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The growing buzz phrase today is, “Artificial Intelligence” or the abbreviated version “AI”. Have you noticed the marketing hype that is exploding? Even toasters for browning bread, now boast of having algorithms, or so it says. This is not unusual for fads that tend to explode. Remember the craze when “Sugar-Free” was the wave to ride? How about “Organic” or “Gluten-Free” or “???”? I think you get the point. So, AI is truly no different. Besides adding AI to the label of a product is one more way to boost the price whether justified or not.

Movies, news programs, books, lectures, podcasts, and more are magnets for the curious. These sources will speak on what AI is and what it is not. Should we fear it or embrace it? This article does not explore these questions. Instead, it acknowledges AI is simply another tool available to mankind. Too often it is represented as intelligence owned by machines. Promised is an eutopia produced by man-made ingenuity and machine-made liberation. Let’s consider the less popular question. How should Christians live in an AI world?

How should Christians live in such a world? I’m reminded Jesus declared, “Go into all the earth…” as well as, “ye are my witnesses…” It is these two statements that give the Christians the instructions for living in a world growing with Artificial Intelligence. Let’s consider each.

The command to go into all the earth truly means ALL. It ignores boundaries fixed by geography, cultures, religions, and even the technological realm. In other words, Christians are to be engaged in AI and not shy away from it. WHY? The answer is found in the second statement highlighted in this article, “Ye are my witnesses.” AI gains its intelligence from information residing on the internet and in development labs. It’s intelligence perspective is shaped by the information it has access to and its ability to synthesize this information to reach meaningful conclusions. This information informs our morality, ethics, emotions, compassion, and more. As witnesses of Christ, the Christian must ensure the Christian perspective is present in AI’s learning processes. We are commanded to go into ALL by the God that declared all power is given unto Him in heaven and earth. He who holds all authority said go. Thus, we need not ask anyone for permission. We don’t have to wait for another invitation. It is not AI’s responsibility to influence social norms. Not AI but you and I as believers sent by “I Am that I Am” (God Almighty).

How do we participate in the AI learning process? There are many ways. Foremost, we must be representatives of Christ. As we engage on the internet, we represent the God who said, “GO.” Our actions, words, interactions, social media posts, and the like must represent the God who sent us.

Remember, every new invention or technology has been used for good and evil. Not because the discoveries are moral or immoral, but because the users and inventors are moral and immoral. Thus, it is necessary to discern that which is good and profitable for edification and correction. The heart of mankind is evil. There is none good, no not one. The world we live in is a fallen world. Greed, selfishness, violence, envy, gossip, lies, malice, and other negative human traits still exist over 2,000 years after Jesus’ earthly ministry. No wonder we must try the spirit by the spirit. Said another way, we must discern that which is truth and that which are lies. Jesus said, “If ye continue in his way, we shall know the truth and the truth shall make us free.” Anything that opposes Jesus’ way is by definition False or a Lie.

AI is learning from information on the web. If Christians don’t flood the web with a Christian world view, then AI’s developmental advancement will occur void of the Christian perspective. How can it possibly counter the evil heart tendencies of humans? It must be informed by Believers who are determined to be witnesses of Christ.

This is a mandate for all Christians. With Christ in mind and humble intentionality, we participate online (via the web) to engage others and AI as well. Our voice is not silent. We witness on street corners, on rooftops, and even on the internet. We tread all day, any given day of the week, on every forum or platform. Access is not barred, since we are dispatched by He who holds all authority. Let the church set out to intentionally educate AI. Let the church flood the internet as messengers and learners of Christ. Let the church make AI sweat from godly usage. Let the church say, “AMEN!”