Author(s):
Makinde Semiu Olawale PhD, ,
Sakariyahu Shehu, ,
Abdullahi Abdulrafiu, ,
Ahmed Akeem Apo, ,
Abstract:
Religion plays a significant role in shaping the social and technological architecture of societies,
influencing values, behaviours, and development priorities. This paper examines the intersection
of religion and technological development, focusing on how religious beliefs shape social
structures and guide the adoption and integration of new technologies. The objectives are to
investigate the influence of religious ideologies on technology-driven social development and to
identify the opportunities and challenges posed by this interaction. A qualitative approach was
employed, involving in-depth interviews with religious leaders, technology experts, and
community members from diverse religious backgrounds in North Central, Nigeria. The findings
reveal that religious values impact decision-making processes related to technological
advancements, particularly in areas such as ethics, education, and governance. Religious
communities that emphasize ethical considerations in technology tend to foster socially
responsible innovation, while conservative interpretations may slow technological adoption. The
discussion highlights the dual role of religion as both a facilitator and barrier to technological
progress, depending on its alignment with innovation principles. The study concludes that
incorporating religious perspectives into social and technological development frameworks can
create more ethically grounded and inclusive societies. Recommendations include enhancing
collaboration between religious leaders and policymakers, fostering dialogue on ethical
technology use, and designing educational initiatives that integrate religious and technological
literacy.
IWF