| Keywords [eng] |
Sacramentality, ecclesiastical order, doctrine, faith-tech, VR, Catholic Church, Nigeria, sakramentalumas, bažnytinė tvarka, doktrina, tikėjimo technologijos, VR, Katalikų Bažnyčia, Nigerija |
| Abstract [eng] |
Technological innovation in the area of faith has continued to proliferate in the recent past, with factors such as COVID-19 accelerating the adoption of faith tech. Virtual Reality (VR) for liturgy has been touted as a possible technological advancement that can improve faith experiences, due to its immersive nature, realness, and animation characteristics. This study utilized an entrepreneurial lens to assess the possibility of the integration of VR for liturgy within the Nigerian Catholic Church. A mixed-methods study was conducted, where 171 participants, including lay faithful, seminarians, theologians, and clergy (n = 171) participated in a survey, while n=20 responded to interview questions. Statistical analyses from the survey indicate moderate acceptability, pointing towards a potential market among the Nigerian Catholic segment. In the interviews, while participants acknowledged VR as a necessary innovation in today's digital world, several concerns were identified, including the lack of communal participation, questions regarding sacredness, and theological concerns regarding whether it can maintain the required level of liturgical integrity. A fundamental finding from the research is that while VR for liturgy may not be immediately accepted due to the theological and sacramental limitations, the technology can be used alternatively for prayer, youth management, worship, pilgrimage, and catechesis. In line with the technological acceptance model (TAM), innovators and entrepreneurs must ensure that they create a technology that will receive widespread acceptance among the Catholic congregants. Efforts should include creating models that enhance privacy and confidentiality and are culturally appropriate. In addition, ease of use should be considered to ensure that all people, regardless of their ages, utilize the technology with great convenience and efficiency. Entrepreneurs must incorporate church leaders in the development of the technology to ensure that the final product is tailored to the needs of the Catholic faith. The collaborative model also forms the foundation of checks and balances, ensuring that fundamental sacramental, cultural, and ethical aspects are taken into consideration. However, it is important to recognize some of the challenges associated with the research, including a lack of diversity among participants and the cross-sectional nature of the inquiry. Therefore, future studies should strive to expand the participant base and consider longitudinal models to effectively capture acceptability and business feasibility aspects of this technology. |
