Technology Used in Religious Events in Recent Times
Over the last few years, the technological influence around religious events has been great. Technology has created new forms of practicing and experiencing one’s beliefs. It can range from virtual worship services to artificial intelligence-driven devices.
More than ever, people from their households can now enjoy religious practices. This also means that people can worship at their own pace and time. People no longer need to go to church; they can use virtual platforms to host programs once scattered by distance, making it possible to participate in worship from anywhere around the world.
Live streaming enables immediate access to sermons and events such as Jubilee Year 2025, which has begun in Rome. It even allows instantaneous feedback, intercession requests, and virtual private fellowship. This is most helpful for those with some kind of bodily, geographical, or social limitations as it promotes more inclusivity in religious life.
This is how technology speaks of its use in today’s religious events:
Typical Example: Jubilee 2025
The Jubilee 2025 started on December 24, 2024, and will last the whole year, ending on January 6, 2026. The app Iubilaeum25 is available to pilgrims coming to Rome from the Vatican. The application offers historical notes, official prayer texts, an audio version of the Jubilee hymn, a detailed event calendar, and information on the Jubilee pathways within Rome. Besides the above information, the app has an assistant called Julia, which was developed with Microsoft input. Julia offers services in more than 60 languages and answers all the common questions about the Jubilee and Rome.
1. Virtual and Live-Streamed Services
During the digital transformation, almost all religions have embraced virtual worship as well as live-streaming, and this, in turn, allows them to participate in religious affairs while at home or while on the move. Most virtual worship services have come to be hosted by platforms such as Zoom, YouTube, or Facebook Live, making it easier to stay connected with the community of faith, especially in major crisis events such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Social Media and Online Community
Social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter have enabled religious organizations to link firmly with their audiences. They allow religious leaders to use recorded sermons, inspiring messages, or news about up-and-coming events. They are also a place for an online community where people can discuss faith, ask for support, and find other like-minded people.
3. Mobile Applications
Mobile applications were developed to offer followers easy access to their sacred texts, daily prayers, and spiritual guidance. Examples include the YouVersion Bible App, Muslim Pro, and Daily Prayer, which allow users to access various resources for practicing their faith on the move.
4. Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)
New virtual and augmented reality technologies make immersive religious experiences possible. Users can, for example, visit a virtual temple, church, or sacred site to worship or pray there without having to go there physically. Augmented reality could enhance one’s understanding of religious texts and rituals by digitally overlaying information across the real world.
5. E-courses and Resources
Most religious organizations and institutions use the Internet to provide online training resources and courses to observe their worship and follow their religious duties. Such sites and online portals can provide an enormous amount of information in terms of texts, sermons, and spiritual guidance for anyone interested in them. Thus, religious education became available for the more significant portion of humanity.
Technology has not in any way replaced traditional religious practices; it has only enhanced and broadened the horizons of the same. Digital innovations have opened ways for religious communities to touch and reach a larger audience, create a sense of belonging, and create more personal spiritual experiences. As the digital continues to grow, it will definitely play a more prominent role in ordering future religious events.