Artificial intelligence (AI) is a field of computer science dedicated to solving cognitive problems typically associated with human intelligence, such as learning, creativity, and image recognition. AI has been heavily involved in technological and sociocultural advancements.
When agency staff struggle to find future activation strategies, they may use ChatGPT for inspiration. When high school students face difficulties with math homework, they might input their numbers into Photomath. But how does this apply to religious life? Does AI have an impact on believers who often require theological answers?
We know that Southeast Asia is a region with diverse religious beliefs. In this area, many people see religion not only as a belief system but also as a part of family tradition, culture, and even ethnic identity.
In countries like Singapore, Cambodia, and Thailand, many people feel a personal connection with religions other than their own. According to Gallup, religion plays a crucial role in Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and Thailand, where over 95% of the population considers religion very important.
Although more than half of the world's population holds spiritual beliefs, and AI is advancing rapidly, there is little discussion about the relationship between religion and AI. In reality, AI is already being used in various applications, from religion-based meditation apps to religious text analysis. For example, the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam written in Classical Arabic, requires time and methods for reading, memorizing, and interpreting. Today, many AI-based applications are aimed at helping Muslims interact with the Qur'an.
Meanwhile, a robot monk named Xian'er in China, capable of reading religious texts, playing Buddhist hymns, and even answering spiritual questions with Buddhist wisdom, demonstrates AI's role in Buddhism. This humanoid robot is also active on social media, using data from the teachings of Master Xuecheng, who has answered thousands of questions via Weibo.
According to Rizal in his article for the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Lingga Regency, AI has the potential to support religious interpretation, but its limitations must be acknowledged. AI, which relies on programming and data, often struggles to capture complex nuances such as emotions, intentions, and cultural, historical, or social contexts embedded in religion. Religious interpretations are highly subjective and depend on spiritual and moral experiences that are difficult to measure algorithmically.
Additionally, biases in AI training data can result in inaccurate interpretations or a tendency to favor one perspective—the most dominant data set. While AI can offer insights based on data patterns, the primary role in understanding religion remains with humans. The wisdom and interpretation that come from human experience and religious traditions are far deeper than machine analysis.
AI can indeed facilitate religious practices, but the essence of spirituality in religious practice is rooted in personal experiences and the spiritual values that each individual goes through. While AI may assist with practical aspects of spirituality, its role in understanding the philosophical and socio-cultural dimensions of spirituality still requires further evaluation.
