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Is Social Media Undermining Spiritual Connection?
The rapid progression of the digital world raises urgent questions about spirituality's place within it. As social media, artificial intelligence, and digital culture redefine personal and community interactions, religious leaders are now exploring how faith fits into this new paradigm.
Conference on Faith in a Digital Age
At the upcoming Perkins School of Theology’s 2024 Fall Conference, "Faith in a Digital Age," set for November 14-15, 2024 in Dallas, TX , theologians and tech scholars will gather at Southern Methodist University to discuss these challenges. The conference will address the moral and ethical implications of advancing technology and its impact on spiritual life, considering whether the digital age enriches or diminishes faith.
Digital Urgency vs. Spiritual Depth
Cole Arthur Riley, author of This Here Flesh and Black Liturgies: Prayers, Poems, and Meditations for Staying Human , speaks candidly about social media’s dangers. Riley warns of the "current of urgency" digital spaces create, which can foster inauthentic expressions of spirituality. Digital life, she argues, often encourages superficial connections, detracting from meaningful spiritual engagement. Her keynote will challenge attendees to resist the immediacy of social media, aiming for a more grounded and collective spiritual experience.
AI as a Mirror: Reflecting Humanity's Morality
The implications extend beyond social media. Noreen Herzfeld, a scholar in theology and computer science, asserts that AI and technology serve as mirrors, amplifying humanity’s moral strengths and weaknesses. “We stand in the middle, between God and AI,” Herzfeld notes, emphasizing that the ethical challenges posed by AI have spiritual dimensions as well.
An Invitation to Reclaim Digital Spaces
For individuals concerned about technology’s influence on humanity, this conference offers valuable insights and practical discussions. Panel topics include “AI in Ministry,” led by Perkins Professor Dr. Robert Hunt, and additional conversations on how faith leaders can reclaim digital spaces for spiritual purposes.
Join the Conversation on Faith and Technology
The “Faith in a Digital Age” conference at SMU Perkins School of Theology serves as a call to action for those striving to integrate faith within a technological society. Perkins School of Theology, established in 1911, provides diverse degree programs, including the Master of Divinity, Master of Theological Studies, and the Ph.D., in collaboration with SMU’s Dedman College.
For registration and more details, please visit the SMU Perkins Fall Convocation website.
Contact Info:
Name: Andy Keck - Assistant Dean of Marketing & Communications, Ad Interim
Email: Send Email
Organization: SMU Perkins | Faith in a Digital Age
Address: 5905 Bishop Blvd Dallas TX 75205
Phone: 214-768-3473
Website: https://www.smu.edu/perkins/publicprograms/perkins-fall-convocation?utm_source=BP&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=BP_2
Release ID: 89145463
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