Jason Thacker, of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, released his new book today, “The Age of AI: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity,” with Zondervan.
In “The Age of AI,” Thacker, who serves as creative director and associate research fellow at the ERLC, helps readers navigate the digital age by providing a thoughtful exploration of the social, moral and ethical challenges of ongoing interactions with artificial intelligence.
“I don’t fear AI,” said Thacker. “Rather, I fear the people of God buying the lie that we are nothing more than machines and that, somehow, AI will usher in a utopian age. AI is not a savior. It is not going to fix all of our world’s problems. It is a tool that must be wielded with wisdom.”
“The Age of AI,” serves as a guide for those wary of technology’s impact on society and also for those who are enthusiastic about the direction of AI in the culture. In the book, Thacker explains how AI affects individuals–in relationships and in society at large–as he addresses AI’s impact on people’s bodies, sexuality, work, warfare, economics, medicine, parenting and privacy.
With theological depth and an expert awareness of the current trends in AI, Thacker is a steady guide, reminding readers that while AI is changing most things, it does not need to compromise our human dignity.
Richard Mouw, president emeritus and professor of faith and public life at Fuller Theological Seminary, provided the foreword for the book.
Russell Moore, president of the ERLC, comments on Thacker’s new work.
“No ethical issue keeps me up at night as does the question of artificial intelligence. The reason for my dismay is that the church doesn't seem to be thinking very deeply about these matters at all, even as we move into a technological revolution that could prove to be Gutenberg-level in its implications. This book is a balm for anxiety in the age of technological disruption. No evangelical has thought and written more clearly on these matters than Jason Thacker. In this monumental work, he avoids both naïveté and paranoia about AI. The years ahead will require wise Christians in a time of smart robots. This book shows the way.”
“The Age of AI” has been endorsed by several public figures including former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush; Republican Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska; technologist and VMware CEO Pat Gelsinger; and theologian R. Albert Mohler, Jr., president of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Gov. Bush said, “Harnessing technology in our world, especially in education and medicine, can help us live productive and fulfilling lives. Yet Thacker reminds us that we must learn to do so in ways that glorify God and protect the most innocent among us. Great read for parents!”
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Jason Thacker serves as associate research fellow and creative director at the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, Tenn., and holds a master of divinity from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky. His work has been featured at Christianity Today, The Gospel Coalition, Slate, and Politico. Jason and his wife, Dorie, live outside of Nashville with their two sons.
To request an interview with Jason Thacker contact Elizabeth Bristow by email at [email protected] or call 202-547-0209.
