Technology and religion have been the two extremes of our existence. But, with technology enabling almost every facet of our lives, how does it shape our dynamics with religion in the modern world?
Table of contents
- Introduction
- The evolution of religion and technology
- Social media and the religious landscape
- Benefits of technology to religion
- The ethical implications of religious technology
- Virtual reality (VR) and immersive religious experiences
- Final thought
From broadcasting religious services online, using mobile apps for prayer or scripture study, and virtual reality for immersive worship experiences, to leveraging social media for building religious communities, technology is enabling religion with more immersive experiences and deeper learning models, even for those who are geographies apart.
Technology has become an integral part of our lives, and its impact on various sectors is undeniable. Religion, one of the most profound aspects of human existence, has not been immune to this change. As technology advances, its influence on religious practices, beliefs, and communities continues to evolve.
From the early days of the printing press to the widespread use of smartphones and the internet, technology has consistently shaped how faith is practised, shared, and experienced. According to the Pew Research Center, over 75% of Americans now use digital platforms to access religious content, while 70% of religious leaders in the United States utilise social media to engage with their communities.
This trend extends globally, with virtual religious services and online prayer groups becoming increasingly common, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The intersection of religion and technology has led to what can be described as a 'digital transformation of faith,' providing believers with unprecedented access to religious texts, teachings, and communities.
This article explores the five benefits of technology to religion, highlighting how it enhances accessibility, education, global connectivity, charitable activities, and the preservation of cultural heritage. As technology continues to evolve, so too does its influence on religious practices, reshaping the way individuals connect with their faith and their communities.
The evolution of religion and technology
Historically, religion has always been shaped by technological advances. From the invention of the printing press in the 15th century, which allowed for the widespread distribution of religious texts like the Bible, to the use of radio and television to broadcast sermons, technological innovations have expanded the reach of religious messages. With each new advancement, religious institutions had to adapt, and in many cases, they did so effectively, integrating these tools into their spiritual practices.
One of the most notable effects of technology on religion is the ease with which worshippers now engage with their faith. From livestreamed religious services to smartphone applications that offer prayers and scriptures, technology has broadened access to spiritual practices. This has led to the creation of what could be termed “digital faith,” where online religious activities supplement or, in some cases, replace physical attendance at places of worship.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many religious institutions were forced to transition to online services as lockdowns made in-person gatherings impossible. In the UK, according to a YouGov poll in 2021, 24% of the population attended virtual religious services at least once a month, a significant increase from pre-pandemic numbers. This trend allowed religious communities to maintain a sense of togetherness, despite physical distance, and increased the accessibility of religious services to those unable to attend due to geographic or physical barriers.
Moreover, applications such as Bible App or Muslim Pro have made sacred texts and prayer reminders easily accessible to individuals across the globe. According to App Annie, the Bible App reached over 100 million downloads by 2020, offering multiple versions of the Bible in hundreds of languages. These technological tools promote a personalised connection to faith, allowing worshippers to tailor their spiritual experiences based on individual schedules and preferences.
Social media and the religious landscape
According to a Pew Research Center study in 2020, around 70% of religious leaders in the United States use social media to communicate with their followers, a figure that mirrors trends in other parts of the world, including the UK.
Religious leaders and organisations have adopted social media platforms as mediums for sharing sermons, scripture readings, and religious teachings. Pope Francis has over 19 million followers on Twitter, making him one of the most followed religious figures on social media.
Furthermore, social media has given rise to new forms of spiritual leadership. Influencers and spiritual figures who may not hold official religious positions have emerged as key voices in the digital religious landscape, offering perspectives and interpretations of faith through blogs, YouTube videos, and podcasts.
An example of the growing significance of social media in religious communication is the “digital mosque” phenomenon. Virtual mosques and Islamic groups on platforms like Facebook have flourished, allowing followers to engage with sermons, Islamic teachings, and discussions in a space that transcends geographical boundaries.
However, there are challenges. The ease of access to religious content on the internet sometimes leads to a superficial engagement with faith, and the risk of “echo chambers” can limit open discourse within religious communities. Online spaces can also become arenas for religious tension, as the anonymity of the internet sometimes facilitates hostility and conflict between different faith groups.
Benefits of technology to religion
1. Increased accessibility to religious texts and teachings
The digitisation of religious texts and teachings is one of the most profound ways technology has impacted religion. Sacred texts such as the Bible, Quran, Bhagavad Gita, and Torah are now available to a global audience, transcending geographical and linguistic barriers. In earlier times, these texts were confined to religious institutions or were accessible only to the literate elite. Today, however, millions of people can access these scriptures with a simple click, allowing for a deeper understanding of religious teachings.
For instance, the YouVersion Bible App, launched in 2008, has been downloaded over 500 million times globally. It offers the Bible in over 2,000 languages, making it accessible to speakers of different tongues, further bridging the gap between language and religious understanding.
Technology also allows believers to access teachings and interpretations by religious scholars from around the world. Previously, individuals might have been limited to local religious leaders, but now, virtual sermons and online religious courses give believers access to a more diverse range of thought and commentary.
Moreover, religious podcasts, YouTube sermons, and apps provide daily inspiration and teachings on demand. Whether a person is commuting to work or at home, they can now engage with religious content at their convenience.
2. Building global religious communities online
One of the most striking developments in the intersection of technology and religion is the formation of global faith communities. Religious communities that were once geographically restricted have transcended borders, allowing for interfaith dialogue and exchange of ideas. The internet has enabled people to practise their faith, connect with like-minded individuals, and participate in religious events without physically being present.
For example, the rise of virtual churches and religious gatherings, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, showcased how technology could sustain faith communities during times of physical separation. The Church of England’s national online services alone have attracted more than 3.7 million views since the first restrictions on gatherings for public worship. This trend has continued in many places, with online prayer groups, Bible studies, and other religious events offering a sense of community and belonging.
Similarly, platforms such as Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube are used extensively by religious leaders to stream worship services. Mosques, churches, synagogues, and temples have embraced online streaming, enabling diaspora populations and distant followers to participate in religious events from their homes.
The Ummah (Islamic community) has been significantly empowered by technology, especially through social media platforms and apps like Muslim Pro, which provides prayer times, Quranic recitations, and a virtual religious community for Muslims worldwide. Virtual religious communities create an inclusive environment where individuals who may not have physical access to religious spaces can still practise their faith.
In addition, interfaith dialogue and religious tolerance have been encouraged by technology, as people of different beliefs engage in respectful discourse across various social media platforms and online forums. This type of interaction fosters understanding and mutual respect among religions, contributing to greater global harmony.
3. Religious education and outreach
Technology has revolutionised religious education by providing vast resources for both formal and informal learning. Through online courses, webinars, and digital libraries, individuals can now access religious teachings, learn about theological history, and engage with religious texts in ways that were once limited to formal religious institutions. This democratisation of religious education is empowering individuals to deepen their knowledge and spiritual growth.
A prime example of technology's role in religious education is Coursera, which offers courses on world religions, religious philosophy, and even courses provided by theological seminaries. Religious institutions like Harvard Divinity School and Yale Divinity School now offer open online courses that cover various aspects of religious thought and history, accessible to students across the globe. This type of learning platform provides individuals with the opportunity to pursue religious studies without being physically present at a religious institution.
Additionally, religious organisations have embraced social media and content-sharing platforms for outreach. The Vatican, for instance, maintains a presence on Twitter, with the Pope using the platform to reach millions of followers. The Twitter account @Pontifex has over 18 million followers, highlighting the role social media plays in religious communication. Similarly, in Hinduism, religious leaders such as Sadhguru have a massive following on platforms like YouTube, where millions of followers watch sermons and lectures on spirituality and meditation.
For young believers, who are often more digitally inclined, religious content on platforms like TikTok and Instagram has allowed them to engage with their faith in innovative ways. Many religious influencers use these platforms to promote religious values, share educational content, and engage with followers through live sessions, Q&A, and comment sections.
4. Enhanced charitable activities and donations
Religious organisations have long been associated with charitable work, assisting the needy, and supporting social welfare programs. Technology has greatly enhanced these charitable efforts, especially in terms of fundraising and coordination. Digital payment platforms and apps have made it easier for individuals to donate to religious organisations, charities, and causes.
For example, apps like GiveLify, Tithe.ly, and PayPal allow users to contribute to their places of worship or support religious charities from their smartphones. This ease of donation has increased participation in religious charitable activities, allowing even those who may not be able to physically attend services to contribute financially.
According to a 2023 survey by Nonprofit Source, the majority of charitable dollars went to religion (24%), human services (14%), education (14%), grantmaking foundations (13%) and public society benefit (10%). Much of this is now facilitated through digital channels, where online donations to religious causes have grown significantly. The UK-based Charity Commission reported that donations to religious causes increased by 9% in 2020, much of it due to digital payment options that made giving more accessible during the pandemic.
Additionally, technology has facilitated the coordination of humanitarian relief efforts by religious organisations. Platforms like ReliefWeb and apps such as Zakat Fund enable religious organisations to coordinate and distribute resources efficiently. Many religious groups leverage technology to mobilise volunteers, organise campaigns, and offer aid to disaster-stricken regions, ensuring a quicker and more coordinated response.
5. Preservation of religious heritage and cultural practices
Technology plays a significant role in the preservation and promotion of religious heritage and cultural practices. Religious artefacts, historical places of worship, and sacred rituals are often susceptible to decay or loss over time. With advancements in technology, especially in fields like 3D scanning, artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR), religious communities have found new ways to preserve and promote their cultural heritage.
For example, UNESCO has used 3D modelling to digitally preserve World Heritage religious sites, such as the Al-Madina Souq in Aleppo, Syria, which was destroyed during the civil war. These digital reconstructions allow future generations to experience the grandeur and significance of religious monuments and artefacts that may otherwise have been lost.
Virtual reality (VR) offers believers the chance to experience religious pilgrimages and visit sacred sites from anywhere in the world. For example, Google's Expeditions allows virtual tours of religious sites such as the Vatican, the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, and the Great Mosque of Mecca. Such technologies provide an immersive way for people to engage with their religious history and traditions, especially for those who may be physically unable to undertake these pilgrimages.
Moreover, AI has been used to translate ancient religious texts, making them accessible to a broader audience. Google's AI-based Noto project is working on digitising and translating ancient languages such as Sanskrit and Hebrew, ensuring that the religious teachings encoded in these languages can be preserved and understood by modern scholars and laypeople alike.
The ethical implications of religious technology
As with all technological advancements, the use of technology in religion brings ethical considerations. One such issue is the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in religious contexts. AI-driven chatbots, for example, are increasingly being used to provide spiritual guidance or answer questions about faith. While these tools can offer immediate responses to users’ inquiries, there are concerns about whether AI can truly grasp the nuance and depth of human spirituality.
According to the Centre for the Analysis of Social Media, ISIS and other extremist groups have effectively used platforms like Twitter, YouTube, and Telegram to radicalise individuals and promote violence.
In 2017, a Japanese company created a robot priest named “Pepper” capable of performing Buddhist funeral rites. Although Pepper sparked interest, it also raised concerns about the appropriateness of robots performing sacred rituals traditionally carried out by human clergy. This development leads to broader questions about the role of AI in religious practices and whether there is a point at which the automation of faith crosses ethical boundaries.
Additionally, privacy concerns arise when religious institutions utilise technology for data collection. With more churches, mosques, and temples collecting personal data from members through digital attendance systems, websites, and apps, there is a growing need for these institutions to protect sensitive information. The misuse of such data could undermine trust within religious communities, and it raises questions about how much information should be shared between faith organisations and their congregations.
Virtual reality (VR) and immersive religious experiences
Virtual reality (VR) is one of the newest technologies making its way into religious spaces. VR allows for immersive experiences that can simulate pilgrimage sites or religious ceremonies. Muslims who are unable to travel to Mecca for Hajj may use VR to experience a virtual version of the pilgrimage. Similarly, Christians may visit Jerusalem or walk the Stations of the Cross through VR simulations.
This form of religious engagement offers a unique opportunity for those who may never have the chance to physically visit holy sites, either due to financial constraints or health issues. However, it also raises questions about the authenticity of such experiences. Can a virtual pilgrimage provide the same spiritual fulfilment as a physical one? For some, the answer may be no, but for others, it opens up an entirely new way to connect with their faith.
In 2021, Awe, a Christian VR platform, launched an immersive app that allows users to experience Biblical stories as if they were physically present in them. From witnessing the parting of the Red Sea to standing in awe at the Crucifixion, these experiences are designed to make scripture come alive in ways that reading or listening may not achieve.
Final thought
The relationship between technology and religion is complex, multifaceted, and constantly evolving. While technology has provided new ways for believers to engage with their faith, it also presents challenges in maintaining the authenticity and integrity of religious practices. As AI, VR, and other emerging technologies continue to develop, religious institutions will need to navigate the ethical implications of their use, ensuring that faith remains at the centre of the human experience.
Technology has allowed religion to reach more people than ever before, fostering a sense of global community that transcends geographic and cultural boundaries. At the same time, the digitalisation of faith poses risks, including the potential for religious manipulation and the loss of traditional religious practices. Ultimately, the integration of technology into religion reflects the broader societal trend of digital transformation, offering both opportunities for growth and challenges to overcome.
As the 21st century progresses, the symbiotic relationship between technology and religion will likely continue to deepen, shaping the future of faith and spirituality in ways that we are only beginning to understand.
