Faith in America remains resilient in 2025, yet it faces significant challenges from technology, division, and declining trust. This was a central theme discussed at a recent all-day symposium hosted by the Religion News Service at Trinity Church in New York City. Rather than offering simple solutions, the event explored complex tensions shaping religious life today — highlighting faith as both a unifying force and a source of conflict, providing comfort but also sparking confrontation.
One major insight was the impact of technology on faith. Speakers warned that technology now goes beyond mere influence to become an ideology in itself. Algorithms control what information people receive, whom they trust, and even what they worship. Scholar Eddie Glaude Jr. described a trend of “performative virtue,” where moral posturing becomes disconnected from genuine values. Chaplain Greg Epstein compared the rise of artificial intelligence to the historical spread of Christianity, suggesting AI has developed its own rituals, priests, and end-time narratives. A crucial question posed was whether humans will retain moral authority over their creations or succumb to worshipping machines as gods.
Disillusionment also emerged as a deep current. Many participants described a landscape filled with distrust and polarization. Latino evangelicals expressed feelings of betrayal by political parties, humanitarian organizations lost longstanding government partnerships, and religious leaders saw their most cherished beliefs distorted to justify morally questionable actions. Political leaders have normalized uncivil discourse, fostering suspicion and fear even over minor differences.
Amid this fracture, a call to recognize shared humanity was a powerful undercurrent. The event’s most moving moments came from a dialogue between Reverend Eric Manning of Mother Emanuel AME Church and Rabbi Jeffrey Myers of Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue. Both leaders faced tragedies in their congregations due to violent attacks and forged a deep friendship grounded in empathy and presence. Their example underscored that moral healing begins by acknowledging one another’s dignity as beings created in the image of God.
Despite challenges, the symposium conveyed hope. Experts like Haley Griese highlighted that artificial intelligence could be harnessed positively, depending on its application and governed by ethical standards. Communities are showing renewed commitment to doing good even amid adversity. Mark Hetfield of HIAS noted that opposition to refugee resettlement has mobilized heightened support from Jewish congregations and donors. Ultimately, hope was framed not as blind optimism but as a call to rebuild relationships, demand accountability, and take meaningful action.
Faith communities remain critical spaces where empathy transcends difference. Pastor Tony Suárez emphasized the power of shared conviction, even amid disagreement. Faith also provides strength and resilience to overcome obstacles, as Stanley Carlson-Thies noted, faith leaders and followers persist in their efforts despite societal trials. Rabbi Myers captured the spirit by urging faith leaders to seek light in darkness, affirming a belief in the inherent goodness of the vast majority of humanity, often overshadowed by negative headlines.
