Biblical Origin of Communication in the Context of Synergistic Communication Theory: Basis for Creating the 21st Century Communication Model

Abstract

For many years Adventist denominational schools have been embracing the popular worldview of communication process described as Sender-Message-Channel-Receiver-Feedback model. Then in the last decade this model was challenged by a new metaparadigm called Synergistic Communication Theory (Barrios, 2003) by adding spiritual dimensions and extending the process beyond the communicator’s lifetime because communication is considered as “gift from God.” As a Church with eternal hope, it is imperative to view and teach communication based on Adventist standard. This study aimed at creating Christian communication model with the inputs of selected University theologians, educators, and Bible authorities from Adventist University of the Philippines.
This qualitative study asserts the idea of a paradigm shift. Because it is about time to change the old view of communication model presented as human-centered, static, one-dimensional, two-people-at-a-time process, and technology-driven! Using the armchair research, the open-ended questionnaire/opinionnaire methods, a brand new illustrated communication model was created, fitted for 21st Century Christians. With the Holy Bible as the major source of facts and data, the new communication model has been scholarly presented as God-controlled, continuous, and relationship-driven. Furthermore, the study confirms that spiritual salvation is man’s ultimate goal forcommunication.