The subject of this article might seem a little controversial, as one can easily argue that machine learning and digital tools have no place in faith. But artificial intelligence in religion can elevate the study of the Bible and has a number of useful applications in a person’s spiritual growth. Researchers now rely on innovative ways to study ancient manuscripts with the help of machine learning, while millennials and Gen Z are turning to digital tools for Bible study to help them find theological courses and Bible verses that fit their unique life situations.
Technology and spiritual growth are generally seen as opposites, given the fact that humanity had looked for divine explanations for things humans were unable to understand. However, even if most people consider religious followers to be conservative when it comes to digital technology, a study on the digitalization in the church revealed that 20% of religious believers follow spiritual influencers online. In Germany, the prevalence of online sermons rose during the pandemic, when large gatherings were prohibited and priests had to find new ways to reach their communities, proving that religion and artificial intelligence can fit together.
As one third of Gen Z, people born between 1990 and 2010, are already using artificial intelligence in their daily lives and rely on it for communication, religion might have to adapt to this new trend and learn how to use digital tools to enhance the study of the Bible.
The emergence of machine learning technologies which can process large amounts of text enabled scholars to enter a new era of text analysis. As technology advances, theologians are using AI in the study of religious manuscripts, allowing them to discover new ways to understand the true meaning of sacred texts.
Artificial intelligence can help researchers in multiple ways, but there are two main directions: text analysis and text preservation.
One of the main applications of AI in religious studies is related to text mining and recognition of specific patterns. Before the digital era, human researchers were studying each piece of text, looking for patterns that can unlock new meanings, in order to better understand religion. Now theologians are harnessing the power of technology to analyse sacred texts, which enables them to easily find patterns and identify specific themes. As most religious manuscripts were written in old languages, machine learning algorithms combined with linguistics and theology are uncovering new meanings for the texts, which may have been overlooked by human researchers.
Since it was written thousands of years ago, the Bible underwent multiple translations to different languages, which have stripped some of its original meanings. Using AI-powered translation tools and language processing tools allows theologians to recover these subtle Hebrew or Aramaic meanings, helping them understand the Bible better.
Scholars assisted by AI can analyse verses and find cross-references that might suggest alternative meanings. At the same time, they can find the authors of each biblical text by using powerful digital tools capable of identifying even the smallest characteristics, such as vocabulary usage, writing style or other specific patterns used by a specific writer, thus, identifying the author of a text.
Another use of artificial intelligence in religion is the identification of conceptual similarities between different religions, such as between the Bible and the Quran. Identifying similar themes and values across religions can help narrow the gap between different religious groups and can help believers understand their own religion better than before.
AI-enhanced scriptural understanding goes beyond text analysing, as digital tools are used to preserve the sacred texts. Researchers are using artificial intelligence to create digital editions of the religious manuscripts, preserving them for the future and enabling scholars world-wide to access them. By using digital versions of the sacred texts, theologians are able to study them without jeopardizing the actual scrolls, which are highly sensitive to any kind of manoeuvring.
Another potential use of artificial intelligence in the study of the Bible was discovered in 2024, when a group of researchers used AI-powered tools to read an ancient burnt scroll. This achievement suggests that in the future, researchers might be able to read extensively damaged manuscripts. This important finding can help develop the understanding of the sacred texts, by allowing humanity to read previously undecipherable verses, which might add more depth to the already known religious texts.
Using digital tools for Bible study has another great benefit, which is increased accessibility. The sacred manuscripts were written in old languages, which means many people have limited understanding of the meaning of the verses, due to linguistic barriers.
AI translation tools can enhance the accessibility of Biblical texts to people of all nationalities, by providing a meaningful translation that goes beyond the regular word-for-word translation. Looking for spiritual guidance in the digital era is easier, as Biblechat app helps you find the verse you need, bringing the original meaning into the present day, preserving its context.
Religious apps provide access to the Bible for disabled people, who can ask the AI assistant to recite a certain verse or psalm, making it easier for the visually impaired to access the scripture.
AI in faith has the ability to bring the community closer to God, helping pastors customize their sermons and create an engaged community. Machine learning tools can analyse trends within the community and identify the main problems and needs, supporting the pastor in choosing the best theme for their sermon.
Pastors can use the digital tools for Bible study to bring their congregation together when some of the believers can’t attend the traditional religious gatherings. Many spiritual leaders are using digital tools to create virtual gatherings, which first appeared during the pandemic, when many communities were under lockdown. Being able to connect with your pastor and the rest of the community, especially during a hard time, such as illness, is very important for the individual. As many people now work overseas and are forced to spend months on end away from their homes, being able to participate in the community thanks to a virtual worship space helps them feel more connected, being one of the benefits of technology in their spiritual growth.
During the sermons, pastors can choose to use digital tools for Bible study to play a chant or a psalm, to enhance the spirituality of the gathering. Faith and machine learning can become an amazing learning tool for children, as AI can be used to create graphics, timelines, maps and a wide array of visual instruments that can help children understand complex concepts better. Being able to see a visual representation of an event can enhance the worshipping experience. Some churches use augmented reality devices to help communities visualize key religious events or to conduct virtual tours of religious sites, which lead to an immersive, complete spiritual experience for the participants.
AI-enhanced scriptural understanding comes with its unique challenges, as well as several ethical considerations.
One of the main concerns world-wide is the possibility of machines using advanced artificial intelligence to take over the role of priests and spiritual leaders. Despite the technological advancements, AI needs to remain a tool, an assistant in the Bible study, as humans are irreplaceable in religion.
Data privacy and interpretative biases are two other important considerations when it comes to integrating technology in religion. Personal data used to customize Bible study needs to remain private, in order to avoid misuse. At the same time, biases need to be avoided at all costs. Machine learning algorithms are trained by humans and provide information based on their training, so intended biases during algorithm training can only be possible if researchers, scholars and theologians work together.
As humanity adjusts to the digital era, AI has the potential to become a catalyst for understanding old wisdom and connecting people around the world, based on their core values. Applications of technology in the study of ancient scripture can provide a deeper understanding of religion, harnessing interfaith communication, as long as people remain unbiased. Even if the integration of technology in faith still has its opposers, artificial intelligence is here to stay and it plays an increasing role in everyday lives, as well as the study of religion. Religious apps have the power to reshape the way we engage with faith, to provide a customized, deeper spiritual experience and guide each individual on their personal spiritual growth journey.
