“I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction. The world will have a generation of idiots.” – commonly misattributed to Albert Einstein

“There are always two equal and opposite errors into which we can fall about the devils. One is to disbelieve in their existence. The other is to believe, and to feel an excessive and unhealthy interest in them.” – C.S. Lewis (and a helpful parallel for how many now talk about AI)

We are no strangers to new tools. Human history has always moved forward with the adoption—and eventual normalization—of innovation. From the first stone tools to the printing press, from radio to the internet, people have always faced new technology with awe, fear, and curiosity.

As a pastor in a small church in Longmont, Colorado, I believe we’re now called to engage with Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the same way: with wisdom, discernment, humility—and hope.

This blog is written for my larger Christian circle—church family, fellow pastors, and Christians from various traditions—who may be wondering, What do we do with AI?

A Brief History of Tech Panic

When Gutenberg’s printing press began circulating Bibles in the common language, many church leaders called it dangerous, fearing it would lead to heresy and confusion. But the result? An explosion of biblical literacy, education, and access to Scripture like never before.

When radio and television became popular, preachers like Aimee Semple McPherson and Billy Graham were criticized for using such “worldly” tools. Today, Christian radio and televised worship services reach millions globally.

Even the personal computer was once considered a potential spiritual threat. Yet over time, Christians embraced it for Bible study, sermon writing, and online ministry.

Today, AI is facing the same backlash. And while caution is warranted, we must also ask—what good might God be doing through this?

As C.S. Lewis once put it: “What we want is not more little books about Christianity, but more little books by Christians on other subjects—with their Christianity latent.” If Christians are absent from technological spaces, how can we shape them?

You’ve Probably Been Using AI Already

Many of us already use forms of AI every day:

  • Google’s autocomplete and search recommendations.
  • Apple’s Siri or Amazon’s Alexa.
  • Spell checkers and grammar suggestions.
  • Clippy (remember that weird little paperclip from Microsoft Word?)
  • GPS apps rerouting you in real time.

All of these are AI-driven systems. What’s different now is that the tools are more sophisticated. But it’s the same principle: tools exist to help people. And people are responsible for how they’re used.

So, Can Christians Use AI Faithfully?

Yes. In fact, I believe Christians should lead the way in modeling healthy, ethical, and spirit-led use of AI.

The same God who inspired Bezalel to craft the Tabernacle (Exodus 31), who gave Daniel wisdom to navigate pagan technology and empire, and who calls us to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves—has not lost control of the digital world.

AI is not sentient, not alive, and not divine. It’s a tool. A powerful one, yes—but a tool nonetheless.

Questions to Ponder

Before we jump on the fear bandwagon, let’s ask ourselves:

  • Have I ever prayed for God to help my car run?
  • Or for my air conditioner to work again?
  • Have I ever prayed for my plane to take off and land safely?

If so, then you already believe God can work through technology.

Here are a few deeper questions worth reflecting on:

  • What exactly am I afraid of? Is it fear of losing control, of being replaced, or of not understanding?
  • Am I rejecting a tool God could use for good?
  • Am I open to learning something new, or am I reacting out of habit or fear?
  • Am I letting headlines shape my theology more than Scripture?

Yes, There Are Dangers

Let’s be clear: AI is already being misused in horrific ways.

  • Deepfakes are being used to create fake political speeches, revenge porn, and hoaxes.
  • AI-generated pornography is being created using stolen photos, sometimes of real people.
  • Fabricated sources are misleading researchers and casual readers alike.
  • Fake relationships are now being created with chatbots designed to mimic boyfriends, girlfriends, or friends.
  • Chat companions are being marketed to the lonely and vulnerable, further isolating people from real human connection.
  • AI-powered scams are growing increasingly sophisticated, mimicking voices and faces to deceive.

As with all technologies, AI reflects the heart of its user. That’s why ethics and accountability must be part of how we approach it.

A Few Biblical Anchors

  • Imago Dei (Genesis 1:27): Human beings are image bearers of God. AI is not. No matter how advanced a model becomes, it is not a person, not a soul, not an image bearer.
  • Stewardship (Genesis 2:15): We are called to steward creation, which includes the technologies we create.
  • Wisdom (Proverbs 4:7): We are invited to use wisdom in all things. Not fear. Not laziness. Wisdom.
  • Discernment (1 Thessalonians 5:21-22): Test everything. Hold fast to what is good. Reject every kind of evil.

Ways I’m Using AI in Ministry

Here are a few ways I use AI to assist—not replace—my work:

  • Sermon Preparation: AI helps pull together research, quotes, outlines, and can help make ideas more accessible to differing education and learning levels.
  • Blog Writing: Like this one! I often generate rough drafts or outlines using AI, then refine and rewrite in my own voice.
  • Social Media Management: Tools help with scheduling, formatting, and visual design.
  • Graphics and Printables: AI art tools assist with visuals, especially when we lack budget or skill for a design team.
  • Brainstorming: Sometimes I hit a creative wall. AI can offer fresh angles or prompts to get me going again.

At no point do I ask AI to “do the ministry” for me. It’s a partner in process, not a substitute for spiritual discernment, pastoral care, or deep study.

Encouragement for Creatives

Writers, artists, musicians—you are not obsolete. Your unique voice matters.

Use AI to speed up tedious tasks. Use it to draft your outlines, clean up your grammar, or generate a reference image. But don’t let it steal your process.

Your God-given creativity is not just about the final product—it’s about the journey, the sanctification that comes in the making.

If AI helps you get your message out faster or more clearly, fantastic. If it’s getting in the way of your voice, pause and recalibrate.

Final Thoughts

AI is not the end of creativity. It’s not the death of truth. It’s not the Antichrist.

It’s a new tool in a long line of tools. And like every tool, it’s up to the Church to model faithful, imaginative, and ethical use.

Let’s be people who are not afraid to ask good questions, explore new terrain, and shine brightly in unfamiliar spaces.

The world needs light in every corner—including the digital one.

Let’s rethink church. Let’s rethink technology. Let’s rethink how we love God and love others in this moment, with the tools we’ve been given.

God’s not afraid of innovation. He’s the Creator, after all.