The metaverse’s potential impacts on the God-centred life and togetherness of Indonesian Christians

Abstract

Many studies in Indonesia have analysed the metaverse from an education, communication, social relation and business view, but only a few from a theological perspective. This study questions whether theologically, the metaverse can be viewed as an opportunity where God-centred life and togetherness amongst humans are enhanced. To answer the question, the study uses literature analysis. The question is answered by exploring two issues. Firstly, the impact of the metaverse’s features on human awareness and values as the basis of their roles in creating togetherness is examined. Secondly, the changes in the human image of God and their roles in relation to the divine as the consequences of immersion in the metaverse are investigated. From the analysis of the previous studies concerning those issues, the findings show that Christians who regularly immerse themselves in the metaverse and obtain overstimulation might acquire a set of values that foster collaborative togetherness on the one hand but enhance pervasive self-centredness on the other hand. In theological language, the metaverse might cause Christians to act as the masters of reality instead of as its stewards. The finding might give direction for the church to help Christians maintain regular detachment from the metaverse and to reflect more on their roles in creating togetherness and a God-centred life.