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AI's impact on the church

Could artificial takeover revive the need for faith?

Religion Unplugged

Jul 10

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Hi Religion Unplugged readers,

AI technology continues to spread into our lives. Is there an inevitable future where it’s part of everything?

In today’s top story, contributor John Mac Ghlionn explores in an essay what the total takeover of AI might look like — and how it could bring back the desire for faith.

“Imagine a world where AI is omnipresent. It occupies your home, your car, your workplace, your pocket. Even your mind. Every aspect of your daily routine is seamlessly integrated with this sophisticated technology. It anticipates your needs, completes your thoughts, deciphers your emotions, plays your favorite songs, drafts your emails and even suggests your next meal. It serves as your personal assistant, confidant, entertainment hub and your lover. Life becomes smooth, convenient and tailored to your every whim,” he writes.

“But something crucial is missing.”

AI’s Future Impact On The Church: Can It Make Faith Great Again For The Masses?

(ANALYSIS) The more we rely on AI, the more we find ourselves yearning for something it cannot provide: authenticity, meaning and opportunities to connect on a fundamentally human level. This is where the church reenters the scene, not as a relic of the past, but as a symbol of the present, a sanctuary of authenticity. At this tipping point of artificiality and superficiality, people start craving transcendent values that algorithms cannot encode. by John Mac Ghlionn

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas is having reverberations across the globe. This was the case during last week’s elections in the United Kingdom. While the headlines heralded the Labour‘s landslide victory, some of the party’s losses resulted in gains for independent candidates who made Gaza a major campaign issue. by Clemente Lisi

Uganda Officially Recognizes Muslim Martyrs Killed In The 1800s

The government of Uganda officially recognized the Muslim martyrs who were killed on the orders of a local king starting in 1874 — and allocated $52,926 to organize this year’s Muslim Martyrs’ Day commemorations. This is the first time Muslims in Uganda organized an official commemoration for the Muslim martyrs. In the past, only Catholics and Anglicans participated in official celebrations. by John Semakula

Vatican Excommunicates Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano For Schism

The Vatican on Friday excommunicated the outspoken Archbishop Carlo Maria Vigano, its former ambassador to Washington, finding him guilty of promoting schism after repeatedly questioning Pope Francis’ authority. The Italian prelate had in recent years become one of Francis’ harshest critics. by Clemente Lisi

Faith-Based Animated Series ‘Fleur de Lis’ Innovates With Humor And Artificial Intelligence

(REVIEW) “Fleur de Lis” is a sharp-witted and endearing animated hijinks-adventure sitcom with a Christian worldview and a controversial way it’s made: using artificial intelligence. Faith-based films and TV shows are not known for their innovation. Between the running gag of faith-based knockoffs of secular content (such as “Revelation Road” being a knockoff of “Mad Max”) and otherwise playing it fairly safe with its inspirational drama formula. by Joseph Holmes

Crossroads Podcast: Pride News Trends That May Continue Into The Future

Did everyone in the religious congregation of your choice have a good “Fidelity Month”? That’s a joke, of course. There were probably more churches in America that celebrated Pride Month than those that were aware that “Fidelity Month” even exists. And pride is where it’s at, when it comes to the principalities and powers of corporate America, Big Tech, Hollywood, mainstream newsrooms and the vast majority of our elected officials from sea to shining sea. by Terry Mattingly

On Religion: Should The Vatican Stop Displaying Art By A Priest Accused Of Abuse?

(ANALYSIS) When members of the Society of Jesus gather at Borgo Santo Spirito, their headquarters near the Vatican, they worship surrounded by the relics of Jesuit saints and works of sacred art. This includes the work of Father Marko Ivan Rupnik, who the Jesuits expelled last year after investigations into allegations he sexually and emotionally abused up to 30 women in religious orders. The Vatican had excommunicated the priest in 2020, but quickly withdrew that judgment. by Terry Mattingly

🌪️ Symbol Of Hope: Church’s Stained-Glass Windows Survive Monster Tornado 🔌

When a monster tornado struck a small Oklahoma town, numerous businesses and houses were destroyed. But a church’s stained-glass windows escaped with just minor damage. by Bobby Ross Jr.

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