Compiled By Televangelist HB Morgan 

MAKE A DONATION. PARTNER TODAY. (NAIRA | DOLLARS | POUNDS) CLICK >>

As artificial intelligence continues to thread its way into every sphere of human endeavor, Christians are being presented with new opportunities—and responsibilities—to engage with these technologies thoughtfully. For instance, ChatGPT, the generative-AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, may serve as a tool to help believers live out their calling, yet it also raises profound questions of wisdom, discernment and theological integrity.

Dr. Brian Page—vice president and chief information officer at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and a faculty member in its computer science department—encourages Christians to remember this key point: “Just because a machine can do something, a Christian needs to have wisdom to know if it should do something.” On the surface the advice may sound obvious; in practice, especially when technology becomes more powerful, it isn’t. 

Page underscores that as the world becomes more complex and more automated, Christians must become “more attuned to matters of the heart.” He acknowledges that while ChatGPT might be capable of crafting theologically accurate and even aesthetically pleasing prayers, what it cannot replicate is the authenticity of a prayer born from a heart before God.

“An AI may be able to write a theologically accurate and even aesthetically beautiful prayer,” he says, “however, if it’s not a prayer from the heart of the participant, it is just words.” 

He uses an analogy: just as a GPS device or a compass may help a hiker or driver reach a destination, the tool does not change the nature of the destination itself—it simply helps navigate. “Like using a compass as a wayfinder for hiking or using GPS to get us to a destination when driving,” he argues, “this doesn’t change the nature of the destination, but just assists in arriving without error.” 

The conversation around AI has exploded in recent years: from voice assistants like Siri to self-flying planes, artwork generated by algorithms, and “moral dilemmas” managed by driverless cars. Even a rabbi in New York state reportedly used ChatGPT to generate a sermon for his congregation—revealing the nature of authorship only afterward. 

Yet Page believes there is even greater opportunity than novelty in using AI: it could influence not just our religious experience, but reshape theology itself. Questions like “Where can we worship?”, “How do we learn about God?”, or “Where can we experience God’s presence?” may be reframed in light of new technological realities.

Provided, however, that we do not end up worshipping the creation rather than the Creator. “Technology, when used as an enabler for worship and prayer and theological thinking, changes the environment for how we think about God and has the capacity to expand our theological premise,” he says. “But the concern would be if it becomes a distraction to or, worse, an idol to our true theological foundation.” 

At Calvin University, Page says, computer science courses now challenge students to grapple not only with the mechanics of machine learning but also with “biblical norms for responsible technology,” equipping them to serve as Christian computer scientists who are both faithful and fluent in AI. 

For Christians, when AI systems such as ChatGPT are used as tools, they may support the scriptural mandate to care for others and the world. Page calls this a model of “principled pluralism,” wherein followers of Christ engage respectfully within industries and the public sphere, working for common good—nudging AI toward normative, ethical ends. 

For example, AI might help people in need by providing information on social services, wellness questions, or simplifying complex concepts—thereby advancing justice, mercy, and accessibility. “Only Christians will have the perspective, ‘How can this be used to further God’s divine purposes in the world?’” Page asks. 

Nevertheless, current AI systems don’t possess a distinctly Christian worldview. As one example noted in the press, ChatGPT reportedly struggled with defining “woman,” described racism as more dangerous than nuclear weapons, and seemed politically biased toward Democratic viewpoints. 

Thus discernment is critical. Page warns that Christians must know the difference not only between right and wrong, but also what is of God and what is not—remaining attuned to the Holy Spirit in both internal and external ways. “A risk with AI is that we become dull in discernment. That we transfer our trust to the machine for matters of the heart, that we ask it to do work for us, that it becomes an idol, or a false prophet, or even just a distraction.” 

In educational settings, the conversation often centers on plagiarism or "cheating" via AI. But Page points out that the more sophisticated question is spiritual: even when an AI’s output is factually correct, is it the best solution for a given need? It takes human—and even holy—discernment to evaluate. “Perhaps in doing a task that a machine/AI can do easier, we are actually learning perseverance, patience or gratitude. Discernment includes knowing where AI is an assistive technology from where it is an easy way out of a hard thing.” 

In short: As powerful tools like ChatGPT become increasingly accessible, Christians are called to both engage and guard, to leverage the technology for good while maintaining a discerning posture rooted in theology and the heart. The opportunity exists—but so does the risk—and it is ultimately human judgment, guided by faith, that will determine whether AI becomes a blessing or a burden in the life of the church.

As AI technologies accelerate into every domain of human life, the Christian community faces both fresh opportunities and serious questions. On one hand, tools like ChatGPT invite creative and practical applications for ministry, education and vocation. On the other, they call believers to reflect carefully — not just on what these tools can do, but whether they *should* be used, how, and to what purpose.

AI as a tool for Christian mission and service

As mentioned earlier, Dr Brian Page at Calvin University (MI) reminds us: “Just because a machine can do something, a Christian needs to have wisdom to know if it should do something.” The analogy he uses — a GPS or compass helps us reach a destination but doesn’t change the nature of the destination itself — emphasizes that the technology doesn’t redefine our calling; it assists it.

From this vantage point, AI tools can support the Christian mandate to love our neighbour and steward creation. For example, AI might help with:

* solving informational or logistical barriers in social service delivery

* enabling translations or communication across language/culture divides

* freeing up human energy for relational, pastoral, creative, and spiritual work

If used in such a supportive role, AI can align with what Christian ethicists describe as the ethic of “common good” and human flourishing.

Christian‐ethical frameworks and guiding principles: Several recent writings from Christian ethicists unpack how believers might think about AI in a more robust way;

* The essay “Ethics in the Age of AI” emphasises that a Christian ethic in this space is not primarily about maximizing profit or efficiency, but about reflecting the goodness of the Creator and the dignity of human beings. 

* According to a theological overview, perhaps found in “The Intersection of Artificial Intelligence and Christian Thought”, key Christian anchors include

(a) the doctrine of the imago Dei (human beings made in God’s image),

(b) human uniqueness relative to machines, and

(c) responsible stewardship of technology. 

* Similarly, a recent review suggests that Christian teaching and tradition can bring something distinctive to AI ethics — not replacing secular frameworks, but enriching them with questions about purpose, virtue, design and the human‐machine relationship.

From these sources we can draw a set of guiding questions for Christians engaging with AI:

1. Does the use of this tool respect the dignity of each human being (created in God’s image)?

2. Does the technology serve human flourishing (not just efficiency or novelty)?

3. Does it preserve or enhance authentic human relationships (rather than replacing or undermining them)?

4. Are the risks—such as dehumanisation, bias, surveillance, and dependence—being addressed and mitigated?

5. Is the technology transparent and accountable (especially when used in ministry or public contexts)?

Opportunities and hopes: When aligned with Christian values, AI can open up new pathways;

* Enhancing global outreach: translation, accessibility, bridging cultural‐digital divides.

* Supporting under‐resourced communities: e.g., providing information, mental health triage, resource mapping.

* Freeing human labour from routine tasks, thus allowing more focus on relational, spiritual, creative work.

* Enabling Christians in tech fields to bring their faith‐informed voices into the AI industry: shaping design, questioning underlying assumptions, advocating for ethics.

One author aptly writes: “When Christians view AI solely as a tool, we can consider it the way Christians have historically responded to technological development.” That is, tools themselves are morally neutral, but the use to which they are put—and the worldview behind their deployment—matters hugely.

Risks, warnings and required discernment: At the same time, the Christian tradition issues strong cautions;

* AI systems are not neutral: they carry the biases, limitations and worldview assumptions of their designers. 

* There is a real danger of dehumanisation: replacing human connection with algorithmic output, or substituting machine‐generated content for genuine human care. For example, one article warns of AI’s use in religious settings that might “play god” or undermine human agency. 

* Christian reflection emphasises that our identity is not defined by what machines can do, but by what God has done in and for us. AI may simulate aspects of intelligence—but lacks the spiritual, relational, creative dimension intrinsic to human beings made in the image of God. 

* According to research by the Barna Group, many Christians remain wary of AI’s role in the church: fewer than 1 in 4 believe AI is “good for the Christian Church.” 

Therefore, Christians must avoid the posture of naïve acceptance, but also avoid unreflective fear. A balanced, faithful stance includes:

* Transparency: especially when AI‐generated outputs are used in ministry or education contexts. As one article in Christianity Today argues: If you’re unwilling to tell your church you used ChatGPT, don’t use it. 

* Oversight and accountability: human agencies must remain responsible, especially for decisions made or mediated by AI.

* Cultivating discernment: knowing when AI is an assistive technology vs when it becomes a shortcut that undermines growth (e.g., in education, character formation, spiritual disciplines).

* Evangelical humility: recognising that the deployment of AI touches deep questions of ontology (what does it mean to be human?), teleology (what are we for?), and eschatology (what does the future hold?).

Implications for Christian leadership, ministry and tech vocation: What does this mean practically for the church, for Christian educators, pastors, developers?

* For pastors and congregational leaders: Initiate open conversations among your people about AI — its potentials, its pitfalls, your church’s stance. Encourage media literacy and conversation rather than secret use.

* For educators: When AI is used (e.g., in writing, research, creation of content) integrate discussions of ethics, discernment and faith. Consider when using an AI tool may impede deeper learning or character formation.

* For Christians in technology and AI fields: You are in a unique position. Your dual fluency in faith and technology means you can influence design, governance, policy, and industry standards. Many voices argue the Christian tradition has something important to contribute to the global ethics of AI.

* For individual believers: Cultivate a posture of wisdom. Ask: Does this tool free me to be more reflective, more loving, more human — or does it make me lazy, disconnected, dependent? Remember that the most important work remains relational, incarnational, spiritual — which machines cannot replicate.

Conclusion

In sum: Tools like ChatGPT and broader AI systems present both promise and peril for the Christian enterprise. On one side is the opportunity to further God’s purposes in the world — to serve, to educate, to reach. On the other side lie deep ethical, theological, and anthropological questions: about what it means to be human, how we relate to one another, how technology shapes us, and how we steward our cultural moment.

Christians are called to neither uncritical adoption nor fearful rejection—but to engagement with discernment, grounded in theology and guided by what it means to follow Christ. The machinery of AI can assist, but it cannot substitute the work of the heart, the ministry of presence, the genuine communion of persons. It is our wisdom, vision and commitment that determines whether AI becomes a blessing or a burden in the life of the church

Join DMTN TV Network Members-only Platform (SIGN-UP / LOG-IN) Click Here

Courtesy of: Divinity Media Telecast Networld DMTN Television Network Digital Library™