AI: Developing a Christian Perspective
FRONTLINE Volume 35 • Number 1
Old-School, High-Tech
In 1958 my dad bought a Volkswagen Beetle. If you looked up “basic transportation” in the dictionary, I am sure you would find its picture. That year’s model didn’t even have a gas gauge. When it started to sputter and cough you would flip a lever in the firewall with your foot to engage the reserve fuel supply. However, a few years after getting the “Bug,” my dad installed a shortwave radio. This homemade amalgamation of practical car and electronic gadget embodied my father’s approach to technology. Let’s call it old-school, high-tech.
I think “old-school, high-tech” helps us think about the new world of artificial intelligence (AI). It’s not that we should allow our thinking to be controlled by tradition or by novelty. Rather, we should recognize that God is both timeless and timely. On the one hand, the principles in His Word are permanent, and we must stand firmly upon them. On the other hand, we must have the wisdom to apply these timeless truths to our changing environment.
AI is rapidly becoming commonplace, whether on our phones, in our Bible study software, or reflected in the ads we see. AI may be the newest thing, but it is only one in a galaxy of life-altering technologies with which we interact constantly. To orient us to this reality, Erik Hanson provides a helpful introduction to a biblical view of technology.
In November 2022, AI burst into public consciousness with ChatGPT. For the first time the average person could talk to a computer using human language. Generative AI models like ChatGPT respond in ways that seem remarkably human. How should believers think about this, and what are the ethics of interacting with AI? Michael Riley presents a theological framework for these questions in his thought-provoking essay, “In Our Image and Likeness.”
Because AI is so widely available, many are experimenting to discover what it can do. Mike and Lisa Redick are a missionary couple who are enthusiastic about this new technology. Lisa gives us a fascinating account of how AI is multiplying their Great Commission effort.
Despite its potential, AI also engenders fear. What does AI portend for employment, social interaction, and civil liberties? In his article, “Who’s Afraid of AI?,” Erik Hanson helpfully reminds us to deal biblically with our fears and think objectively and soberly about this technology.
We also must be alert to the way technology affects the way we minister. Scott Olson observes that, for all the benefits of technology, we are never relieved of our privilege and responsibility of being truly present with others.
One area of both optimism and concern is AI’s effect on education. AI undeniably has great potential to enhance the educational experience through means such as AI-assisted research, AI tutors, and AI-created simulations. As an example of such an educational application, we have included a simulated interview with an AI model playing the role of C. H. Spurgeon. After the “interview,” I make some observations about the benefits and limits of such an exercise.
AI also challenges how we educate. It has become so proficient at processing human language that it undermines how we measure our students’ knowledge and reasoning, whether through tests or written assignments. This concern motivated David Huffstuttler to contribute “Does Homework Have to be Human?” Finally, we have made a glossary of AI-related terms available as a reference on our Proclaim and Defend site.
Like all technology, AI is a gift of God, who provides us with resources and the ingenuity to use them. However, all technological advances are influenced by human sin and the curse it brought. It is our desire that this issue will help believers respond wisely to the high-tech world in which God has allowed us to serve.
On a final note, this issue debuts a new column: “Stewardship Matters.” We welcome Corey Pfaffe, CEO of MinistryCPA, as our newest FrontLine columnist, and we look forward to his teaching on financial stewardship.
David Shumate
Watch for podcasts with the authors of the articles in this issue, beginning February 8, 2025.
Features:
DEVELOPING A BIBLICAL PERSPECTIVE ON TECHNOLOGY
Erik D. Hanson
We must develop a biblical theology of technology to understand its cultural, moral, and theological implications and applications for today.
IN OUR IMAGE AND LIKENESS
Michael Riley
Things that we make in our image should enjoy a kind of derived dignity, but they must never be regarded as the equals of humanity.
USING AI TO CARRY OUT THE GREAT COMMISSION
Lisa Redick
AI can be a helpful tool in ministry.
AN AI “INTERVIEW” WITH C. H. SPURGEON
David Shumate
“As Charles Haddon Spurgeon, I stand ready to engage in this interview. … How may I assist you today?”
WHO’S AFRAID OF AI?
Erik D. Hanson
We must learn to approach our fears biblically and develop an accurate understanding of AI.
THE MINISTRY OF PERSONAL PRESENCE
Scott Olson
Though technology can assist in communication, this work is primarily face to face, hand to hand, and heart to heart.
DOES HOMEWORK HAVE TO BE HUMAN?
David Huffstutler
I used AI to help me write this article. Is that cheating?
Sound Words: Inspiration for the pastor’s study
First Partaker: A Missionary Tale from Which to Learn
Mark Minnick
Bring … the Books: Books Old and New
Dayton Walker
Straight Cuts: Leadership Lessons from Ephesus
Steven Thomas
Windows: Logos Print Library
David Lowry
Departments
A THANK YOU AND TRIBUTE TO JERRY SIVNKSTY
ON THE HOME FRONT
HEART TO HEART: The Basement Blues
Carol Senn Ruffin
AT A GLANCE: The Preservation of Scripture
Layton Talbert
STEWARDSHIP MATTERS: God’s Way of Giving
Corey Pfaffe
REGIONAL REPORTS
CHAPLAIN’S REPORT: FBFI Chaplains Faithfully Serving Locally and Globally
(Originally published in FrontLine • January/February 2025. Click here to subscribe to the magazine.)