What's Happening?
The AAR/SBL 2025 annual meeting is focusing on the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and religion, with over a dozen sessions dedicated to technology. Scholars are addressing AI, ChatGPT, and large language models, highlighting their relevance
in knowledge production, circulation, teaching, and access. Randall Reed and Tracy J. Trothen are leading a preconference workshop on technology and humanities skill-building. The conference sessions explore AI's impact on religious practices, beliefs, and communities, raising questions about moral responsibility, freedom, and human identity. Discussions include AI experiments, Islamic tradition, Catholic AI, and the use of AI in learning and teaching.
Why It's Important?
AI's integration into religious studies and practices presents significant implications for spirituality, ethics, and community dynamics. As AI technology advances, it is likely to affect religious theologies and studies, potentially altering traditional practices and beliefs. The conference provides a platform for scholars to explore these changes, fostering dialogue on the ethical and moral dimensions of AI in religious contexts. The discussions aim to ensure human oversight in mitigating AI biases and preserving theological nuance, particularly in amplifying marginalized voices and cross-cultural translation.
What's Next?
The conference encourages cautious, skeptical, curious, and thoughtful responses to AI technologies. Scholars are urged to consider the implications of AI on religion and society, ensuring readiness for potential shifts in the landscape. The exploration of AI's role in religious studies may lead to new methodologies and frameworks for understanding and integrating technology into spiritual practices.
Beyond the Headlines
The integration of AI into religious studies challenges traditional notions of spirituality and ethics, prompting scholars to reevaluate the role of technology in shaping human experiences and beliefs. The conference highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and research to navigate the complexities of AI's impact on religion and society.
