East Maple

Our world is changing faster than it takes to read this sentence. Technology has improved exponentially over the course of the last 10 years. The innovations that we thought were next to impossible just a generation ago (self-driving cars, artificial intelligence, etc.) are not only possible but mainstream. And with technology like A.I. advancing faster than one could imagine, it’s time followers of Jesus have honest conversations about the way we use this tech.

I listened to an episode of the Joe Rogan Experience recently (it’s episode #2076 for those who are wondering by the way – also, keep in mind this isn’t a Christian podcast, nor is it safe for younger ears – lots of language and suggestive content) where they had a discussion on A.I. (among many other things). I’m no expert, but I’ll say that we’re not far from A.I. pretty much being able to do anything we can imagine.

The actual experts predict that in about 4-5 years more online content will be a creation of artificial intelligence than something human beings created. Not sure if that statistic hits you like it did me, but it’s safe to say that A.I. will be something that drastically affects our world and the way we live.

Personally, I know many followers of Jesus who’ve completely embraced this technology (using it to make their work more efficient or even leaning into it to help them start something new). Some pastors that I know have played around with popular artificial intelligence servers (yes, these machines can write some fire sermons). For me this technology is so advanced it’s addicting, but there’s a line in the sand. I’ll never use these platforms to write or create content (sermons, posts, etc.). Even with human oversight, I still don’t think it’s wise to disciple people with content originally created by a complex code. A human mind is best for that.

Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. ² And Paul went in, as was his custom, and on three Sabbath days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, ³ explaining and proving that it was necessary for the Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I proclaim to you, is the Christ.” 

Acts 17:1-3 (ESV)

I also think that followers of Jesus need to think twice before utilizing such a powerful technology to do our thinking for us. We’re called to be a people who reason with others. 1 Peter 3 tells us we need to be ready to give a reason (or a defense) for the hope that is in us. Paul, later on in Acts 17, reasons with the the Areopagus in Athens. Our faith in Christ is something we need to use our minds for, not hand it off to a line of code.

It’s time to think through the inevitable – when A.I. becomes as much a part of our world as we hate to admit, what’s your line in the sand? You need one. You better figure that out before it’s too late.