Virtual Reality Brings the Bible to Life at IATS Exhibit Booth

A young visitor immerses in the biblical Creation story using virtual reality at the Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary’s exhibit during the 62nd General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri, United States, held July 3–12, 2025. [Photo: IATS]

July 25, 2025 | St. Louis, Missouri, United States | Naiomi C. Martínez Laboy and Inter-American Division News Staff

Boris Charaia, a delegate from the country of Georgia—located at the crossroads of Europe and Asia—was among the many international visitors who stopped by the Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary’s (IATS) exhibit booth during the 62nd General Conference Session in St. Louis, Missouri.

Charaia was intrigued by a child using virtual reality goggles at the booth and asked if the activity was only for children. After learning it was designed for all age groups, he patiently joined the line to experience the immersive presentation for himself.

Boris Charaia, delegate from Georgia, explores the biblical Creation story through virtual reality headset at the Inter-American Adventist Theological Seminary’s booth during the GC Session. [Photo: IATS]

He was one of dozens from around the world who explored Theo-Verse Legacy, an innovative initiative by IATS that invites users into a multi-sensory retelling of the biblical Creation story. The experience reflects the Inter-American Division’s (IAD) broader efforts to use emerging technologies to advance theological education.

“As part of our strategic plan, we’ve introduced virtual reality to help students and professors engage with theological topics in a dynamic, immersive environment,” said Carlos Robles, vice president for institutional effectiveness at IATS.

“We developed Theo-Verse Legacy as a virtual library that allows users to interact with biblical history,” explained Robles. “The first module focuses on Creation—not just to be read or watched, but explored.”

Accessible through the seminary’s website setai.edu, the project was made freely available at the request of the IAD’s education department. “Anyone can now experience it online,” said Robles.

Carlos Robles, vice president for institutional effectiveness at IATS, guides a guest through the Theo-Verse Legacy virtual reality experience at the seminary’s exhibit booth during the 62nd General Conference Session. [Photo: IATS]

The program also includes artificial intelligence features, allowing users to ask questions to characters like Adam and Eve. “They respond based on biblical and theological context,” noted Robles. “It brings a level of engagement and personalization that’s new to theological education.”

From children and adults to pastors and administrators, many booth visitors expressed amazement as they stepped into the virtual environment. “Some told us it was the first time they visualized Creation in such a vivid and spiritual way,” said Robles. “We heard shouts of excitement, smiles of amazement, and, above all, expressions of gratitude for a tool that connects technology with faith.”

The ten-day exhibition offered a unique opportunity to demonstrate how innovation can enhance spiritual understanding. Robles shared that representatives from several world divisions expressed interest in expanding the experience to other languages. The project is currently available in Spanish, English, and French.

Carlos Robles, vice president for institutional effectiveness at IATS, shares insights about the Theo-Verse Legacy virtual reality project and upcoming modules during a social media interview with Keila Trejo of the Inter-American Division at the 62nd General Conference Session.[Photo: IAD Screenshot]

Looking ahead, IATS is already developing the next virtual reality module, which will focus on catastrophism—particularly the biblical narrative of the Flood.

“It will explore questions about Earth’s formation, geological layers, and fossil records from a biblical perspective,” Robles said.