Oxford Handbook of Digital Theology

The Oxford Handbook of Digital Theology is the first comprehensive overview of theological reflections on digital technology. It is situated in the history of Christian theology which explores the intertwined nature of technology and human experience. While the digital revolution continues to disrupt and alter socio-political processes set in motion by events like the industrial revolution, digital theology breaks from this trajectory, creating its own methodologies and modes of dissemination. In recent years, the academic field has grown due to the rising use of digital technology by Christians and churches, in part due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of generative AI. To address this rapidly changing reality, this volume presents theological interventions into the ever-expanding application of digital technology in all spheres of life. The Handbook is divided into four parts, written by an interdisciplinary group of scholars from different ecclesial traditions. Part One discusses the use of digital technology in theological research and considers digital culture's influences on theological thought. Part Two presents the dialogue between digital culture and traditional theological topics. Part Three reviews the research on the impact of digital technology on the life of the church and Christian ministry. Part Four includes theological reflections on the wider socio-political impact of digital technology. Together, this volume is the definitive reference to theological reflection on digital technology.

Jonas Kurlberg is a theologian and researcher specializing in digital theology and the interface between Christian faith and digital culture. He currently serves as Chair of the Global Network for Digital Theology and is an Honorary Fellow in the Department of Theology and Religion at Durham University. Jonas has held academic and leadership roles in theological education and continues to publish and present internationally on topics at the intersection of theology, technology, and society. Alexander Chow is Senior Lecturer in Theology and World Christianity and Co-Director of the Centre for the Study of World Christianity in the School of Divinity, University of Edinburgh. He is the author or editor of seven books, including Chinese Public Theology (Oxford University Press, 2018) and Ecumenism and Independency in World Christianity (with Emma Wild-Wood; Brill, 2020). Peter M. Phillips is Tutor in Digital Theology, Ministry and Mission and Director for the Centre for Digital Theology at Cliff College, UK. His research is focused on issues around digital engagement with the Bible, the development of digital theology, technological developments since the COVID pandemic, and what it means to be authentically human in a digital age.