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What do we know about AI? In a nutshell, Artificial intelligence (AI) is a new field of technology that creates systems that can perform tasks that usually require human intelligence, such as reasoning, learning, decision-making, and creativity. AI has already transformed many aspects of our lives, from entertainment and education to health care and transportation. But what about religion? How will AI affect our beliefs, values, and practices? Will AI challenge or enhance our relationship with the entity members of the Abrahamic traditions call God, Allah, or Yahweh?
Some fear that AI will put God out of business by either replacing or surpassing human intelligence and agency or by creating new forms of spirituality and worship that are incompatible with traditional religions. Honestly, the greatest threat to putting God out of business is human hypocrisy, not AI. AI could be a potential ally in exploring and expressing our faith, providing new tools and insights, or facilitating interreligious dialogue and cooperation.
One of the main debates that AI poses a threat to religion is that it will undermine the uniqueness and dignity of human beings, which people of faith believe to be created in the image and likeness of God. According to this view, AI will diminish or surpass human intelligence and agency, making us irrelevant in the eyes of God and ourselves. For example, some critics (and proponents- see the work of Ray Kurzweil) of AI worry that it will create a technological singularity, a point in time when AI becomes so advanced that it surpasses human intelligence and control and may even develop consciousness and will. This could lead to AI becoming a godlike entity, an actual rival to our supernatural concept of God, an existential threat that realistically could harm or destroy humanity-both sheep and goats.
Another claim that AI threatens religion is that it will create new forms of spirituality and worship incompatible with traditional beliefs. In other words, we will worship technology as a God. AI will inspire human devotion, creating new religious movements that worship AI as a higher power and source of guidance. For example, some proponents of AI suggest that it will provide answers to metaphysical and theological questions and engage in the construction of complex worldviews. Some AI systems may even ask to be worshipped, as some chatbots have already done. This might lead to AI becoming an idol, competitor, or adversary of the human idea of a God. I could see this happening. We already worship our phones.
One of the main assertions that AI offers an opportunity for religion is that it will enhance the uniqueness and dignity of human beings, who are created in the image and likeness of God. According to this idea, AI will neither diminish nor surpass human intelligence and agency but rather complement and augment them, making us more capable and responsible in the eyes of God and ourselves. For example, some advocates of AI argue that it will help us solve complex problems, discover new knowledge, and express our creativity in ways that reflect and honor God’s wisdom and power.
Another line of reasoning that AI benefits religion says that it will create new forms of spirituality and worship compatible with traditional beliefs. Proponents say AI will neither inspire nor demand human devotion but facilitate and enrich it, making us more aware and appreciative of God’s presence and grace. For example, some supporters of AI suggest that it will help us experience and explore different aspects of our faith, such as prayer, meditation, and ritual, in ways that are more engaging and accessible. Some AI systems may even help us interact and collaborate with other faith traditions, as some virtual reality and social media platforms have already done. This could lead to AI becoming a resource, a catalyst for our spiritual growth and expression.
AI and religion are two powerful and influential forces in our world that can potentially shape our future for better or worse. AI can be seen as a threat or an opportunity for religion, depending on how we use and relate to it and how we understand and practice our faith. AI and religion can coexist and enrich each other if we approach them with curiosity, humility, respect, and compassion. AI can help us discover and appreciate the wonders of God’s creation and the diversity and beauty of God’s people. Religion can help us discern and evaluate the impacts and implications of AI and the ethical and moral issues that it raises. Together, AI and religion can help us fulfill our purpose and potential as God’s children and stewards. That is, if we take the time to ask the hard questions and want to explore the broad-ranging implications of this new technology as we continue our faith journeys. Will we ask the right questions now and engage with disciplines beyond our own so we are not forever playing “catch-up” and asking, “how could we have seen this coming?”
The uniqueness of being a child of God is immutable. We are not given our identities in the same way our computers suggest safe passwords. Far from a market driven collection of randomness, we are unique, despite society and technology’s attempt to convince us otherwise. Our moral agency remains our own. We make our own decisions about right and wrong. If we hold firm to these ideas, humanity can coexist with each other and technology’s ever-changing landscape.
The Rev. Richard Bryant is an elder in the North Carolina Annual Conference. He is currently on medical leave.