Technology has become an inseparable part of daily life, making it almost impossible to imagine human existence without it. At the dawn of the 21st century, there were roughly 740 million mobile phone subscriptions worldwide. Fast forward twenty years, and that figure has skyrocketed to over eight billion, surpassing the global population.
In many cultures, digital communication is increasingly replacing in-person interactions, fundamentally transforming how individuals connect-a core aspect of human identity. This shift extends beyond social relationships, profoundly affecting spiritual life and religious practices.
Research on urban Muslim populations reveals that the internet has expanded access to religious knowledge and worship opportunities. However, this accessibility also introduces challenges such as growing individualism in faith, diverse interpretations, and ongoing debates about doctrinal legitimacy.
With the swift progress of artificial intelligence, the amount of religious content available online has grown exponentially. Yet, this advancement raises critical questions: do the risks and compromises increase alongside these technological gains?
Innovative AI Applications in Contemporary Churches
Churches around the globe are exploring AI in groundbreaking ways. For example, a Lutheran church in Finland recently conducted a service almost entirely powered by AI, featuring a virtual avatar delivering sermons and prayers. This experiment aimed to explore how technology might enhance spiritual engagement without replacing human warmth. Despite high attendance, many attendees felt the experience lacked emotional connection, underscoring the irreplaceable value of personal interaction in worship.
Similarly, St. Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, introduced an AI chatbot named “AI Jesus,” which engages visitors by facilitating confessions and answering inquiries in over 100 languages using sacred texts. While church leaders view this as a step toward making spirituality more accessible in the digital era, critics question its emotional authenticity and raise ethical issues.
In the United States, Pastor Keion Henderson of The Lighthouse Church in Houston employs ChatGPT to optimize research and administrative duties. He emphasizes that although AI boosts efficiency, it cannot replace the spiritual inspiration and prayer that energize his ministry.
While these examples may seem futuristic, Nigerian pastors are already integrating AI into their church operations.
Pastor Olalekan Folarin from Lagos primarily uses ChatGPT for research and administrative support. He explains, “Crafting sermons demands thorough exploration of the historical and cultural contexts of scripture, linking themes across different periods and societies. AI helps me collect and organize this information quickly.” He also depends on AI for precise budgeting of church initiatives.
However, Folarin draws a clear boundary: “AI should assist but never write sermons. While it can help refine messages or suggest examples, genuine conviction must come from the pastor. Delivering sermons without heartfelt belief is deceptive.”
Pastor Ogechukwu Chijioke, founder of Circle Church Global, shares this perspective, viewing AI as a “research assistant” rather than a spiritual replacement. He frequently verifies theological and historical facts with AI but insists that authentic preaching arises from lived faith. “AI can provide information,” he says, “but it cannot ignite passion or belief.”
Pastor Sunday Imole, who leads a denomination in Lagos, uses AI sparingly, mainly to uncover historical details not explicitly mentioned in the Bible. “I’m not opposed to AI,” he notes, “especially since platforms like Google already incorporate AI features.”
While European churches have embraced more experimental AI applications, Nigerian pastors tend to limit its use to research and administrative tasks. This contrast prompts a broader inquiry: has technology become merely a tool for religion, or is it subtly transforming the spiritual experience itself?
The Interconnected Journey of Technology and Spirituality
Although AI currently dominates conversations about technology, the bond between technological innovation and religion has a long history. Johannes Gutenberg‘s invention of the printing press was driven by the goal of making the Bible widely available.
This breakthrough sparked a monumental shift in Christianity. As Mayuri Jayesh Patil notes in the International Journal of Computer Applications (July 2024), “The widespread distribution of printed Bibles and religious texts fueled reform movements such as the Protestant Reformation.”
Empowered to read scriptures independently, ordinary believers began to spot discrepancies between church teachings and biblical texts. Reformers like Martin Luther, John Calvin, and Huldrych Zwingli leveraged print technology to challenge the Catholic Church’s dominance, igniting theological debates and the emergence of new denominations.
This single invention shifted Christianity from a strict hierarchy toward emphasizing personal interpretation and conscience.
Subsequent technologies like radio and television further revolutionized religious outreach, enabling pastors to reach congregants in their homes and expanding evangelism through mass media. Advances in transportation also accelerated missionary efforts, broadening the spread of religious messages.
Historically, technology has often acted as a powerful driver of religious transformation.
Yet, skepticism has accompanied every technological leap. When the printing press appeared, critics feared mass-produced Bibles might lead to misinterpretations. According to Spiritual Culture, extremist groups and political factions exploited print media to disseminate propaganda disguised as religious truth, blurring the lines between fact and fiction.
This dual nature persists: every technological innovation brings both opportunities and challenges.
For instance, while livestreaming platforms allow worshippers worldwide to join services remotely, a study titled The Collision of Technology on Religion: An Overarching Complete Analysis warns that such tools can distract, reduce worship authenticity, and encourage shallow engagement.
Addressing the Challenges of AI in Religious Communities
AI resembles the printing press in democratizing access to knowledge. Instead of flipping through physical books, users now type questions and receive immediate answers-an undeniable advantage for exploring biblical and religious subjects.
Pastor Ogechukwu Chijioke highlights AI’s value not only for clergy but also for congregants. “Thorough research is crucial for pastors and members alike, especially when sermons tackle complex scriptural themes,” he explains. “For example, when examining cultural influences, AI helps compare modern and historical perspectives effectively.”
Pastor Olalekan Folarin appreciates AI’s support with difficult topics. “Ensuring a sermon resonates is essential,” he says. “AI helps craft impactful messages, much like creating a catchy headline after writing an article. I also use it to transform sermons into articles or books.”
Pastor Sunday Imole, though less involved with AI, acknowledges its informational benefits but cautions about potential “serious consequences” if misused.
AI and the Role of Spiritual Inspiration
All three pastors agree on a vital principle: AI must never replace the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
They emphasize that sermons are more than just information delivery; they embody conviction and spiritual inspiration. As Chijioke states, “The power of a sermon lies not only in its content but in the heartfelt conviction behind it. AI cannot replicate that.”
Imole warns that relying on AI even for fact-checking sermons could be spiritually detrimental. He believes bypassing personal study and reflection deprives believers of essential growth. “AI can quickly verify facts,” he says, “but it skips the transformative journey of understanding, like a student who only sees the answer without learning the process.”
He cites 2 Timothy 2:15, which urges believers to diligently study scripture. “Using AI risks losing the discipline of reading, meditating, and internalizing the pastor’s message,” he adds.
In many ways, concerns voiced during the printing press era resonate today with AI. While information is more accessible than ever, the commitment to deep study and spiritual conviction remains crucial.
Ultimately, these pastors concur that technology itself is neutral; its impact depends on how it is employed.
However, if misused or overly relied upon, such tools could undermine the very essence of religious faith.