In this episode, host Mike Crump and Pastor Nathan Smith dive into a critical, timely discussion: AI and how it relates to the Christian. Is this new technology a good thing, bad, or indifferent? They conclude that it “really depends on how it’s used”.
The discussion covers:
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Personal Use of AI: Mike and Nathan share their current approaches to AI, from creating videos and pictures to using it for quick information gathering.
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Defining AI: The hosts clarify that current AI is more like ANI (Artificial Narrow Intelligence)—machine-based systems that simulate specific human-like cognitive functions and are fundamentally mathematical equations—rather than the theoretical, apocalyptic AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) often portrayed in media.
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AI as a Powerful Tool: Nathan draws an illustration, comparing AI to a “technological Ferrari.” It’s a tool, but its increasing “horsepower” means the potential for destruction and trouble is exponentially greater than older technologies like books or the early internet.
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The Demonic and AI: They address concerns about AI being demonic, arguing that while AI is built on God’s mathematical laws, the demonic can undoubtedly utilize AI for evil purposes. Furthermore, because AI learns from a “broken and sinful human,” it will pick up sinful patterns of behavior and thought.
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The Church’s Opportunity: The hosts express hope that in a world where AI-generated content makes it hard to discern truth, the church can stand as an unmoving “beacon of truth” grounded on an eternal, historic faith.
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AI in Spiritual Ministry: They tackle questions generated by AI itself, debating whether AI-generated sermons, music, or prayer content can be considered genuine spiritual ministry. They emphasize that Christian ministry is inherently people-on-people service that cannot be replaced by technology, though content can sometimes help.
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Studying the Bible: The episode concludes with a warning against using AI to “shortcut the research process” for theological content, as theological truth often “hangs on a few words” and accuracy must be verified against scripture to avoid heretical positions.
Final Encouragement: Regardless of how society shifts with technology, the believer is admonished to remember that Jesus wins the day and his Word and Church will stand.