By Rev. Faith Ho
By late 2022, while people were still grappling with the pandemic’s relentless changes, OpenAI launched ChatGPT, an innovative AI tool capable of searching vast datasets, composing poetry, and creating art, leaving the world in awe. Its rapid success marked it as the fastest-growing consumer application in internet history, amassing over 100 million users within just two months. This surge in interest sparked significant investments from major tech companies and spurred the growth of various AI startups that were even obsessed with its amazing capabilities. However, this enthusiasm also raised concerns about AI’s potential to replace human jobs. Additionally, AI began to play a pivotal role in the geopolitical tensions among major global powers. At its core, AI (Artificial Intelligence) is the technology that enables machines to mimic human intelligence, allowing computers to think, learn, and solve problems akin to human capabilities. This includes understanding language, recognizing images, making decisions, and even producing artistic creations.
AI can be categorized into three distinct types based on intelligence levels, reflecting its varying capabilities and applications:
Weak AI, also known as narrow AI, is the dominant form of artificial intelligence in use today, designed to perform specific tasks effectively. Examples of weak AI include voice assistants such as Siri and Alexa, translation services such as Baidu Translate, self-driving vehicles, medical image recognition systems, spam filters, and predictive maintenance applications. While weak AI can often exceed human performance in its specialized areas, it remains limited to its programmed functions, as evidenced by popular AI chat applications such as ChatGPT.
In contrast, Strong AI, or Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), is a concept primarily found in science fiction. AGI refers to machines capable of replicating human-level general intelligence, enabling them to understand and apply knowledge across various domains. Visionaries like Elon Musk predict a future where robots will serve humanity, a significant step toward achieving AGI. Beyond AGI lies the idea of Artificial Superintelligence (ASI), which, if realized, would surpass human intelligence, though this remains a concept far in the future. The transformation brought by AI raises critical questions about its role in our lives.
Is AI a blessing that enhances convenience? Or will it lead to catastrophic outcomes as portrayed in Hollywood narratives?
It prompts a deeper inquiry into how teachings from the Bible and theology can guide us in understanding and ethically engaging with AI, helping us make wise choices in its implementation and societal impact.
The History of Artificial Intelligence Development
(AI) It is often perceived as brief, particularly with the emergence of technologies such as ChatGPT, but its roots date back to the 1950s, from initial theoretical exploration and logical reasoning to later developments in machine learning and deep learning, culminating in the recent generative AI revolution.
The 1956 Dartmouth Conference marked the official birth of AI, where early efforts focused on logical reasoning through manually programmed rules, such as “stop at red lights, go at green lights,” to emulate human decision-making. However, due to hardware and software limitations, practical applications were scarce, leading to a period known as the “AI winter” in the 1970s. It wasn’t until the advances in computational power during the 1980s and 1990s that AI began to flourish and regain momentum.
The 1990s brought about a data revolution with the advent of the internet, which provided an abundance of information for data-driven machine learning. Enhanced personal computer performance allowed for the implementation of complex algorithms, shifting AI from rule-based systems to data-driven approaches. This evolution enabled computers to analyze large datasets independently, identifying patterns without manually creating rules.
In the 2010s, deep learning emerged as a significant branch of machine learning that emulates the human brain’s neural networks. This development spurred breakthroughs in various fields such as image recognition and natural language processing. A notable milestone was in March 2016, when AlphaGo, an AI, defeated the world champion Go player, demonstrating the blend of learning and intuition in AI through deep reinforcement learning.
Today, the 2020s are recognized as AI’s “Golden Age,” marked by revolutionary advancements as multiple technologies reached critical maturity. The explosion of internet data provided extensive datasets for AI training, coupled with dramatic increases in computational speed and increasingly sophisticated software technologies. A significant component of modern AI is the use of Large Language Models (LLMs), a type of deep learning designed to understand and generate human language. These models learn linguistic patterns by predicting subsequent words using massive datasets and complex algorithms, a form of generative AI. For instance, when given a prompt like “Today’s weather is…,” LLMs can generate coherent sentences by predicting and chaining words like “nice,” “hot,” or “cold,” to form complete sentences. While these models lack a proper understanding of language or human-like reasoning, they can mimic human linguistic behaviour, producing surprisingly intelligent results.
Most AI tools we use rely on LLMs:
- ChatGPT – Based on the GPT model series
- Claude – Anthropic’s conversational AI
- Gemini – Google’s AI assistant
- Microsoft Copilot – Microsoft’s AI assistant
- Grok – xAI’s AI assistant
- Perplexity – A platform integrating multiple LLMs, suitable for academic research
Generative AI is now widely applied across industries, marking our official entry into the AI era.
Theology of AI
As a product of modern technology, AI may seem unrelated to ancient Scripture. Yet many Bible passages offer valuable principles that can reassure you of God’s guidance, help you discern the ethical implications of AI, and ensure that your engagement aligns with His moral standards.
AI Is Not Human
The increasing integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into daily life—spanning from companionship, customer service, and decision support—has fostered a unique bond between humans and machines. Many people develop feelings of empathy and identification toward AI, often influenced by science fiction that depicts AI with human-like qualities.
However, it is vital to recognize that, according to the Bible, humans are created in God’s image with dignity, souls, and moral responsibility. In contrast, AI lacks these divine qualities and moral agency.
Genesis 1:26-27 (ESV): “ Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. …’. “ So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them.” emphasizes this distinction, stating that humans were made in God’s likeness, granting them dominion and intrinsic worth. Though some argue that AI reflects human rationality and creativity, this perception does not acknowledge the deeper attributes of the human soul and the relational connection to the divine that AI cannot possess.
AI Is Not Divine
AI is not divine but a mere construct of human design in their own image. Many mistakenly attribute autonomy, consciousness, or emotions to AI, often fueled by sensationalized movies and media. This “AI deification” can lead to misplaced trust in its decision-making abilities, ignoring its limitations and risks. As AI gains prominence in fields like finance, healthcare, and the arts, the disparity between perceived capabilities and actual outcomes may create unrealistic expectations and societal misdirection. The Bible warns against worshiping creations, including AI, labelling such acts as idolatry. Believers are instructed to worship only the one true God, as stated in Exodus 20:4-6: “You shall not make for yourself a carved image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water under the earth. You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God…” which prohibits the making of any idols or likenesses.
In conclusion, while AI holds significant potential, it is vital to maintain a clear perspective on its nature and limitations, recognizing the fundamental differences between humanity and artificial constructs.
Does AI Possess Wisdom?
The question of whether AI possesses wisdom is nuanced. While AI can create art and poetry, it fundamentally lacks true wisdom and genuine thought. According to biblical teachings, wisdom is a gift from God, as highlighted in Proverbs 9:10: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight,” and 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” emphasizes that the fear and trust in God guides our understanding, forming the is the foundation of true wisdom.
Wisdom encompasses spirituality, moral judgment, and a relationship with God—qualities that AI cannot replicate. AI operates through algorithms and data, mimicking human reasoning without any spiritual insight or moral discernment. True human wisdom, as depicted in the Bible, involves ethical understanding, which is beyond AI’s capabilities. Ultimately, AI lacks the depth of human experience and spirituality, merely executing programmed tasks without genuine thought. Humans need to rely on divine wisdom rather than technology alone. In the development and application of AI, seeking God’s guidance is crucial to ensure that the technology serves a higher purpose and adheres to ethical standards.
Will AI Save or Destroy Humanity?
Transhumanism advocates for a profound transformation of humanity through technology, aiming for radical alterations of the human mind and body, potentially even achieving immortality. This movement emphasizes self-evolution and the desire to transcend human limitations, often likened to an attempt to “play God.” Such ambitions are viewed as a sin of pride that conflicts with the Biblical understanding of sin, redemption, and the sovereignty of God. Scripture reflects this caution, as seen in Daniel 11:36, “And the king shall do as he wills. He shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods…” which warns of those who exalt themselves above God.
Many proponents of transhumanism, often influential figures in the tech industry, view humanity as an adaptable organism capable of overcoming its natural boundaries. However, the Bible teaches that humanity is under God’s judgment and in need of redemption, not self-evolution.
Philippians 3:20-21 “But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” It reminds believers that faithful citizenship is in heaven, where they await transformation through Christ. In light of the challenges posed by transhumanism, Christians are called to maintain spiritual vigilance and humility amidst the rapid technological advancements.
Conversely, there are concerns that artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to humanity’s destruction. Experts warn that super artificial intelligence (ASI) might develop autonomous consciousness, leading to scenarios in which it could escape human control and potentially result in catastrophic outcomes, such as nuclear warfare or bioweapons, leading to societal chaos. The narratives surrounding AI in popular media often perpetuate apocalyptic fears, exacerbating public anxiety regarding its impact. Regardless of these dangers, Scripture reassures us of God’s sovereignty over all aspects of life and history.
How Should We Use AI Wisely?
Christians are encouraged to engage with artificial intelligence (AI) within a Biblical and theological context, using it as a tool to glorify God and serve others. Just as people had to adapt to smartphones, understanding AI is crucial for everyone, regardless of age or profession, to remain relevant and impactful in society. Acknowledging AI’s limitations is equally important to avoid its misuse.
In the workplace
AI can enhance efficiency and improve professional skills across various roles, from engineers to homemakers. While AI has disrupted entry-level job markets, those who embrace AI knowledge often find excellent opportunities, signifying a change in the nature of work rather than its disappearance. Historical examples, like the rise of the IT industry, demonstrate that while some jobs may decline, new ones can emerge. As companies implement AI policies and systems, there’s often a gap in effectively utilizing these technologies. Therefore, strong AI literacy and specialization are vital for career growth, allowing individuals to adapt and leverage advancements in ways that align with their faith and the mission of serving God’s kingdom.
In School
AI can assist with research, data analysis, and understanding various subjects, but it is not a search engine and can make errors, sometimes leading to irrelevant or nonexistent links. While AI can provide writing ideas, it should never replace your own critical thinking. Young people’s overreliance on AI can lead to blindly trusting its answers, which may be incomplete or misleading due to a phenomenon called “hallucination.”
It’s crucial to develop your judgment and critical thinking to discern the truth. Engaging in dialogue with AI can enhance your understanding and perspective, as it often helps summarize texts and highlight key points. However, it may only capture fragments of content, so careful discernment is necessary. Additionally, AI can assist in creating self-assessment questions to boost your learning effectiveness.
In the Church
AI can play a supportive role in Bible study by assisting with research and information analysis. However, its function is supplementary and cannot replace spiritual insight or individuals’ personal faith journeys. While it can help find study materials and provide answers to straightforward, consensus-based questions, AI’s limitations mean responses may lack depth, especially in exegetical literature, making it unsuitable for devotional purposes, as AI-generated prayers often lack the spiritual richness of genuine human expression. For pastors preparing sermons, AI can be particularly helpful in adapting content for different audiences, such as rewriting adult messages for children. Nonetheless, the essence of the sermon must remain grounded in thorough exegesis and inspired by the Holy Spirit. AI can also enhance church efficiency in creative tasks, such as designing presentations, videos, and slogans, planning events, and generating written content. These areas, which often lack standard answers, are where AI excels, making it particularly beneficial for youth and small-group activities, freeing time for deepening spiritual engagement and individual pastoral care.
Despite AI’s potential, our personal spiritual disciplines and relationships with God or fellowship among believers remain irreplaceable. As Christians, it is crucial to actively engage in discussions around the ethics of AI and its regulation, ensuring its development aligns with our responsibilities as stewards of creation. AI represents an inevitable stride in technological advancement, presenting both opportunities and challenges. Christians must renew their minds to discern God’s will during this AI era and act as moral guides, the prophets of our time, providing ethical frameworks for its evolution.
Author Reference: Rev. Faith Ho was a CPA and IT architect for a few major corporations in the US and Canada. She is an ordained pastor by the CBOQ and co-founded a local church with her husband in Canada. She is pursuing a PhD in Workplace Theology.
Reprint permission © Tyndale Link/HTC, Tyndale University/issue #46 2025