What Is the Role of Religion in the AI Era? ... "Presenting the Values of Human Dignity and Respect for Life"

Shin Daesung Network Survey of 1,000 Respondents

Skeptical Reactions to the Question "Can AI Replace Religion?"

In the era of artificial intelligence (AI), the most important role expected of religion is to present the values of human dignity and respect for life.

On June 21, the Buddhist civic organization Sindaeseung Network released the results of a survey titled "The Role of Religion in the Era of Life, AI, and Climate Crisis." The survey, commissioned to Korea Research, was conducted nationwide in February and March among 1,000 adults aged 18 and older.

On the 16th of last month, robot monks participated together in the 2026 Lantern Parade, which proceeded from Heunginjimun Gate in Jongno-gu, Seoul, to Jogyesa Temple. Photo by Yonhap News

When asked about the role expected of religion in the AI era, the largest share of respondents (31%) answered "presenting values of human dignity and respect for life." This was followed by "providing philosophical and moral direction for AI ethics" (17%), "restoring inner stability and spirituality" (11%), and "mitigating social conflict caused by AI" (7%). Additionally, 17% responded that they believe the role of religion is not significant.

Furthermore, while 60% of respondents evaluated the advancement of AI technology positively, they expressed concerns about possible "job loss" (29%), "spread of false information" (22%), "undermining of human dignity" (17%), and "disconnection in human relationships" (12%) due to AI.

Regarding whether AI will replace the function of religion, skepticism was strong. When asked whether they think AI can provide spiritual experiences or religious practices, 45% answered "impossible," while only 23% said "possible." When asked if they would trust the teachings of an AI religious leader, negative responses (58%) far outweighed positive responses (15%).

Commenting on the survey results, Sindaeseung Network pointed out, "The future role of religion is likely to focus less on technological advancement and more on acting as a 'guardian of values'—restoring humanity that may be marginalized in a technology-centered society and suggesting ethical guidelines."

Meanwhile, religious communities are collectively seeking the desirable role of religion in the AI era.

The Religious Environment Council—a coalition group made up of environmental organizations from the five major religious orders, including Buddhist Environmental Solidarity, Christian Environmental Movement Solidarity, Catholic Creation Conservation Solidarity, Won-Buddhist Environmental Solidarity, and Cheondoist Hanul Solidarity—held the "2026 Religious Dialogue Forum" on June 18 to discuss the role of religion in the era of climate crisis and AI.

At the event, Father Cho Dongwon of Catholic University of Korea Sungshin Campus emphasized, "Technological advancement cannot replace human dignity or the value of community," adding, "In the AI era, it is even more important for religion to preserve the values of humanity and life and to offer social direction."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.