Introduction: Is AI a Threat to Christian Values?
AI and Christian values are intersecting more than ever. AI isn’t coming anymore, it’s already here. It’s writing my provision lists, finishing my sentences, and honestly? Sometimes I catch myself asking ChatGPT questions I should probably be praying about instead.
And that’s… weird, right? We now have technology that can write sermons, comfort the hurting, and even answer theological questions. But are we losing something essential?
What Are Christian Values?
So I keep coming back to this question: Is AI actually a threat to Christian values?
For more personal insight, see my reflection in How AI Made Me Lazy to Think.
What Are Christian Values?
Defining the Foundation
Before I get worked up about AI, I need to clarify what I’m trying to protect. When I think about Christian values—not just Sunday school answers, I’m talking about:
- Every person matters because they’re made in God’s image
- Truth is sacred, not just convenient
- Love means actually caring about people
- Justice and mercy should go together
- Wisdom comes from God, not Google
These are foundational. Losing them means losing something vital about following Jesus.
How AI Challenges Christian Values
1. Truth Is Getting Messy
AI can create videos and articles that sound true but aren’t. As Christians, truth matters deeply—”You shall not bear false witness” speaks to protecting reality itself.
But AI doesn’t know what’s true; it knows what sounds true. When everything sounds right, how do I know what to trust?
2. Human Connection Feels Optional
AI is replacing genuine human contact in surprising ways: AI-written sermons, robotic emotional support, chatbot encouragement.
Yes, it’s efficient. But efficiency isn’t love. People in pain don’t need perfect answers, they need presence. Real presence.
3. We’re Getting a Little Too Proud
Developing AI feels like playing God. Tech leaders talk about “digital consciousness” and AI smarter than humans.
Innovation isn’t bad, but if we think we can replace God or create Him? That’s dangerous. Like Babel, we risk losing sight of who we really are.
Is AI All Bad?
Maybe It Can Actually Help
AI, developed by organizations like OpenAI, is being used in churches to:
- Translate sermons
- Handle admin work
- Make Bible study more accessible
Paul used Roman roads to spread the gospel. Maybe AI can be today’s infrastructure.
Helping the Least of These
AI helps blind people read Scripture, reminds the elderly to take medication, and interacts with the isolated.
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these…” If AI helps us serve better, that’s something to celebrate.
But it must remain a tool, not a replacement for real ministry.
What AI Will Never Do
Some Things Only Humans Can Do
AI can’t bear God’s image. It can’t feel conviction or repent. It can’t receive the Holy Spirit, worship sincerely, or love deeply.
A robot might say, “Jesus is Lord,” but it won’t mean it. And that’s actually comforting.
Navigating AI with Wisdom
Ask the Right Questions
Before using AI for something important, I ask:
- Is this promoting truth or just telling me what I want?
- Am I helping people or avoiding people?
- Am I seeking God’s wisdom or taking shortcuts?
- Is this making me proud or keeping me humble?
- Would I still do this if no one saw me?
These are spiritual questions. Because AI isn’t just changing the world it’s changing me.
Final Thoughts: My Honest Take
Is AI a threat to Christian values? If I use it carelessly, yes.
But with prayer, wisdom, and discernment maybe not.
The real issue isn’t the tech. It’s my heart. Am I letting AI become a substitute for God? Am I avoiding real relationships, truth-seeking, and growth?
AI is a powerful tool. But it’s still just a tool.
Jesus is Lord. That hasn’t changed.
Even when everything else is changing faster than I can keep up.
Let’s Talk About It
I’m still figuring this out. What do you think? Am I too worried or not worried enough? I’d love to hear how others are wrestling with this.
