The simulation hypothesis as a new technoscientific religious narrative

Abstract

In the age of social media and AI, a new technoscientific socially constructed narrative about the future and our physical universe emerged which is both redefining traditional religions but also becoming a ‘religion for atheists’: the simulation hypothesis. This paper looks at parallels between metaphors used in traditional religious narratives and the simulation hypothesis, via scriptural analysis and comparative review. In addition to reviewing the literature on simulation theology, this paper draws from four common spiritual concepts, distilled from scriptural references, and shows parallels across different religious traditions and maps them to specific aspects of the modern simulation hypothesis. This includes the nature of the physical world as an illusion, the process of incarnation, the recording angels and Scroll of Deeds, and the creation of the physical world. This analysis illuminates how technoscientific metaphors have been wielded in the creation of new religious narratives and how that process continues today.