A Fundamental Biblical Stance on the Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in The Church Today

 A fundamental Biblical stance on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the church today can be shaped by key scriptural principles that emphasize wisdom, discernment, stewardship, and reliance on God. While the Bible does not directly address modern technology like AI, it provides timeless guidance that can be applied to its use in a contemporary church context.

Core Biblical Principles

Wisdom Comes from God: The Bible teaches that true wisdom and understanding originate from God, not human inventions. Proverbs 2:6 states, "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding," and James 1:5 encourages believers to seek wisdom from God. AI, as a product of human design, lacks the divine insight necessary for spiritual matters.

Role of the Holy Spirit: Spiritual understanding and truth are revealed through the Holy Spirit, not technology. Jesus promises in John 14:26, "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things," and 1 Corinthians 2:10-13 underscores that the Spirit imparts God’s wisdom. AI cannot replicate this divine guidance.

Stewardship of Resources: God entrusts humanity with resources and talents to be used wisely for His glory. The parable of the talents in Matthew 25:14-30 suggests that AI, as a modern tool, can be employed responsibly if it serves God’s purposes and advances the church’s mission.

Discernment and Testing: 1 Thessalonians 5:21 instructs believers to "test everything; hold fast what is good." This implies that AI should be carefully evaluated to ensure its use aligns with Biblical values and benefits the church. Similarly, 1 Corinthians 10:23 notes, "All things are lawful, but not all things are helpful," urging caution in adopting tools like AI.

Community and Accountability: The early church in Acts 2:42-47 modeled collective decision-making and shared responsibility. Decisions about AI’s role should involve the church community, ensuring it supports rather than undermines fellowship and human oversight.

Application to AI in the Church

Based on these principles, AI can be viewed as a practical tool rather than a spiritual authority. Its use should be limited to areas where it enhances efficiency and accessibility without compromising the church’s reliance on God. Here’s how this stance plays out:

Acceptable Uses: AI can assist with administrative tasks (e.g., scheduling events, managing resources) or practical applications (e.g., language translation, sermon transcription). These uses align with stewardship, leveraging technology to free up time for spiritual priorities.

Limitations: AI should not be used for interpreting Scripture, making theological decisions, or replacing human discernment and prayer. Its reliance on human-created algorithms and data introduces limitations—such as bias or lack of spiritual context—that make it unsuitable for these roles.

Cautions: Churches must avoid over-dependence on AI, which could subtly shift trust from God to technology. Human oversight is essential, as AI lacks moral accountability and cannot bear responsibility for its outputs.

A fundamental Biblical stance on AI in the church today is one of cautious acceptance as a supportive tool, balanced by a firm commitment to God’s wisdom and the Holy Spirit’s guidance. AI can enhance practical aspects of church life, but it must never supplant the divine sources of truth and understanding that define Christian faith. By testing its applications, involving the community, and prioritizing spiritual discernment, churches can use AI in a way that honors God and edifies the body of believers.