From Prayer to Data: The Transformation of Theology in the Age of Artificial Intelligence and its Implications for Religious Practice

Abstract

The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) in the digital age has had a significant impact on various aspects of human life, including spirituality and religious practice. The presence of AI in religious contexts raises important questions regarding the interpretation of sacred texts, spiritual authority, and changes in the interaction of religious communities. This article aims to explore the impact of AI on the transformation of theology and religious practice, and how religious communities are responding to these changes. The methods used include an interdisciplinary literature review and case analysis of the application of AI in religious contexts, focusing on the use of AI in the interpretation of religious texts, spiritual accompaniment through chatbots, and the formation of digital religious communities. The results show that AI has the potential to expand accessibility and multiculturality in religious interpretation, although challenges remain regarding ethics, spiritual authenticity, and the authority of AI in religious contexts.

Keywords

Artificial intelligence digital theology religious practice technological ethics digital religious community

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