United States - November 6, 2024 —

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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