Artificial Intelligence and the Question of Theological Relevance

Abstract Artificial Intelligence (AI) raises profound questions regarding theological relevance within contemporary “theo-tech” debates. A prevailing tendency in addressing these questions is to frame theological engagement through a “God of the gaps” strategy. However, such an approach renders theological relevance increasingly fragile in the face of rapid scientific progress. By employing a conceptual interdisciplinary method – engaging AI advances across cognitive, biomedical, and climate sciences while centering Biblical and Qur’anic theology – this study argues that AI does not replace theology. Instead, it expands theology’s interpretive role, opening new inquiries that exceed the limits of empirical science. The findings indicate that gap-based theology falters when cast as a rival to scientific explanation. In response, this study proposes a shift from the traditional “God of the gaps” strategy to a “gateway-oriented” model, capable of addressing the ethical, anthropological, and existential challenges posed by AI. Ultimately, the preliminary application of gateway-oriented theology confirms its ability to engage with AI challenges while sustaining long-term theological relevance.