Re-Enchanting the Earth

In this bold new work, scientist and theologian Ilia Delio takes up the challenge of devising a rapprochement between science and religion, with particular attention to the role of Artificial Intelligence, or AI. If the “first axial age” gave rise to the great religions, she sees us now on the cusp of a “second axial age,” in which AI, oriented by new religious sensibilities, can bring about an ecological re-enchantment of the earth.

As she asks in her introduction, "Can technology and religion work together to form a new religion of the earth? Can AI develop toward the deepening of love? These are ultimate questions. Otherwise, super-intelligent AI life may do no more than polarize and alienate us, while sea levels continue to rise and violent weather patterns destroy life and consume the poor. Only love and compassion can bring us to a new level of cosmic life. How to reclaim a new religious spirit of the earth in a technological age, a post-human love, is our task and our future."