EXPLORING THE POTENTIAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE IN FOSTERING RELIGIOUS TOLERANCE IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Diversity of religious beliefs has often times given rise to obvious manifestations of intolerance. Such is evident in the friction that sporadically ensues between the adherents of one religion and another; or even in-fighting between adherents of the same religion. Diversity thus generates a downside. However, one notes that recent technological advancement continues to ceaselessly influence human activities in all its ramifications. The effect no doubt has made positive inroads on human affairs but not without some downsides. Recently, digital technology has graduated to the different forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The resultant effect is that AI-powered technology has continued to impact on every aspect of human affair – economy, healthcare, education, industry, and even religion etc. This research explored how the use of AI-powered technology could ameliorate tendencies towards religious intolerance engendered by diversity in Nigeria. The research discovered that although the usual tradition of Christian religion is gradually being affected, it on the other hand has continued to generate e-worship that makes official worship not to be confined to a place, thereby minimizing chances of conflict. The researcher through qualitative method tries to unearth the bond of communion that has a natural settlement in the inner recesses of man’s being. The research exposes the inner content of AI, and how its use has positively impacted on intolerance, and takes a critical look on the whole content.