Date

12-19-2024

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy in Theology and Apologetics (PhD)

Chair

Steve Lowe

Keywords

Digital Discipleship, Ethical Use of Technology, Digital, Artificial Intelligence, Redeeming Technology, Augustine, Lonergan, Disciples, Discipleship, Spiritual Formation, Spiritual Trends, Online Communities, Digital Evangelism, Evangelism, Online Discipleship, Digital Ministry, Virtual Discipleship, Digital Age, Social Media Ministry, Online Faith Communities, Remote Discipleship, Live Streaming Worship Services, Faith and Technology, Cyber Discipleship, AI in Christian Ministry, COVID-19 Impact on Discipleship, Hybrid Discipleship Models, Virtual

Disciplines

Educational Methods | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

There is a compelling rationale for investing the time and energy to develop a successful digital discipleship program. There is a mandate to reach the lost. There is a command to make disciples of all nations. Theologically there is significant and sufficient biblical evidence that discipleship and can happen remotely. Evidentially, Christian digital community has occurred successfully and with levels of engagement needed for spiritual accountability and growth. Following a non-empirical mixed methodology based on Bernard Lonergan for evidence gathering and subsequently incorporating a redemptive Augustinian methodology akin to The City of God, we have fulfilled the purpose of being attentive, intelligent, reasonable, and responsible in our approach to this investigation. We thereby conclude that there is a need for redeeming available technology to help the Church reach the lost and make disciples.

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