Thesis
Published
SACREDNESS AND PROFANITY IN DIGITAL RELIGION
Abstract
Digital religion involves integrating religion and advanced technology to
generate new religious symbols, concepts, and elements that differ from traditional
religious practices. This fusion of religious aspects with digital technology creates
a distinct religious culture, affecting how religious elements are seen as sacred
or profane. The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has impacted all facets
of human life, including religion. The perception of sacredness as a quality of
possessing grandeur, holiness, and separation from the everyday has become
increasingly important. There appears to be a shift in the understanding of
sacredness conveyed through religious activities in virtual spaces. Technological
advances in artificial intelligence are inherently linked to questions surrounding
religious sacredness, prompting examination of how digital technology affects
sacred values.
The objective of this study is to investigate the concept of digital religion and
its potential effects on religious sacredness and profanity.
This literature review applies an anthropological approach and content
analysis to investigate the correlation between the sacred, profanity, and artificial
intelligence (AI) in digital religion. The theoretical framework of the study is based
on Mircea Eliade’s and Emile Durkheim’s theories of the sacred and the profane.
The research findings express two viewpoints regarding virtual religious
practices performed on digital platforms. Drawing on the theory of the sacred and
profane put forth by Elide and Durkheim, it is important to note that discourse has
the potential to diminish the sacred essence of virtual religious practices. This is
due to the presence of numerous rites, ethics, spirits, and aspects of worship which
are not adequately represented. Additionally, digital religion possesses a distinct
and unique value that sets it apart from traditional religious activities conducted
in physical space.
As such, the existence of digital religion warrants further analysis. The
confluence of religious practices and digital culture has transformed the concept
of religious sacredness, giving rise to distinct cultural paradigms, ideas, symbols,
and observances that differ from those of conventional religion. Digital religion
generates a virtual sacredness that transcends the boundaries between the sacred
and the profane.
Publication Details
InstitutionUNIVERSITAS DARUSSALAM GONTOR
DepartmentSTUDI AGAMA- AGAMA
Item ID4548
Deposited20 Nov 2024 06:39