AI and Emerging Spiritualities
This self-paced course equips spiritual leaders, educators, and engaged community members to navigate technology’s growing impact on religious life. You’ll explore how AI, livestream worship, social media algorithms, and digital spiritual tools are reshaping prayer, guidance, and community connection. Through expert insights, real-world case studies, and reflective practice, you’ll develop both practical strategies and theological frameworks to respond faithfully to technological change while honoring your tradition.
Why This Course Matters Today
Technology isn’t neutral—it actively shapes how people pray, study sacred texts, meditate, and build spiritual communities. From AI-generated sermons to algorithm-driven spiritual content to virtual worship spaces, technology is influencing millions of spiritual lives.
This raises urgent questions every tradition must face:
- How should religious leaders engage with AI-generated spiritual content?
- Can virtual gatherings provide authentic sacred community?
- How do we respond when community members share AI-generated “revelations” or deepfake videos of religious figures?
- What guidance should we offer those using prayer apps, meditation platforms, or digital spiritual advisors?
- How do we bridge generational divides when younger members embrace these tools while elders remain skeptical?
- How do we protect community data privacy while benefiting from helpful digital tools?
Without thoughtful leadership rooted in tradition, technology companies and algorithms will shape spiritual life by default. This course empowers you to engage these challenges with wisdom, drawing from your traditions while learning from diverse approaches.do it.
Learning Objectives
By completing this course, you will be able to:
- Analyze how emerging technologies reshape spiritual practice and community
- Apply discernment practices from your tradition while learning from others
- Recognize and evaluate misinformation targeting religious communities
- Navigate emotional manipulation tactics in digital misinformation
- Develop strategies for guiding others through digital spiritual challenges
- Create policies and guidelines for technology use in ministry contexts
- Bridge generational differences in technology adoption
- Support families and youth in healthy digital spiritual practices
- Apply systematic frameworks for evaluating new technologies
