The challenge of Artificial Intelligence

The Rev Ruth Kennedy considers the questions raised by Artificial Intelligence (AI) in church life.

CONVERSATIONS about the role of Artificial Intelligence seem to be ever-increasing, but then maybe that’s the algorithms at play!

At a gathering of ministers in the Presbytery of Perth the role of AI in ministry was raised, months before the Prime Minister uttered the words ‘Britain will be one of the great AI superpowers.’

If you were to ask an AI chatbot that helps you generate and create ideas and documents; such as chatgpt or co-pilot, about the benefits of AI in Church you would likely receive a list of benefits to communication, administration, data-driven insights, education, and even augmenting worship for a more personalised digital service. Very helpful, but there is no mention of the ministry of the Holy Spirit changing us, nothing of the Lord’s holy and powerfully peaceful presence, nor the privilege of giving, not just consuming.

Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 2:4-16 of spiritual wisdom. He says his message was not; ‘with persuasive words of wisdom, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power so that your faith would not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power.’

It is one of many beautiful passages about the Spirit of God who God has freely given us and an excellent reminder that technology is one of our resources for us to use, but it is not the Spirit of God. Where AI can help us with our grammar and punctuation (mercifully for the editors!), to use it to compile these articles or indeed sermons, in Paul’s words would be ‘foolishness’ because AI cannot understand the Spirit of God (1 Cor 2:14).

We can conclude AI has its limitations then! We are not in pursuit of knowledge but of the knowledge of God. Anything else is idolatry, surely?

This Lent, can we refine our approach to our inventions by checking we are not relying on them to bring knowledge or comfort, even spiritual renewal instead of the Spirit of God? Whether those inventions be AI, sport, buildings, etc.

And yet, our Creator blesses us with creativity, we are creative beings, so can there be a role for the human creation of AI in ministry?

There are various leading voices we can turn to for help; Archbishop Emeritus Prof

Antje Jackelen, Prof Noreen Herzfeld, Dr Simeon Xu for example. Dr Eric Stoddart, St Andrews University has an insightful paper on AI and Pastoral Care, ‘Artificial Pastoral Care: Abdication, Delegation or Collaboration?’ where he begins with a rather amusing retelling of the parable of the good Samaritan involving AI. He posits that ‘robotic mimicry’ cannot substitute for the empathetic exchange we need and enjoy in situations of pastoral care and indeed relationships. AI assistance can be useful but must not result in us relinquishing our call to love God and others by acting as a substitute for us.

AI raises many questions, doesn’t it? I am certain as we pursue God’s knowledge and wisdom on the integration and adoption of AI, the Holy Spirit will continue to gift us with the mind of Christ so that our faith rests on the power of God.

Please let me know if you would be interested in an event for a fuller and deeper discussion on AI, theology and ministry. rkennedy@churchofscotland.org.uk¤

The Rev Ruth Kennedy is Digital Ministries Advisor with the Church of Scotland.