This chapter introduces Digital Theology (DTh) as an interdisciplinary field that explores the nexus of theology, digital technology, and religious practice. The chapter begins with a definition that differentiates DTh from cognate disciplines, such as digital humanities and cybertheology, highlighting DTh’s focus on how digital tools reshape religious thought, moral paradigms, and communal dynamics. Both practical and theoretical aspects are explored, highlighting DTh’s contribution to enriching religious interactions through digital tools while also encouraging theological inquiry in today’s digital environment. Next, the chapter explores the historical context of DTh, charting the role of technological innovation in religious education (RE) from the development of the printing press and audiovisuals to contemporary digital environments. The reader will then examine how the advances in technology allowed wider sharing of religious knowledge and altered educational approaches, culminating in immersive settings supported by Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence. DTh’s status as an academic field is described, highlighting the ethics issues it raises in cases such as AI-created religious works, online privacy issues, and authenticity of virtual religious practice. Key terminologies and central areas of DTh, such as digital hermeneutics, online religious communities, and digital sacraments, are charted to map the broad expanse and relevance of the field. The chapter concludes by reflecting on various challenges, including the danger of shallow engagement and commercialization of religion, while considering DTh’s future role in tackling ethics issues, communal issues, and issues of identity in a further digitized religious environment.

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Introduction to Digital Theology and Educational Technology

  • Christos Papakostas

摘要

This chapter introduces Digital Theology (DTh) as an interdisciplinary field that explores the nexus of theology, digital technology, and religious practice. The chapter begins with a definition that differentiates DTh from cognate disciplines, such as digital humanities and cybertheology, highlighting DTh’s focus on how digital tools reshape religious thought, moral paradigms, and communal dynamics. Both practical and theoretical aspects are explored, highlighting DTh’s contribution to enriching religious interactions through digital tools while also encouraging theological inquiry in today’s digital environment. Next, the chapter explores the historical context of DTh, charting the role of technological innovation in religious education (RE) from the development of the printing press and audiovisuals to contemporary digital environments. The reader will then examine how the advances in technology allowed wider sharing of religious knowledge and altered educational approaches, culminating in immersive settings supported by Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence. DTh’s status as an academic field is described, highlighting the ethics issues it raises in cases such as AI-created religious works, online privacy issues, and authenticity of virtual religious practice. Key terminologies and central areas of DTh, such as digital hermeneutics, online religious communities, and digital sacraments, are charted to map the broad expanse and relevance of the field. The chapter concludes by reflecting on various challenges, including the danger of shallow engagement and commercialization of religion, while considering DTh’s future role in tackling ethics issues, communal issues, and issues of identity in a further digitized religious environment.