Religion in the Age of AI

Examines the interactions between religions and AI through a diversity of theoretical approaches and empirical case studies.

Bringing together various theoretical and empirical perspectives on religion and AI, the book investigates the impact and promise of AI for religious institutions, communities, and individuals, as well as the role AI might play in the representation of religion.

How does AI represent various religious traditions? What kind of impact will AI have on how we pray, engage in ritual, believe or come together in community? These are some of the questions explored in this future-looking book. The theory-based chapters reflect on how a selected theory, such as mediatization or transhumanism, explains AI and predicts religious attitudes and uses of AI. The empirical cases supply real-world examples of religious uses of AI, including the use of robot priests and AI-made interpretations of the Quran or the Talmud.

The final section includes reflective, future-oriented, essay from the editors in conversation with AI, approaching religion and AI from three perspectives: sociology of religion, media studies, and visual arts. Therefore, the book provides an in-depth, thought-provoking, analysis of our contemporary area from an interdisciplinary perspective. Together, the book is a comprehensive look into uses, understandings, narratives, and projections of the relationship between religion and AI.