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Digital WorldGlobal issues

Using AI and Robots in the Service of Religion

February 6, 2025

Even world religions have to keep up with digital progress. Examples include androids that hold church services, AI models taking confession, robots assisting with rituals and apps to guide your prayers.

DW Sendung Shift | KI & Religion
Image: Artlist
Image: DW

AI-powered digital faith assistants

Apps and AI programs can schedule prayer reminders, provide further Bible and Quran studies, and offer virtual church services to make religion more accessible. There’s also an AI Jesus to answer your questions!

 

Using AI to get new church members

Churches use online analysis tools specifically designed to identify potential new church congregation members by targeting people in personal crises.

 

Visiting holy sites digitally

The Vatican is using artificial intelligence to create a digital replica of St. Peter's Basilica, while VR platforms offer virtual tours of numerous religious sites around the world.

 

Image: PETA Indien

Robotic elephant in Indian temple rituals

Elephants play an important role during Indian temple festivals. But the animals are often chained and forced to stand up for hours in extreme temperatures. Can robotic elephants be used instead?

 

A temple robot that teaches Buddhism

An android that can contemplate complex human emotions—including desire, anger, and selfishness. “Mindar” is a robot that teaches the principles of Buddhism. His sermon at a Kyoto temple is now part of a multimedia show.

 

Image: Josefina Cattaneo

Nun using TikTok to inspire faith

Josefina Cattaneo is a young Argentinian nun using TikTok to reach users with her cheerful dance videos and inspirational messages. She uses social media to share her faith in a modern way.

 

 

 

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