Faith in the Digital Era: How Language and Artificial Intelligence Technology Reshape Religious Practices

Abstract

In the digital era, the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has transformed how people understand and practice religion, creating new opportunities while posing significant challenges to cultural diversity and spiritual values. Using a Systematic Literature Review, this study examines how language and AI reshape religious practices, focusing on their impact on the cross-linguistic interpretation of religious texts, the transformation of communication patterns between congregants and spiritual authorities, and the personalization of religious messages and its implications for pluralism. The findings reveal that AI enhances accessibility to religious texts through automated translation and language-based algorithms while presenting challenges such as algorithmic bias, homogenization of interpretations, and risks to cultural diversity. Homogenization of interpretations refers to the tendency of AI systems to simplify or prioritize dominant theological perspectives, potentially marginalizing alternative or minority interpretations that contribute to the richness of religious traditions. Additionally, AI-powered virtual assistants alter communication patterns with spiritual authorities, and message personalization, defined here as the algorithmic tailoring of religious content to an individual’s digital behavior, preferences, or consumption history, tends to create information isolation that may hinder interfaith dialogue. This study emphasizes the need for ethical and inclusive approaches to AI development to preserve cultural and theological diversity.