Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies

Artificial Intelligence in Political Communication: Philosophical and Theological Implications for Religious Values and European Integration Processes in Ukraine

Gennadii Tselkovskyi — 2026-03-06

This study analyses the philosophical and theological challenges of using artificial intelligence (AI) in political communication, particularly in the context of the Russian-Ukrainian war and Ukraine's European integration processes. The phenomenon of disinformation, deepfake videos, and manipulative algorithms that undermine trust in the truth and threaten democratic culture is examined. The philosophical dimension shows that AI can limit free will, turn a person into an object of manipulation, and create conditions for an "epistemic crisis". In the theological context, the meaning of human dignity as the image of God and the values of freedom and truth, which should guide the public use of new technologies, are explored. Special attention is paid to the positions of the Ukrainian and European churches on the ethics of digital technologies, their role in shaping moral guidelines, and their partnership with the state. It is shown that the problem of AI for Ukraine is closely related to issues of national identity, opposition to Russian propaganda, and integration into the European humanitarian space. It is concluded that the effective use of AI is possible only under a human-centric approach, where technology serves man, and not vice versa, and where truth and freedom remain inviolable values.

Digital Philosophy and Digital Theophany: LLMs as Ontological and Epistemological Mediums of Revelation in the Age of AI

Suhermanto Ja’far — 2026-03-06

This article explores the metaphysical and epistemological possibilities of Large Language Models (LLMs) as a new medium of revelation in the age of artificial intelligence, drawing on the framework of digital philosophy. It examines how algorithmic technologies, particularly LLMs, have reshaped the way religious knowledge is understood, produced, and accessed. By revisiting the concept of theophany (the manifestation of the divine), this study proposes a conceptual approach that juxtaposes the theological traditions of revelation with the generative linguistic capabilities of AI. In this context, LLMs are not merely considered linguistic tools or technical media but are interrogated as potential representations or mediations of revelation within the contemporary digital environment. This study investigates the intersection of the ontology of revelation, algorithmic epistemology, and the emergence of new forms of digital spirituality arising from human interaction with AI systems. Employing an interdisciplinary methodology that includes the philosophy of technology, digital ethics, systematic theology, and media theory, this study highlights both the transformative potential and the risks of “digital theophany”, including the mystification of machines and the erosion of religious authority in digital ecosystems. This concludes that rethinking revelation in the age of AI is not only necessary but urgent if theology is to remain relevant in an ever-evolving digital landscape.

Artificial Intelligence, Cultural Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence in the Political Culture

Sandu Frunză — 2026-03-06

The political culture of the digital age brings with it new challenges. On the one hand, we are exposed to a new dynamic and a change of perspective brought to political communication by the intervention of Artificial Intelligence and the increasingly significant role played by virtual space and social networks. On the other hand, the demands of the promoters of Cultural Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence to remain in the main trend of local and global political practices are intensifying. We analyzed the relationship between Cultural Intelligence, Spiritual Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence within political culture. The three forms of intelligence are convergent. With the development of communication technologies and social networks, Artificial Intelligence, even if it cannot act as a moral agent, determines a radical change in terms of the structuring of political communication, influencing strategies and mechanisms for generating content regarding values and meaning. Cultural Intelligence, understood as the ability to adapt effectively to multicultural contexts and diversity, plays an important role in the pluralistic and axiological practices of democratic society. Spiritual Intelligence, understood as the ability to reflect on the meaning of life, values and transcendence, to generate responsibility and moral legitimacy, can contribute to relationships based on authenticity in political practices. In the digital age, the convergence between Cultural Intelligence and Spiritual Intelligence contributes to overcoming ethnocentrism, fundamentalism and extremism, to recognizing the values of otherness and respect for diversity, to cultivating pluralism, dialogue and the common good in the practices of democratic political culture.

Cyberspace in Buddhist Ethics

Song Chong Lee — 2026-03-06

This paper explores how Buddhist teachings, grounded in the metaphysics of interdependence and emptiness, can deepen our understanding of cyberspace as a distinct moral domain. Drawing on Buddhist perspectives on reality, personal identity, and karma, it revisits the enduring idea that, in both principle and ethical effect, cyberspace is neither fundamentally separate from nor different than the embodied world. While cyberspace functions similarly to the physical realm, it demands special attention due to its transcendence of spatial and temporal boundaries, as well as its capacity to reshape traditional contexts of identity and interaction. Unlike the limited personal identity conditioned by biological and social factors in the lived existence, the cyberself assumes a multidimensional, omnipresent existence with significant power to construct its own ontological conditions and virtual environments. This gives rise to novel moral challenges related to the creation and interaction of diverse and unconventional identities and consciousnesses, compounded by the internet’s hyper-connectivity and amplified ethical impact. The study argues that Buddhist teachings on self/no-self and an expanded notion of karma offer a valuable framework for reflecting on the broadened possibilities for moral action within cyberspace.

Religious appropriation: Artificial Intelligence-driven political campaign algorithm trap

Henky Fernando — 2026-03-06

The manipulation of political campaign algorithms based on religious elements controlled by Artificial Intelligence (AI) has led to the systematic appropriation of religion. However, this phenomenon remains underexplored in scholarly discussions. In response to these gaps, this study adopts a qualitative descriptive approach using a case study method. Data were collected through intensive analysis of online news content published between May 30 and June 21, 2025, using the keyword “Religion and political campaign algorithms in Indonesia 2024” via the Google search engine. The findings of this study reveal three key contexts regarding the manipulation of political campaign algorithms rooted in religious elements. First, religion-themed memes were frequently disseminated to undermine the image of political opponents. Second, bot accounts were commonly deployed to generate religious narratives on a massive scale. Third, public resistance emerged, indicating an epistemological tension surrounding the manipulation of religious content in political campaigns. The significance of this study lies in its exploration of the theological implications of manipulative AI use within the landscape of digital political communication.