As artificial intelligence shapes more aspects of life, its integration into systems of faith raises new theological questions, and experts say churches need to prepare.
The Barna Group, in partnership with Gloo – the faith-based technology platform connecting people to local churches, and others – surveyed ministry leaders to reveal what they think about AI & the Church.
“One of the questions we asked is, ‘Do you think God can work through AI?’ And we found a really large number of pastors who say, ‘God CAN work through AI,'” said lead researcher Ashley Ekmay of the Barna Group.
Ekmay and other partners hope the survey helps church leaders be more informed on peer sentiment, hoping to spark a conversation that drives debate in the church around the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The overall embrace of AI in the digital world means it exists where you might least expect it.
“(AI) is everywhere, it’s in social media – when you get on Netflix, it’s in your home – digital assistants,” Ekmay said.
As AI quietly integrates into nearly every aspect of our lives, researchers like Ekmay say it’s time for the Church to join the conversation, which is why they’re surveying
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