Garrett Prado | 03/24/2024

As we race toward our next breakthrough in technology, the entire world seems focused on A.I. and how it will change societies and cultures globally. Some fear that if developed too quickly or without proper ethical considerations, we could be conjuring a devil to shackle mankind in chains or bring about the demise of humanity. Others see it as an angel which could offer breakthroughs in medicine and technology that could lead to a healthier, happier, and longer living population. While AI itself was created through algorithms, data, and computational power, advanced neural networks, deep learning, and adaptation have led AI to inch ever closer to a point of human intelligence and possible self-awareness. It is my opinion that it is up to all of us to ensure that AI is developed with both ethics, and God, in mind.

From a theological perspective, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be looked at as more than just a product of human ingenuity, it can also be seen as a manifestation of God’s creative power through the human spirit. Just as God empowered Adam to name and steward His creation (Genesis 2:19-20), so too must humanity guide and develop AI with ethical and God-driven moral considerations. C.S. Lewis once remarked, “Education without values, as useful as it is, seems rather to make man a more clever devil.” (Lewis, The Abolition of Man, 1943). When we ignore the ethical duties we have as image-bearers of Christ, we sometimes create the demons that plague us.

Directing AI Toward God

While many in the AI field have been proponents of ethical guidelines concerning AI there are a couple of prominent Christian scholars in technology and AI ethics who underscore the importance of teaching AI biblical values and an understanding of God.

• Rosalind Picard, founder and director of the Affective Computing Research Group at MIT, advocates for using technology to enhance human dignity. She says in her own words, “I see human dignity as a super important thing that binds us all together. And so, if any of this technology were used to diminish that, I would think that was a crime. That’s wrong. We should be using technology to build better lives for people.” (su.org). This perspective coincides with her views of the Christian principle of honoring the inherent worth of every individual. AI should be developed and applied in ways that enhance and uplift human experience.

• John Lennox, a mathematician and AI ethicist, raises concerns about instilling ethics into inherently non-conscious algorithms. He questions, “The big question to be faced is: How can an ethical dimension be built into an algorithm that is itself devoid of heart, soul, and mind?”(goodreads.com). Lennox emphasizes the necessity of a moral framework, often grounded in theistic beliefs, to guide AI development responsibly. He argues that without acknowledging a higher moral authority, establishing a robust ethical foundation for AI becomes challenging (singjupost.com). Lennox realized that ultimately, ethics without consequence is just a word. Likewise, while forgiveness is the key aspect of Christianity, and not punishment, without knowing and walking with God, that forgiveness becomes meaningless.

How Can We Align AI with the Holy Spirit

God’s Spirit works through human action and brings wisdom and understanding (Exodus 35:31-32). If AI is developed with God in mind, it can be a powerful tool for humanitarian work, medicine, and knowledge expansion. Just as the disciples were empowered by the Holy Spirit to spread the Gospel (Acts 1:8), we too have been given power by the Spirit to manifest miracles into our lives and into the lives of others by opening our hearts to God and allowing Him to work through us. AI can serve as an instrument to share truth, wisdom, and God’s love in the digital age. Re-Contextualizing Christianity in new ways will be necessary in an ever-changing culture which is deeply impacted by technological growth. It is important that we as Christians, therefore, have a seat at the table in regards to AI growth. This means that we cannot simply dismiss every new advancement as evidence that Revelations is upon us and the Anti-Christ draws near. That notion has not worked out well for anyone who has held it in the past, nor will it in the future. Instead, we must see the beauty in God’s plan and have faith the He will not condemn us to the darkness but will lead us to the light of the future which shines bright towards humanity. 

As stewards of God’s creations, it is important to take responsibility for the forces we unleash upon humanity, If AI is inevitable, then it is up to every person to do their part in promoting good and ethical conduct in terms of the creation of AI. Furthermore, we can choose how we interact with AI and decide whether we ourselves will be part of the solution, or the problem. This is most important when we discuss human and AI integration. This involves using AI systems as tools that complement human skills rather than replacing them and combining human capabilities with artificial intelligence to enhance decision-making, improve efficiency, or repair damaged brain function. AI human integration could also mean cybernetic augmentation or enhancement, which leads us to other moral questions which must be asked, and I am not talking about the question; How would Jesus look with a bionic arm? The answer is obviously a resounding AWESOME!

The question we must ask in every action we take is, are we serving out our God aligned purpose here on Earth? The answer to that question can only be found within the hearts of the individual, I therefore offer two words of advice for all Christians, prayer and hope. Finally, I will remind Christians that growing in knowledge and power is a gift of the Spirit and we should accept it with humility and grace and nurture it with love, not fear. For the Scriptures tell us; Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid, do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go (Joshua 1:9).

• Lewis, C.S. The Abolition of Man. 1943.

• Lewis, C.S. God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics. 1970.

• Picard, Rosalind. “Engineering Emotion AI.” su.org

• Lennox, John. 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity. goodreads.com

• Lennox, John. “The Truth About AI, Consciousness, and God.” singjupost.com