ArticleBlog | The ethics and practice of AI in ministry
The ethics and practice of AI in ministry
Author: Andy PeckPost Date: 13.09.24
Chris Goswami explores the use of some AI tools in everyday church activities: using AI safely, ethically and practically, and becoming ‘AI-literate.’
A I has now advanced to the point where it can see, hear, speak, read and write. There are multiple examples on YouTube where someone points their phone camera around the room and says, ‘Help me f ind my glasses.’ Or they open the fridge and say, ‘Here’s what I have, what can I cook for dinner? … in 15 minutes? … in an Italian style?’ etc.
Recently I read of a cutting-edge AI demonstration of Google’s NotebookLM that transformed a student’s course notes into a series of podcasts. The podcasts were a conversation between two (AI) parties; and the (human) listener was a third party, entering the conversation to ask questions. What an astonishingly imaginative way for a student to learn a new topic!
At the same time there are the scare stories. It’s never been easier for someone to cheat on homework or create viral misinformation. And we are not far away from the day when a young person could make a pornographic film ‘featuring’ anyone they choose from their school whose face happens to be on a photograph.
This is immensely powerful technology which – like all tech – can be used for good or for ill. But, for Christian ministry, are there specific areas of AI to embrace or avoid? Are there pitfalls to watch out for?
Why don’t we just ban it?
Many Christians’ initial response is to avoid AI altogether. However, banning AI is impractical – it’s like trying to ban the internet – the genie is out of the bottle. AI is already widespread, so we need to develop AI literacy and learn to use it in a way that aligns with Christian values. Used in this way, we, at the AI Christian Partnership (AICP), firmly believe that AI can be a powerful tool for ministry. Let’s look at some of the tools out there and try to draw some conclusions.
