This book chapter explores the relationship between AI and spirituality, considering how AI's increasing presence and influence may challenge traditional spiritual beliefs and practices, and how it may shape our understanding of spirituality and the divine. The chapter also considers how AI may impact our sense of self, including its ability to collect and analyze vast amounts of personal data and the ethical implications of this. The potential spiritual benefits and drawbacks of AI's increasing presence in society are reflected upon, including its ability to help us connect with the divine in new and unexpected ways while challenging us to think more deeply about our own sense of self and our relationship with the world around us.
TopIntroduction
The word “spirit” has a long and complex history, dating back to ancient civilizations and evolving over time to encompass a wide range of meanings and uses. The earliest usage of the word can be traced back to the ancient Greeks, who used the word “pneuma” to describe the breath of life that animated living beings. The word “pneuma” was also used to refer to the soul, which was believed to be an ethereal and incorporeal substance that gave life to the body (Long, 2021). This concept can be found in ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures, as well as in the Hebrew Bible, where the Hebrew word “ruach” is translated as “spirit” and is often associated with the breath of God (Dyk, 2018). This concept was also present in other ancient cultures, such as the Chinese concept of “qi” and the Hindu concept of “prana.”(Bao, 2020). In ancient Roman culture, the word “spiritus” was used to describe the breath of life, as well as the animating force behind natural phenomena such as wind and fire (Hunt, 2021). The Roman philosopher Cicero used the term “animus” to describe the soul, which he believed was the seat of emotions and mental activity (Cicero on the Soul’s Sensation of Itself, 2020). Breath represents the vital force sustaining life and is significant in various cultures, including Hinduism. According to Hindu philosophy, every human being is allotted a predetermined number of breaths rather than a fixed amount of time. The practice of pranayama, or breath control, is considered a key component of spiritual development in Hinduism, with sages and yogis believed to have extended their lifespan by mastering the art of controlling their breaths.
Throughout history, the term has also been influenced by several other languages. For example, the Germanic languages have contributed to the word “spirit” through the Old High German term “spirit,” which means “mind” or “soul.”(Review: Althochdeutsch, Bd. I (Grammatik, Glossen und Texte) on JSTOR, 1987). The Old Norse term “andinn” also contributed to the word “spirit,” which means “mind” or “soul.”(Guo, 2015)
In Greek philosophy, the concept of spirit evolved to include the idea of a non-physical, immortal soul that could transcend the physical world. This concept was later adopted by early Christian theologians, who used the term “spirit” to refer to the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity (Soul | Religion and Philosophy | Britannica, 2023)
During the Middle Ages, the term “spirit” continued to evolve and was used to describe a variety of non-physical entities, including angels, demons, and ghosts. It was also used in alchemy and other esoteric disciplines to refer to the subtle, non-physical energies believed to underlie the physical world.
The concept of spirituality encompasses a complex and multifaceted set of beliefs and practices. While it is often associated with a sense of inner peace, transcendence, and connection to a higher power, it can also have darker connotations. One interpretation of spirituality may prioritize the spirit or soul over the physical body, leading some individuals to prioritize spiritual concerns over material ones.