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Original Research Article

NAVIGATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY IN NIGERIA: RECONFIGURING RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE, LEADERSHIP AND TRUST IN THE DIGITAL AGE

Canon Clinton Onyekachi Okorie, Ukachukwu, Chukwunonyerem S. O., Nwosu, Godsent C., Okoro, Ugonna Ogechukwu

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Canon Clinton Onyekachi Okorie Corresponding Author

Imo State University, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Correspondence: onyekagod2002@gmail.com

Received
09 Sep 2026
Published
10 Oct 2026

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly becoming part of religious education, communication, research and everyday faith practices. Believers can now use generative AI to explain sacred texts, compare interpretations, prepare devotional materials and seek answers to religious questions without first consulting a recognised religious leader. This development raises an important question for Nigeria: how is religious authority changing when access to religious information is no longer controlled mainly by clergy, scholars and religious institutions? This paper examines the relationship between AI and religious authority in Nigeria, focusing on religious knowledge, leadership and trust. Using a conceptual and interpretive methodology, it synthesises scholarship on religious authority, digital religion, AI ethics and Nigerian religious experience. It argues that AI is not simply replacing religious authorities; rather, it is reconfiguring the conditions under which authority is produced, accessed, evaluated and trusted. Nigerian digital-religion research shows that digital infrastructures can create new forms of religious influence and authority, while recent AI scholarship highlights concerns about accuracy, privacy, bias and human accountability. The paper proposes a Responsible Religious AI Engagement Framework based on human accountability, verification, contextual sensitivity, confidentiality and formation. It concludes that Nigerian religious institutions should neither reject AI nor surrender religious judgment to it. AI should remain an assistive instrument while theological discernment, pastoral responsibility, communal recognition and human dignity remain central to religious leadership.

Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Religious Authority, Religious Leadership, Digital Religion, Nigeria, Theological Discernment
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How to Cite

APA

Okorie, C. C. O., Ukachukwu, C. S. O., Nwosu, G. C., & Okoro, U. O. (2026). NAVIGATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY IN NIGERIA: RECONFIGURING RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE, LEADERSHIP AND TRUST IN THE DIGITAL AGE. British Journal of Advanced Research, 1(4), Article 002. https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-2Z7EE6E3

MLA

Okorie, Canon Clinton Onyekachi, Chukwunonyerem S. O. Ukachukwu, Godsent C. Nwosu, and Ugonna Ogechukwu Okoro. "NAVIGATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY IN NIGERIA: RECONFIGURING RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE, LEADERSHIP AND TRUST IN THE DIGITAL AGE." British Journal of Advanced Research, vol. 1, no. 4, 2026, article 002. DOI: https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-2Z7EE6E3

Chicago

Okorie, Canon Clinton Onyekachi, Chukwunonyerem S. O. Ukachukwu, Godsent C. Nwosu, and Ugonna Ogechukwu Okoro. "NAVIGATING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND RELIGIOUS AUTHORITY IN NIGERIA: RECONFIGURING RELIGIOUS KNOWLEDGE, LEADERSHIP AND TRUST IN THE DIGITAL AGE." British Journal of Advanced Research 1, no. 4 (2026): 002. https://doi.org/10.68263/BJAR-2Z7EE6E3

References

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Metadata
ISSN 3153-709X
Tracking ID BJAR_SEP_26_009
Article No. 002
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Article Info
Journal BJAR
Volume Vol 1, No 4
Year 2026
Type Original Research Article
Licence CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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