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Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
ZENODO
Article . 2026
License: CC BY
Data sources: Datacite
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The Sacred in The Digital Age: A Theological and Ethical Inquiry into Technology's Influence on Christian Spiritual Well-Being

Authors: OJIEABU, Stanley Osemudiamen; OYINLOYE, Muyiwa Adepitan;

The Sacred in The Digital Age: A Theological and Ethical Inquiry into Technology's Influence on Christian Spiritual Well-Being

Abstract

The rapid expansion of digital technologies, ranging from social media platforms and live-streamed worship to algorithmic recommendation systems and artificial intelligence, has profoundly transformed the ways Christians worship, learn, and experience community. As churches increasingly integrate these tools into spiritual practices, questions arise about their impact on authentic faith formation and spiritual well-being. Drawing from a qualitative theological-ethical research approach, this study analyzes scriptural texts, contemporary theological reflections, and selected case studies of digital faith practices. The methodology includes thematic review of relevant literature, and ethical reflection rooted in Christian moral theology, to investigates how online worship, virtual fellowship, and digital discipleship have shaped believers’ sense of sacred presence and communal identity. It argues that while technology offers opportunities for connection and outreach, it also risks reducing the sacred to spectacle and faith to content consumption. The study proposes a twofold theological-ethical framework: first, a constructive theology that recognizes the potential of digital tools for pastoral and liturgical enrichment; and second, a moral stance that emphasizes human dignity, embodied presence, and the protection of sacred authenticity in digital spaces. By drawing on insights from digital theology and Christian ethics, this article contributes to the growing discourse on the intersection of faith and technology, providing pastors, theologians, and Christian educators with practical guidance for nurturing spiritual well-being in the digital age.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
0
Average
Average
Average
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