Critical Review of the Interplay between the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Religion

Abstract

The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) or Industry 4.0 is rapidly changing technology, 
industries, and societal patterns and processes in the 21st century. Religion is not exempted from 
this transformation. This is due to the increase in interconnectivity and smart automation. The 
Fourth Industrial Revolution? How does the Fourth Industrial Revolution affect religion? How 
and when did it emerge? Does religiosity matter in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution? 
How are religious leaders, religious organizations, and religious adherents responding to this 
change? What are the roles of religious leaders, religious organizations, and religious adherents 
in the transformation? What are the challenges of the Fourth Industrial Revolution to the practice 
of religion? The aim of this study is to attempt to answer these questions by critically reviewing 
some recent literature on the interplay between the Fourth Industrial Revolution and religion. 
The study concludes with some recommendations to religious leaders, religious organizations, 
and religious adherents on how to practice religion in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution 
and preparation for future industrial revolutions.