معرفی
Dr. Randall Reed is a Professor of Religious Studies in the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Appalachian State University's College of Arts and Sciences. He serves as co-chair of the Artificial Intelligence and Religion Research Seminar at the American Academy of Religion (aiandreligion.org). His academic work bridges religious studies with emerging technologies, examining how digital innovations reshape religious practice and identity formation in contemporary society.
Dr. Reed's research focuses on the dynamic intersection of religion and technology, particularly artificial intelligence and virtual reality. His work explores how AI systems like home assistants may be perceived as religious persons, how digital representations of religious figures challenge traditional theological concepts, and how technological advances influence the future of religious institutions. He also investigates the Emerging Church movement and millennial religious trends, examining identity formation among religious 'nones' and the challenges these trends pose to traditional religious structures. His scholarship demonstrates a progression from traditional religious studies toward engaging with digital culture and its theological implications.
Through his extensive publication record spanning from 2011 to 2021, Dr. Reed shows a clear evolution from studying conventional religious movements toward examining technology's impact on religious practice. His recent work demonstrates increasing focus on AI's theological dimensions, with publications analyzing GPT-2, home AI devices like Alexa, and digital representations of religious figures. This trajectory reflects broader shifts in religious studies toward engaging with digital culture and emerging technologies, positioning Dr. Reed at the forefront of this emerging interdisciplinary field.
Dr. Reed actively mentors students through a semester-long research group that examines the relationship between religion and technology. He welcomes Religious Studies majors and minors to participate in projects exploring artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the future of religion. His pedagogical approach emphasizes making religious studies relevant to contemporary students, particularly those from non-religious backgrounds, by framing religious texts as examples of human creativity and social discourse rather than solely as matters of faith.
Dr. Reed leads a research group focused on religion and technology, providing students with opportunities to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of digital innovation and religious practice. This group examines how emerging technologies like AI and virtual reality are transforming religious institutions and spiritual experiences, preparing students to navigate the evolving landscape of religion in the digital age. His work demonstrates how religious studies can remain relevant and insightful while engaging with contemporary technological developments.
