The theme is “Practical Theology facing digital (AI and ChatGPT) revolutions in the age of homo-digitalis” and more details can be found at this link: https://forms.gle/hHx7AW7paFit9naA8

Please take note that the deadline for abstract submissions is 28th October 2024 so don’t delay in submitting your paper title and abstract.

Theme: Practical Theology facing digital (AI and ChatGPT) revolutions in the age of homo-digitalis.

Our everyday living, from banking to socialising, dating, religion and communication are mediated by technology. There is hardly an area of our lives that is not mediated by technology. The persistent presence of technology is shaping our identity, dreams, expectations and hopes for the future. Since the use of technology has become so entrenched in our daily lives, we seldom reflect critically on what it is doing to and in us. Moreover, we often view technology as tools we can use as we deem fit. This instrumental view of technology, however, does not fit anymore, especially since the dawn of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The aim/vision to be upgraded as human beings and become one (singularity) with machines as postulated by trans– and posthumanism respectively, poses serious questions and challenges as to what it means to be human today. Similarly, the field of teaching and learning is confronted to rethink how to conduct, in particular, assessments since ChatGPT was introduced. Together with the challenges produced by technology there are benefits and opportunities that cannot be denied or ignored. Consider how the health professions benefit from robots that with great precision assist in surgery. These technologies, however, are not value neutral but promote certain value systems that significantly affect our personal and communal lives. The speed at which technological innovation is taking place makes it almost impossible to foresee and predict the unintended consequences it may have. We invite participants to consider the following subthemes for reflection:

Sub-themes:

1. Living in a digital age and faith communities being challenged by a digital culture.

2. Embodiment, Medio-passivity and “Response”–ability of Practical Theology.

3. Practical theological communicative practices in light of digital abundance and weblogs, for example.

4. How Practical Theology relates to developing revolutions and enacting rituals and practices.

5. Contextual engagement with the digital world (AI and ChatGPT) — participation or reactionism?

6. Being church in an age of the homo-digitalis.

7. The change in practical theological training considering digital revolutions.

8. Will pastors and preachers be redundant in light of the digital revolution?

ABSTRACT SUBMISSION CLOSING DATE: Monday 28th October 2024

CONFERENCE REGISTRATION CLOSING DATE: Thursday 31st October 2024

PAYMENT OF FULLY INCLUSIVE FEE OPTION: Wednesday 13th November 2024