Theology, church, and digital life — perspectives from TheoNet in English.
Explore articles on artificial intelligence, religion and robotics, digital worship, and the changing life of the church. This collection brings together TheoNet posts published in English, with the newest first.
2026
Preaching in the Age of AI: A Conversation about the Danish Sermon Helper
Can artificial intelligence assist in sermon preparation without undermining authenticity, theological reflection, or the preacher’s own voice? These questions are increasingly being discussed in churches around the world as AI tools become more accessible and sophisticated. One notable example is the Prædikenhjælper…
From Tool to Mirror: How 3.5 Years with AI Transformed My Thinking
What happens when AI becomes more than a tool? After three and a half years of working with AI, I found that the biggest change wasn't in the technology—it was in how I think. What started with summarizing reports and analyzing data…
2024
Martin Luther as an AI-Powered Real Life Avatar: Technical and Theological Challenges and Considerations
At the Digital Research Forum on Religion and AI held online on June 19, 2024, we explored the concept, the initial year, and our preliminary learnings regarding the development of the Martin Luther avatar. This blog post delves into the technical issues…
2023
Martin Luther as an AI-Powered 3D Real-Life Avatar Answers Questions Live on YouTube
The AI-powered Martin Luther Avatar is a groundbreaking experiment that brings the Reformation's message into the 21st century through the Metaverse. Utilizing advanced technologies, the avatar interacts in real-time on YouTube, answering questions with the assistance of ChatGPT. This innovative fusion of…
Germany’s First AI Worship Service: A Fascinating Experiment with Far Reaching Questions
Germany's first AI worship service elicits mixed reactions. Avatars and AI-generated texts shape the digital worship service, with some missing the personal touch and empathy, while others see potential in the innovative format. The discussion about the opportunities and limitations of AI…
Religion and Robotics: Insights from the „Robot, Pray for Me!“ Conference
The „Robot, Pray for Me!“ conference, held on 16th though 17th March 2023 at Ruhr-University Bochum, explored the complex relationship between robots, theology, and religious practices. This interdisciplinary event brought together scholars to present their research projects, addressing the intersection of religion…
Theology and AI: ChatGPT misplaces the Reformer John Calvin in the 20th Century
ChatGPT and AI (Artificial Intelligence) are impressive, but make a surprising number of mistakes when it comes to theology, church and Bible.
2022
Church-Goers Wish to Continue with Digital Services in Local Congregations after the Pandemic
Before the Covid 19 pandemic, digital worship services in Germany were connected to online communities but non-existent in most local congregations. Covid 19 has brought digital worship to congregational life. Two survey studies conducted in 2020 and in 2021 with nearly 5000…
2018
"Your church is already digital" – Interview with Tim Hutchings
At the end of ECIC Conference in London, I had the chance to interview Tim Hutchings, author of the book „Creating Church Online: Ritual, Community and New Media“, on how churches are becoming digital.There is a discussion on social media in Germany…
For German-language content and the complete archive, visit the TheoNet homepage.
