Televangelism and the mediated charismatic relationship

Abstract

This article formulates a generic analytical-conceptual framework for understanding the relational form that underlies televangelism. A distinction is made between pure charisma, routinized charisma, and pseudo-charisma. Pseudo-charisma underlies televangelism. Three characteristics of televangelism alter the nature of the charismatic relationship: (1) the absence of physical presence, (2) the nonreflexive nature of the television medium, and (3) the decontextualized nature of the relationship. These three medium-related characteristics transform a pure or routinized charismatic relationship into a pseudo-charismatic relationship. The analysis revolves around a comparison of televangelism with its historical predecessor, urban revivalism. Televangelism serves as an exemplar of the more general transformation of the charismatic relationship when mediated by television.