The Dichotomy of Branding

Discourses in the Orthodox Church of Finland

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.33356/temenos.99585

Keywords:

Orthodox Church, Branding, Finland, Communication

Abstract

This article investigates branding in the Orthodox Church of Finland. How does the Orthodox Church discuss its public image, and how does the theoretical lens of branding add to this discussion? In this study church communication workers were interviewed, and church strategies examined. The results indicate that discourses within churches are diverse and even contradictory. In the identified discourses the authenticity of the church is defended and the improper nature of marketing is asserted. At the same time marketing techniques are considered useful: marketing strategies employ public image and visibility. Based on Beyer, it is suggested that interviewees place a greater emphasis on church function. Moreover, this article discusses how identified discourses contribute to a broader discussion of the Orthodox Church’s relationship with modernity.

Author Biography

Laura Kokkonen, University of Helsinki

is a doctoral researcher in the Study of Religions at the University of Helsinki, Finland.

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Published

2022-06-17

How to Cite

Kokkonen, L. (2022). The Dichotomy of Branding: Discourses in the Orthodox Church of Finland. Temenos - Nordic Journal for the Study of Religion, 58(1), 91–117. https://doi.org/10.33356/temenos.99585

Issue

Vol. 58 No. 1 (2022): Temenos - Nordic Journal of Comparative Religion

Section

Articles

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Copyright (c) 2022 Laura Kokkonen

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