Harnessing Faith, AI & Emerging Technologies | ICFAI 2025
Research Paper

Harnessing Faith, AI & Emerging Technologies for Social Transformation: A Systematic Review

Nomazwe Sibanda
Near East University, Cyprus
Abstract

This review builds upon research on “Harnessing Faith, AI, and Emerging Technologies for Social Transformation in the background of the spheres of influence in Christianity” by responding to the fragmented understanding of how local religious groups can incorporate technology for societal change. The review aimed to assess multidisciplinary knowledge on the integration of faith and technology, establish ethical criteria, analyze theological viewpoints, compare leadership strategies, and identify social innovation outcomes. A systematic analysis of 50 research articles using qualitative and literature-based methods revealed comprehensive ecclesiastical ethical frameworks emphasizing justice, stewardship, and the Holy Spirit as guiding principles for AI use. The findings also highlight innovative leadership models that balance tradition and digital adaptation across diverse cultural contexts, alongside significant ethical concerns such as algorithmic bias, privacy, and risks to authenticity.

Keywords
Faith and Technology Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technologies Social Transformation Christian Ethics