanding of Jesus' message and to provide guidance for the early Christian community.

Conclusion

In the New Testament, Agenda Setting Theory helps us understand how the media (oral tradition, written texts, and the community of believers) played a crucial role in shaping the public's agenda and influencing what issues were considered important. The Gospel of Mark, in particular, demonstrates how the agenda setting process worked, with Jesus' message, the Twelve Apostles, the early Christian community, and the written text all contributing to the shaping of the Christian movement's agenda.