Leonard Chrysostomos Epafras
The Association for Theological Education in Southeast Asia (ATESEA) held its much-anticipated General Assembly from March 10 to 13, 2025, at Central Philippine University (CPU) in Iloilo City, Philippines. This prestigious gathering united heads of theological schools from 13 countries, representing 94 schools, both in person and online, to discuss pressing issues in theological education, emphasizing the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in shaping the future of theological discourse and pedagogy.
One assembly highlight was the keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Leonard Chrysostomos Epafras, a scholar and researcher associated with the Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) Graduate School and the Indonesian Consortium for Religious Studies (ICRS) in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. His keynote, titled “‘Gadgets Need Healing’: Problems and Prospects in the AI Revolution for Theological Education,” set the tone for the assembly’s discussions.
Dr. Epafras, who works at the intersection of technology, AI, religion, and theology, presented a thought-provoking exploration of how AI transforms theological education. Drawing from his extensive research and previous presentations, including at the Congress of Asian Theologians in Malaysia (2024), Dr. Epafras examined the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements and their implications for theological learning.
In his keynote, he raised critical questions about the role of AI in theological education, challenging traditional perspectives that view technology merely as a neutral tool. Instead, he argued that AI should be understood as part of a broader ecosystem fostering dynamic and reciprocal engagement between humans and technology. By transcending the dichotomies of reason (logos) and narrative (mythos), as well as reason and craft (tekhne), Dr. Epafras proposed a holistic framework as an ecosystem for integrating AI into theological pedagogy.
A central theme was the tension between AI’s promises and perils. Dr. Epafras highlighted how the rapid development of AI has reignited age-old fears of human creations becoming “like one of us,” as described in the Genesis narrative. He cautioned against viewing AI solely as a threat, urging theological educators to embrace its transformative potential while addressing ethical concerns and unintended consequences.
Dr. Epafras emphasized that integrating AI into theological education requires reimagining traditional pedagogical approaches. He introduced three key dimensions for a digital pedagogical framework:
1. Logomathia, the intellectual and conceptual foundation of learning, involves curating rigorous yet accessible content for digital platforms.
2. Praxamathia encompasses the practical, performative, and activity-rich aspects of learning that connect theory with praxis while incorporating digital tools such as AI-driven applications to create engaging and interactive learning environments. Additionally, it encourages students to engage in physical activities to boost the classroom vibe and beyond.
3. Pathomathia focuses on the emotional and relational aspects of learning, emphasizing the importance of building emotional connections and fostering a sense of community in theological education.
Dr. Epafras argued that these dimensions provide a comprehensive approach to navigating the complexities of teaching theology in an increasingly digital world.
The ATESEA General Assembly 2025 demonstrated the association’s commitment to fostering collaboration and innovation among its 94 member institutions. By inviting Dr. Epafras to deliver the keynote lecture, ATESEA underscored the importance of addressing the evolving landscape of theological education in Southeast Asia.
The decision to emphasize AI highlights ATESEA’s acknowledgment of its transformative potential in theological education. As Dr. Epafras points out, AI offers opportunities and challenges, making it essential for theological educators to engage with these developments thoughtfully and critically.
Dr. Epafras seized the opportunity to meet with Dr. Jerson Benia Narciso, an alumnus of ICRS and the UGM Graduate School, who also served as a faculty member at CPU to cherish the memory. He then met with Ms. Lesley Joy Dignadice, the Acting Director of the International Linkages and Affiliations Center at CPU, and Mr. Mudzakir, the Acting Attaché of Education and Culture at the Indonesian Embassy in Manila, while exploring a potential collaboration.
This activity promotes high-quality education, strengthens institutions, and cultivates partnerships that align with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 16, and 17.
