A Simple Theology of Artificial Intelligence
A sample chapter from my book "AI in Church and Ministry" discusses theological and ethical approaches to artificial intelligence.
The following is a chapter from my upcoming book, AI in Church and Ministry: Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Faith Communities. You can order the book here.
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Chapter 2: A Simple Theology of Artificial Intelligence
As ministers, we are entrusted with the sacred task of serving our congregations and communities, a journey filled with both challenges and immense rewards. Our mission is to guide, inspire, and support, always seeking new ways to deepen our impact and outreach. In this rapidly evolving world, technology, and specifically Artificial Intelligence (AI), has emerged as a pivotal element in almost every aspect of life. Embracing AI in our ministries isn't just about keeping pace with the times; it's about harnessing every available tool to enhance our ability to serve and connect in this era of digital transformation.
In this chapter, we'll delve into the concept of AI as a part of God's vast and intricate creation. We recognize that AI, much like any tool invented by humanity, holds the potential for immense good but also poses risks. Our challenge, as shepherds and administrators of faith communities, is to navigate this new digital landscape with wisdom and discernment. We aim to employ AI in a manner that uplifts our Christian values, enhances our ministry, and brings us closer to the heart of our mission—to spread love, understanding, and compassion in our increasingly interconnected world.
Theological Foundations
Many Christians (and others) have outright dismissed AI in any or most circumstances. Some of those who doubt any legitimate use of artificial intelligence in business, life, or ministry are probably sitting in the pews at your church. Theologically considering technologies from a Christian perspective is thus crucial as we make a Biblical case for, at the very least, having this conversation.
So, before we fully embrace the possibilities that AI offers in our Christian ministries, it's essential to acknowledge the broader context of technology within our faith perspective. Though Scripture was written in a time before cell phones and the church fathers and mothers never had to contend with robots, there is still wisdom to be gleaned from the timeless truth they offer. In this digital age, we are called to seek wisdom and understanding from God and the labors of faithful women and men throughout history in our quest to navigate today’s complexities of AI.
In this era of rapid technological advancement where we easily see how much this tech changes people and society, we must understand what we believe on this topic, or the world will fill the gaps with its answers.
The Creation Mandate
In the Book of Genesis, the so-called “Creation Mandate” (Genesis 1:26) entrusts humanity with a sacred responsibility: the stewardship of creation. This divine directive places us in a unique position within the natural order, not only acknowledging our special role but also empowering us to utilize and cherish the gifts of creation for both our flourishing and the betterment of the world. This mandate calls us to be caretakers and guardians, to use the Earth’s resources wisely and thoughtfully, ensuring that our actions today do not compromise the well-being of future generations and reflect our gratitude and respect for the bountiful gifts bestowed upon us by God.
As inheritors of this divine mandate, we must recognize that our stewardship extends to the technological advancements of our time, including artificial intelligence. AI, a remarkable testament to human intellect and creativity, epitomizes our God-given capacity for innovation and transformation. By harnessing AI ethically and purposefully in our ministries and daily lives, we honor this mandate. We are employing the tools shaped by God’s creation to augment our abilities, better serve our communities, and mirror the creativity and resourcefulness God has instilled in us. Thus, AI becomes more than just a robotic servant; it transforms into a vehicle through which we fulfill our calling to wisely manage the earth and its resources, glorifying God and nurturing the growth and flourishing of His people.
The Morality of Technology
This stewardship extends to the moral and ethical implications of technology, especially AI, which has the power to influence and shape our lives in profound ways. Just as God granted humanity free will, allowing us to choose between good and evil, technology is a tool that can be wielded for both positive and negative purposes. Scripture itself warns in 1 Corinthians 6:12 that "Everything is permissible for me—but not everything is beneficial. Everything is permissible for me—but I will not be mastered by anything." This verse speaks to the importance of using anything, such as technology, in ways that are beneficial to our faith and the well-being of society. Even when there isn’t a commandment about it in the Bible, we must still understand that it doesn’t mean we are completely free to do whatever we want without taking the time to think about it!
Technology is not amoral. Perhaps it is when we pull the raw materials from the ground, but when it’s in the hands of humans, its utilization impacts the fate of the world. We have a responsibility to shape its use for good, just as we ensure that food put on the market is safe for human consumption or that cleaning products won't poison our pets. On this topic, theologian and minister Joshua K. Smith notes in Robot Theology that, “Technology is no mere tool; it is a profoundly religious ideology. As curators of God's creation, we must ensure that the technology we use and create serves his ideals and characteristics (i.e., love, mercy, kindness, patience).”
Our Christian perspective on technology encourages us to be mindful of its impact on our lives, relationships, and communities. While AI offers tremendous opportunities for good, we must remain vigilant against its potential misuse, such as the propagation of misinformation, invasion of privacy, or the reinforcement of harmful biases. Just as we are called to be salt and light in the world, we should use our technological capabilities to bring positive change, promote justice, and spread the love of Christ.
Tools for Teaching
Christian history is filled with examples of Christians using secular thought or innovation to further the Gospel. Early believers utilized Platonic philosophy and references to Greco-Roman myths to appeal to the dominant worldview of the time. Paul, for instance, in Acts 17:27–28, quotes the Greek poets Epimenides and Aratus just after using an altar to an unknown God as a real-world sermon illustration. Go outside of the New Testament and we see Christians quick to jump aboard every major innovation from the printing press to radio, to TikTok.
These are examples of what some theologians have dubbed the “plundering the Egyptians,” a reference to the Israelites leaving Egypt with the Egyptians’ treasures in hand. The thinking goes that we too, as children of God, might use the spoils of the earth in pursuit of sharing the Kingdom of God with the world. I don’t ask if a Christian made my glasses, for instance, I just thank God someone did invent them, and I use those glasses, as best I can, to the glory of God!
As discussed earlier, technology’s moral status shifts depending on who controls it. I would hope that in the hands of a God-fearing believer it would be a tool for good and righteousness! This book outlines a myriad of ways in which this technology can be used to teach people, save souls, and impact hearts. There is potential for evil use, but there is just as much potential for good.
Technology can be wielded to teach people and relate to souls in unique ways that Paul would have never imagined. It can help us further the educational and pastoral work of the church, just as the printing press brought Scripture to the masses. Martin Luther understood how Jesus becoming “relatable” influences how Christian teachers must also transform themselves to become relatable themselves. In one example of this practice, he writes “When Christ wished to attract and instruct men, He had to become a man. If we are to attract and instruct children, we must become children with them.” With AI, we too can achieve personalization and relatability to people in ways previously uncharted.
Leadership in the Public Sphere
Christian faith is not a private matter. It impacts the public in significant ways--whether we like it or not. From the dawn of our faith, Jesus followers have commented on public matters of concern to the wellbeing of humankind. John the Baptist called out Herod for his misdeeds. Jesus chastised the selfishness and dishonesty of the rich. Paul spoke in public squares across the Mediterranean and in front of people of power. Eventually, due to the missionary efforts, the dominant Roman society was converted.
While modern notions of apologetics tend to focus on defending the Christian faith with logical arguments and cheesy movies, originally it denoted the way in which believers simply advocated for the benefits of Christianity to society. Elaine Graham in Apologetics Without Apology notes that “apologetics is always a form of public speech in the context of pluralism. It goes beyond personal testimony to embrace, and address, the wider culture in its entirety.” As Graham argues in her work, apologetics originally wasn’t about getting into people’s heads with facts and figures, but is about telling the story of Jesus in a way that shows Christians want what’s good for society.
What made the Christian vision so compelling was that when put into action it proved to offer more dignity to infants, women, slaves, and the poor than anything Rome could offer. It cast a vision of cohesion and selflessness that just couldn’t be rivaled in the practice of the Empire--all because Christians spoke up for what is good and took the lead in demonstrating how their ideas ultimately helped people more than the competition.
In step with my Christian ancestors, I think it’s right to lead the conversation on this technology. Something as life-altering as artificial intelligence is certainly a matter we Christians can address in the public square because it has a profound impact on our health, jobs, governments, communities, social relationships--essentially all aspects of human society. Simply dismissing the inevitable or refusing to engage in these questions is to ignore our God-given role as the public’s moral conscience.
The Church of England’s “Big Tech” report does a wonderful job describing why they feel justified to advise Big Tech on moral and ethical principles. Among many reasons, some more practical than others, they describe that it’s the Church’s role to “contribute to public moral debate and understanding.” The report’s argument is too good to not paste in its entirety:
“[T]he phenomenon of Big Tech raises questions about the nature of human freedom, human dignity and human identity, as well as about the nature of technological development and the relation of private enterprise to the common good, that are of central concern for Christian thinking. These questions are not specific to tech companies or to investment in them, and they require deep reflection about the fabric of our society and what we truly wish to value. Answering them is not only a matter for tech leaders, journalists or politicians, but involves a “whole of society” approach in which religious bodies also have a role.”
We, as Christians, should not leave the moral decision-making regarding robotic technologies to everyone else and just sit on the sidelines hoping it all works out. Let us be the voice of truth!
Christian faith is not a private matter. It impacts the public in significant ways—whether we like it or not. From the dawn of our faith, Jesus' followers have commented on public matters of concern to the wellbeing of humankind. John the Baptist called out Herod for his misdeeds. Jesus chastised the selfishness and dishonesty of the rich. Paul spoke in public squares across the Mediterranean and in front of people of power. Eventually, due to the missionary efforts, the dominant Roman society was converted.
While modern notions of apologetics tend to focus on defending the Christian faith with logical arguments and cheesy movies, originally it denoted the way in which believers simply advocated for the benefits of Christianity to society. Elaine Graham in Apologetics Without Apology notes that “apologetics is always a form of public speech in the context of pluralism. It goes beyond personal testimony to embrace, and address, the wider culture in its entirety.” As Graham argues in her work, apologetics originally wasn’t about getting into people’s heads with facts and figures, but is about telling the story of Jesus in a way that shows Christians want what’s good for society.
What made the Christian vision so compelling was that when put into action, it proved to offer more dignity to infants, women, slaves, and the poor than anything Rome could offer. It cast a vision of cohesion and selflessness that just couldn’t be rivaled in the practice of the Empire—all because Christians spoke up for what is good and took the lead in demonstrating how their ideas ultimately helped people more than the competition.
In step with my Christian ancestors, I think it’s right to lead the conversation on this technology. Something as life-altering as artificial intelligence is certainly a matter we Christians can address in the public square because it has a profound impact on our health, jobs, governments, communities, social relationships—essentially all aspects of human society. Simply dismissing the inevitable or refusing to engage in these questions is to ignore our God-given role as the public’s moral conscience.
The Church of England’s “Big Tech” report from 2022 does a wonderful job describing why they feel justified to advise Big Tech on moral and ethical principles. Among many reasons, some more practical than others, they describe that it’s the Church's role to “contribute to public moral debate and understanding.” The report’s argument is too good not to paste in its entirety:
“[T]he phenomenon of Big Tech raises questions about the nature of human freedom, human dignity, and human identity, as well as about the nature of technological development and the relation of private enterprise to the common good, that are of central concern for Christian thinking. These questions are not specific to tech companies or to investment in them, and they require deep reflection about the fabric of our society and what we truly wish to value. Answering them is not only a matter for tech leaders, journalists, or politicians, but involves a ‘whole of society’ approach in which religious bodies also have a role.”
We, as Christians, should not leave the moral decision-making regarding robotic technologies to everyone else and just sit on the sidelines hoping it all works out. Let us be the voice of truth!
Summary of Theological Foundations
A theological understanding of technology in the Christian perspective centers on our responsibility as stewards of God's creation. We are called to seek wisdom and understanding, recognizing that technology, like any tool, can be used for good or ill. Since AI does show evidence of doing lots of good--like in the various applications this book explores--we can embrace it as yet another powerful teaching tool like the printing press of PowerPoint slides.
One thing to note regarding AI is that it is not something to irrationally fear! The ERLC’s statement on AI reminds us to roll back some of our concerns. “While we are not able to comprehend or know the future, we do not fear what is to come because we know that God is omniscient and that nothing we create will be able to thwart His redemptive plan for creation or to supplant humanity as His image-bearers.” As Christians, we can and should have concern for the world’s fate--yet the Christian tradition affirms that humans can never create something that will override God or our value as human beings.
As we navigate the age of AI, our faith must guide us to make choices that align with our Christian values, promote the common good, and contribute to a more just and compassionate society. We have an obligation to at least consider the profound implications of this revolutionary technology.
Ethical Dilemmas with AI
Potential abuses with technology like AI can keep us (and our congregations) up at night, and rightly so! AI's ability to analyze vast amounts of data and take decisive actions based on that data can be both impressive and unsettling. As we utilize the technology, we should do so with caution—not because we fear that an AI will take over the world and exterminate us all, but because God gave us reason for a reason! Since technology is always a double-edged sword, we must ensure the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.
In this section, we'll explore broadly some of the potential ethical concerns associated with AI, specifically in relation to the church. Each chapter also has a “Considerations” section where we step back and recognize that how we implement a technology is extremely important. Below, we’ll briefly cover concerns about the human-robot relationship, privacy and transparency, equity and fairness, and the changing landscape of work. Many of these themes will show up again as we discuss specific applications of artificial intelligence in ministry contexts.
Human Oversight
While AI can streamline processes and offer valuable insights, church leaders must maintain a clear position of oversight and discernment. The final responsibility for decisions, especially those related to matters of faith and spirituality, rests with the human minister. It might be tempting at times to make excuses when AI produces less-than-desirable or even sinful results—"It said it, not me!" But like a parent has a responsibility for the actions of their children, we have responsibility for the actions of our technology.
I concur with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission which declares: “We deny that humans can or should cede our moral accountability or responsibilities to any form of AI that will ever be created. Only humanity will be judged by God on the basis of our actions and that of the tools we create.” Anytime we take AI-driven content or analysis outside of its respective program and put it out into the world, we are implicitly endorsing that content or analysis. To avoid embarrassment or worse, causing someone else to stumble, we should examine diligently what we have produced.
AI should serve as a tool, enhancing the minister's capacities rather than replacing their unique role as a spiritual guide and leader. Even though there are instances of AI Buddhist priests in Japan, an AI exorcist in the Vatican, and a completely AI-run church in Germany, I do not see a future where the personal, spiritual guidance of pastors becomes irrelevant! Seeing AI as a tool that extends our abilities, rather than replaces, is a guiding principle that emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance between technological assistance and human discernment.
Ethical Data Handling and Privacy
Respecting the privacy and autonomy of congregants is extremely important when utilizing AI in ministry. This is an ethical concern many people, regardless of religious background, can agree on. Concerns for data handling, privacy, and transparency about what is being collected and to whom it's sent have greatly impacted corporate and government policies. While CEOs might grumble about not being able to exploit people’s data for profit, it’s clear that average people want to have a choice when it comes to their data.
Ministers must establish clear policies and practices for data collection, storage, and usage when employing AI, or really any technology. Transparent communication regarding the purpose and scope of data collection ensures that congregants' trust is maintained. Allowing, in some way, for people to “opt out” also ensures that individual liberties are respected. Additionally, ministers should prioritize the security of congregants' personal information, implementing robust measures to safeguard against unauthorized access.
Ensuring Equity and Inclusivity
As ministers leverage AI to enhance their ministry, it is also imperative to consider the potential impact on fairness, equity, and inclusivity within the faith community. Ministers should be vigilant in ensuring that the benefits of AI are accessible to all congregants, regardless of technological literacy, socio-economic status, or other potential barriers. Moreover, pastors must do their best to ensure that AI’s results aren’t accidentally skewed by bias or discrimination, which can happen depending on the training data.
Commitment to inclusivity reinforces the belief that every individual within the community is valued. When decisions are made objectively without discrimination and everyone has equal access to the same resources, AI-backed ministries can flourish.
Loss of Jobs
Another potential ramification of AI is the loss of jobs. While every technological revolution results in a change in the workforce, it’s important to note that these kinds of economic transitions affect real lives. In their report on AI from 2019, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, of the Southern Baptist Convention, reminds us of the Christian role in this chaos. “The church has a Spirit-empowered responsibility to help care for those who lose jobs and to encourage individuals, communities, employers, and governments to find ways to invest in the development of human beings and continue making vocational contributions to our lives together.” The church must step up to help in the aftermath of this technological revolution, since it’s almost guaranteed that the 9 to 5 job of someone in your congregation will be affected.
The rapid inclusion of tech, such as artificial intelligence, into every industry and its tendency to replace entire job titles, also forces us to examine the very nature and value of work. As church leaders, this means we must address these topics in our sermons and classes. We must consider what people will do with the time they save or the new business opportunities available. As Christians, there may even be opportunities to use theological principles to suggest that some human-centered jobs should be outsourced to machines. Even more so, a pivotal question that cannot be ignored, is what does society look like if we don’t have to work anymore.
Opportunities with AI and the Christian Faith
The emergence of artificial intelligence presents us with a remarkable opportunity to fulfill our Christian mission in innovative ways. This book will explore only the tip of the iceberg—the future will surely bring more uses than we can possibly hope to imagine. With all these innovations, while some are frightening, plenty will open up new doors for the world to know God’s love and for our churches to know Jesus even better.
Just as the printing press revolutionized the spread of the Gospel during the Reformation, AI opens new avenues for evangelism and discipleship. Imagine using AI-powered chatbots to engage with seekers, answering their questions, and providing basic spiritual guidance 24/7. These virtual conversations can serve as a gateway for individuals to explore Christianity at their own pace, helping them take their first steps toward faith. Take that, Gutenberg!
AI-driven systems can analyze vast amounts of data, identifying patterns and insights that were previously hidden from view. Through AI, we can gain deeper understandings of our congregants' needs, tailor our ministries to address those needs, and reach out to people in more targeted and compelling ways. Moreover, Additionally, AI can assist in translating and disseminating Christian content across languages and cultures, fostering cross-cultural evangelism and building a global community of believers. The possibilities are immense.
As we delve deeper into the potential of AI, let's remember that it is a tool that, like any other, can be used to further God's kingdom when done with thoughtful implementation and cooperation for the church community. By aligning our technological pursuits with our Christian values, we can harness the power of AI to enhance our ministry, reach the lost, and continue spreading the message of love, hope, and salvation to the world. We can do so much good with AI--that’s why I’ve written this book!
Final Reminder
As we conclude this chapter, it's crucial to remember that AI is not a replacement for the heart and soul of ministry. We've seen how it can support and enhance our roles as ministers, but the true magic happens when we blend technology with our unwavering faith and love for our congregants. Embrace AI with open arms, recognizing its potential to lighten your workload and enhance your ministry. However, always keep God at the center of your pastoral journey, allowing the Bible to guide your actions and decisions. With faith, wisdom, and the assistance of AI, we are well-equipped to lead our faith communities toward a brighter and more connected future.
By approaching AI implementation through a theological and ethical lens, ministers can navigate the intersection of faith and technology with wisdom and discernment. This thoughtful integration ensures that AI becomes a tool for enhancing ministry, upholding the dignity of congregants, and reinforcing the foundational principles of the faith community. By walking faithfully with technology, ministers can harness its transformative potential while remaining steadfast in their commitment to the spiritual well-being of their congregation.
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