NASR Conference: Call for Papers

Theme: Religion, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence

Location: ASUU Secretariat, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria

Date: 5-8 November 2024

The intersection of religion, artificial intelligence (AI), and humanity encompasses various perspectives and debates. Some view AI as a tool for enhancing human understanding of religious texts and practices, while others raise concerns about the ethical implications of AI in religious contexts, such as the development of AI priests or spiritual leaders. Some debates include AI's potential ot mimic human-like behaviours, the implications for religious beliefs about creation and the soul, and ethical considerations surrounding AI's role in society. These discussions often touch on stewardship, responsibility and the nature of consciousness. Additionally, questions arise regarding the impact of AI on human spirituality, notions of free will, and the potential for AI to challenge or affirm religious beliefs about the nature of existence, the divine, and the future of society. Overall, the intersection of these domains prompts exploration into the ethical, philosophical, and theological dimensions of AI technology regarding human spirituality and religious traditions. Given this, NASR has chosen the theme, RELIGION, HUMANITY AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, for her 45th International Conference, with a view to bringing together scholars of various religious traditions, sociologists, technocrats, policy makers and implementors, philosophers and scientists, for cross-fertilisation of ideas on how best to manage the tension between religion and artificial intelligence for the present and future benefit of human experience.

Sub-Themes

Interested participants are to send in their abstracts of not more than 250 words via email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. on the subthemes listed below and any other topic(s) related to the theme of the conference, not later than 20th October, 2024. Topics that are not related may not be given consideration. The abstracts should include the name(s) of the author(s), university/institute/college of affiliation, email address and phone number.

1. Divination, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
2. Rituals, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
3. God, Deities/Divinities/Spirits, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
4. African Traditional Religious Symbolism, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
5. Taboos, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
6. Puppets, Masquerades, Music, Dance, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
7. Witchcraft, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
8. Medicine and Healing, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
9. Magic, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
10. Incantation, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
11. Farming/Agricultural Production, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
12. African Indigenous Knowledge System, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
13. African Technological Innovations, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
14. Totems, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
15. Ancestral Veneration, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
16. Artificial Intelligence and Biblical Hermeneutics
17. Artificial Intelligence and Theological Education
18. Artificial Intelligence and Ethics
19. Islamic Worldview, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
20. Maqasid Shari'ah, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
21. Islam, Maslaha, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence
22. Shari'ah - the Islamic Law, Humanity and Artificial Intelligence

Conference Registration Fees

Old members:

• Conference Fees - ₦ 30,000
• Annual Dues - ₦ 5,000
• Total - ₦ 35,000

New Members:

• Conference Fees - ₦ 35,000
• Annual Dues - ₦ 5,000
• Total - ₦ 40,000

Virtual Presentation: ₦ 50,000

Postgraduate Students: ₦ 25,000

Account Details

Account Name: Nigerian Association for the Study of Religions (NASR)

Account Number: 1140071667

Bank Name: Polaris Bank