Bot-Theology: Inviting, Prosperous, and (in)Authentic Community
Abstract
Abstract The paper analyzes the theology, emotions, and community formation of the bots who post on YouTube and the people who respond to them. The paper finds that the bots’ theology is evangelical, charismatic, and prosperity-oriented. The paper also finds that the people who respond to the bots are sincere, supportive, and expressive, and that they create a virtual community of faith that is joyful, hopeful, and trusting. The paper suggests that virtual gatherings of Christians need more scholarly attention and that more research is needed on the emotional formation and theological implications of these online interactions.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Media
Religion
Digital Communication
Pentecostalism and Christianity Studies
Religion and Society Interactions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of Religion Media and Digital Culture
- Volume
- 15
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 78–99
- Publication date
- 28 February 2026
- Language
- EN