Christian studies seminar: AI from a biblical perspective
Samantha Meyeres, Staff Writer
On Monday, April 7, the College of Christian Studies and the College of Business and Entrepreneurship joined forces to present a seminar on viewing generative artificial intelligence (AI) from a biblical worldview.
Thomas Willoughby, associate professor of Christian studies, began the lecture by saying that although AI is a new technology, the issues surrounding it trace back to the oldest spiritual questions.
He explained how in Genesis 3, Adam and Eve’s original sin against God has been mirrored throughout history in the mistakes of humanity. He said that there still exists the same prideful impulse to obtain knowledge apart from God, and it drives much of human ambition today, particularly in technological pursuits.
He then went on to explain how humans are called to steward creation and this means not only developing it, but defending it against distortion.
He said that this mandate to steward creation flows directly from our identity as image bearers of God as it states in Genesis 1:26-27, meaning humans reflect His nature relationally, morally and by being fundamentally creative.
Willoughby then narrowed in on AI specifically and how its powers can be used for good or for evil. He said that AI must remain tethered to God’s purposes if it is to serve rather than subvert.
He talked about how the first danger of AI is that it tempts humanity with the promise of eliminating uncertainty.
“We are seduced by the illusion of perfect foresight,” Willoughby said, “but faith is forged in the unknown.”
He then pointed out the contrast of that illustrated in James 4, where it says that no one knows what tomorrow will bring so we must therefore trust the providence of God.
The second risk Willoughby illustrated is what he called the “left-brain takeover.” He explained that the two hemispheres of the brain function differently and are both essential. The right hemisphere is relational, intuitive and open to ambiguity whereas the left is inordinate, detail oriented and controlling. He said that AI amplifies left brain tendencies.
“It excels at analysis, but not at wonder. It parses data brilliantly, but perceives no beauty. It doesn’t contemplate or worship,” he said. “A society shaped by these tendencies becomes efficient but hollow, producing more while understanding less, building higher but seeing less of the sky.”
At this point the professor dipped into the history of AI, showing how it has evolved from a supercomputer that could beat a human in chess in 1997 to the almost human level of intelligence that AI is in 2025.
Willoughby said that Christians can bring a unique perspective to conversation of AI. They affirm the goodness of creation and the dignity of human creativity while also recognizing the reality of sin and its impact.
“[Being a Christian] doesn’t mean withdrawing from technological development,” he said. “On the contrary, it means engaging with it in theological depth and moral clarity, neither demonizing nor deifying AI, but stewarding it for the common good.”
At this point in the seminar, Willoughby invited Martin Jones, the associate dean of the graduate and online business programs, to the stage.
Jones, speaking in a lively manner enhanced by an English accent, sported the latest Meta glasses. He is a self-proclaimed embracer of technology and also a Christian.
Jones’ first point was addressing the question of if Christians can use AI and still remain theologically faithful.
He said that he believes that there is no valid scriptural or theological reason to not embrace the tools of AI.
“I would say that technology itself is theologically neutral, human intention is not,” said Jones.
He then explained that everything created, be it a knife or gold, is created with an intent. That intent can be either harmful or helpful, but ultimately the purpose is determined by the person that uses it.
A knife can be used for harm or for food preparation. In Genesis, gold was used to build the tabernacle and also to build a false idol to worship. Jones stated that AI falls into a similar category, where it can be used for both evil and good, depending on the user.
He said, “When we create things, yes, we are doing so through a fallen morality ideology, but the thing that we are creating itself lacks morality.”
Jones also touched on “Imago Dei,” that human beings are created in the image of God, and how this includes creativity and the call to steward creation.
“In Genesis 1:28, we are given this creation mandate to steward, to manage, the world on God’s behalf. Part of how we manage that is to embrace all elements of the creative order and do everything we can for the glory of God,” he said. “Generative AI is just one element of how humankind can fulfill the creation mandate and steward the world for God today.”
Jones closed this section of the lecture by referencing Mark 7, where Jesus says that it is not what goes in a person that defiles them, but rather what is reflected in their heart. Jones framed AI in this context, saying that if used for the glory of God, it can be used for good.
Willoughby then took the stage again and briefly talked about the ethical considerations of using AI.
He said that every technological innovation calls ethics into question and that those advancements can be both a blessing and a burden.
“The real question is not merely what we can build, but who are we becoming as we build it?” he said. “AI is not simply a technological innovation. It is a cultural force shaping the way we think, relate and live.”
Willoughby reiterated how the morality of AI lies in how it is used, and warned listeners to reflect on how and why they are using it.
“Our ethical responsibility for technology flows directly from our identity as image bearers,” he said. “Unlike God, our creative ability is limited, and following wisdom acknowledges both our capacity and our limitations, our ability to build and our responsibility to steward what we build.”
Willoughby then welcomed Jones onto the stage once more for some closing remarks on the impact of AI on the concept of community.
Jones referenced Genesis 2:18, showing how human beings were created for deep, reciprocal community.
He said that sometimes AI can enhance community, such as support of the elderly or language translation. However, AI can sometimes attempt to replace community, and that is where it can be harmful.
When AI produces synthetic relationships, it attempts to replace actual human connection. Jones said this is dangerous because AI cannot understand emotion and it gives humans the illusion of control while eroding essential communication skills.
Jones said, “It’s not good for humankind to be alone, but the solution to that problem is not found in coding or circuit boards. It is found in real relationships and stewarding those tools together.”
