TRANSFORMATION OF THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS EDUCATION THROUGH ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TOOLS (AI) IN OUR SCHOOLS

Abstract

The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into education is rapidly transforming teaching and learning across different disciplines, including Christian Religious Education (CRE). This paper examines how AI tools can improvethe teaching and learning of CRE in our schools by making lessons more engaging, interactive, accessible, and learner-centered. Traditionally, the teaching of Christian Religious Education has relied heavily on teacher centered and text-based approaches, which often fail to meet the learning preferences of today’s digitally savvy students. Drawing from secondary sources such as scholarly journals, Christian publications, internet materials, and biblical perspectives, this study explores major AI tools including voice assistants, smart content, and virtual mentorsandpersonalised learning systems. The paper highlights how these technologies can support students’ spiritual, moral, and academic development by encouraging critical thinking, independent learning, and deeper understanding of Christian teachings. The study concludes that artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to significantly revitalise CRE by bridging the gap between technology and faith-based instruction and modern technology.When properly integrated into schools, AI tools can make CRE more relevant, meaningful, and spiritually enriching for contemporary learners, while also improving teaching effectiveness and students’ overall learning outcomes.