Everyone with steady access to electricity and connectivity lives in an increasingly AI-saturated world. Some AI is invisibly infused into the back end of systems we rely upon, and some is in digital tools we use directly.
Let’s be clear: AI is all A and no I. The capabilities are impressive and improving exponentially fast. The tools will help us solve certain kinds of challenges. But we are not bringing life from non-life. AI can be a wonderful servant and horrible master, like all our technological creations.
What should the Church stand for? What are the key lessons that pastors should reinforce with their congregations as they seek to follow Christ as adopted children in this world but not of this world.
1. Imago Dei is an imperative. We are creatures made in the image of God, and therefore every individual has intrinsic worth. AI capabilities will force re-evaluations of wages and contribution value. No one will be smarter or intellectually faster than a future AI world, but we are still precious in God’s sight.
2. AI can be an idol. Many people will effectively worship AI tools, entrusting them to be provider and guide. All idols disappoint, and none can deliver. Consider this:
Their idols are silver and gold, the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak; eyes, but do not see.
They have ears, but do not hear; noses, but do not smell.
They have hands, but do not feel; feet, but do not walk; and they do not make a sound in their throat.
Those who make them become like them; so do all who trust in them.
(Psalm 115:4-8)
3. God seeks a relationship with His children. God is speaking more than we are willing to listen. God will not have a relationship with AI. It is we who have the privilege to know God’s voice and seek His face, not the tools we create.
4. God is the best source of wisdom. Lady Wisdom still calls out (Proverbs 8). God generously gives wisdom to all whom ask (James 1:5-8). We must frequently ask ourselves “Where am I trusting my own understanding when I need to rely on God’s wisdom?” (Proverbs 3:5-8)
These truths are worthy of teaching and repetition. They will help us and keep us from allowing AI to become a snare and a pit in our discipleship journey to Christ-likeness.