Generative Artificial Intelligence and Collaboration: Exploring Religious Human-Machine Communication and Tensions in Leadership Practices

Authors

Pauline Hope Cheong, Arizona State UniversityFollow
Liming Liu, Arizona State UniversityFollow

Abstract

The adoption of generative artificial intelligence (GAI) applications has bolstered efforts toward human-machine collaboration. Given the lag in research on AI and religion, this study examines how pastors engage GAI to develop religious human-machine communication practices that constitute their leadership. Findings from in-depth interviews with pastors in the U.S. reveal that they view GAI as an idea generator, research assistant, co-author and translator. Clergy enact multiple ways to incorporate GAI communication in religious education and to enhance sermonic performances. Concurrently, pastors perceive tensions between innovation and established rites, as they contend with the authenticity and spiritual depth of GAI content while meeting the needs of their congregants amid temporal and resource challenges. This article concludes with implications for future research, AI governance and ethics.

DOI

10.30658/hmc.11.9

Author ORCID Identifier

Pauline Hope Cheong: 0000-0002-6971-9115

Liming Liu: 0000-0001-8873-3097

Recommended Citation

Cheong, P. H., & Liu, L. (2025). Generative artificial intelligence and collaboration: Exploring religious human–machine communication and tensions in leadership practices. Human-Machine Communication, 11, 171–190. https://doi.org/10.30658/hmc.11.9