Like most forms of technology, artificial intelligence can be used for both good and evil. As this latest wave expands into more aspects of daily life, many Christians may question how to approach it in a Godly manner. The Southern Baptist Convention is tackling this issue with free guidance for Christians as well as church leaders.
Recognizing that artificial intelligence is quickly growing and likely to become intertwined in our culture, the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission is sharing advice on how to understand and navigate this emerging tech.
They offer two guidebooks called The Work of Our Hands: Christian Ministry in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, and Artificial Intelligence: An Evangelical Statement of Principles.
RaShan Frost, Ph.D, ERLC’s director of research and senior fellow focused on issues of human dignity, told CBN News that Christians need guidance on how to approach AI.
“We saw the need to be able to provide a theologically grounded resource on AI and technology that’s rooted in scripture, and at the same time provide practical scenarios in real-life events that pastors, ministry leaders, and churches are going through.”
Dr. RaShan Frost, ERLC director of research
The guides explain how, with just one click, programs like Open AI, Chat GPT and others synthesize vast amounts of information online and respond like you’re talking to a human.
“We’re able to interact with machines as if they’re persons,” Dr. Frost said. “That’s the end goal of artificial intelligence.”
Using God’s Word, readers are directed to potential advantages of AI, such as in areas of medical diagnoses and treatments. The guidebooks also recommend that believers exercise discernment in its use, such as when students are completing term papers or when pastors prepare their sermons.
