On January 25, 2025, the American Scientific Affiliation (ASA) held a 75-minute online symposium titled “AI and Christianity.” It featured AI experts Joanna Ng, a Canadian AI technologist and former IBM Master Inventor, and Rosalind Picard, founder and director of the Affective Computing Research Group at the MIT Media Library. Many ASA local chapters, affiliates, and partner organizations, including one in Vancouver Canada, hosted watch parties and post-event discussions.
Joanna Ng set a contemplative tone with a conspicuous sign displayed in her background reading “ DW > AI,” symbolizing Divine Will is superior to Artificial Intelligence. This powerful visual underscored a central theme of her discourse: the supremacy of divine purpose over human-created technologies. Ng delved into how AI’s rapid advancement presents both opportunities and ethical challenges for the entire world and the Christian community. She emphasized that while AI holds immense potential, it must be guided by moral and spiritual principles that reflect God’s will. She examined the perspective of humanity within AI development, emphasizing that our understanding of human nature significantly influences the design of AI systems. Ng contended that perceiving humans solely as data points or algorithmic responses may lead to the creation of AI that fails to appreciate the complexity of human experiences and dignity. She advocated for the development of AI systems that respect the Imago Dei—the concept that humans are created in the image of God—thereby embedding respect and value for human life into technological advancements.
Rosalind Picard, a thought leader and one of the pioneers in affective computing, emphasized that for AI to genuinely resonate with humans, it must recognize and respond to human emotions, integrating empathy into technology. She addressed ethical concerns, highlighting how some AI company leaders unethically exploit fear to inflate their company’s profits. In the context of AI and Christianity, her insights prompted reflection on embedding empathy in AI to align with deeper values of compassion and understanding, while cautioning against practices that undermine trust, integrity, and the irreplaceable depth of human-to-human connections. Picard also highlighted how AI can enhance well-being when aligned with ethical standards, using an example of seizure forecasting technology enabled by AI. She cautioned that without a foundation in ethical stewardship, AI will likely cause harm despite good intentions.
A Vancouver post-event panel discussion with three panelists and forty-five participants, from various disciplines and Christian denominations, delved deeper into themes that emerged from the Winter Symposium. The discussions touched on:
AI and Human Flourishing: Participants examined how AI can contribute to society in ways that promote overall well-being. They emphasized that technological progress should not merely focus on efficiency or profit but much more importantly should enhance the quality of human life, nurture relationships, and foster communities.
Ethical Stewardship and Christian Responsibilities: The conversation highlighted the role of Christians in guiding AI development. The panelists stressed the need for moral courage and wisdom to ensure that AI technologies are used justly, protect the vulnerable, and do not exacerbate social inequalities.
AI in Relation to Embodiment and Experience: This theme sparked a profound exploration of the philosophical and theological significance of embodiment. While AI boasts remarkable capabilities and predictive power, participants noted that it lacks the lived experiences and physical embodiment that characterize human existence. They reflected on how embodiment is central to human identity, relationships, and spirituality—dimensions that AI cannot replicate.
When considering AI’s real-life applications, the discussion underscored that embodiment and experience carry significant meanings. Participants pondered how AI systems, despite their intelligence, do not possess the consciousness or subjective experiences of humans. This realization led to thoughtful dialogue about the limitations of AI in capturing the essence of human emotions, suffering, joy, and the relational aspect of existence in our bodily experiences. Moreover, the panel delved into how these limitations should inform the integration of AI into society. There was consensus that we must be cautious not to over-rely on AI in areas that require human judgment, empathy, and the nuanced understanding that comes from lived experience. The theological implications were clear: preserving the sanctity of human embodiment aligns with upholding the divine design and intention for humanity.
The Winter Symposium and subsequent discussions provided valuable insights into how AI and Christianity can converge to shape a future where technology helps humanity achieve its highest good while adhering to moral and ethical standards rooted in faith. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of their role in ethically stewarding AI advancements and the importance of emphasizing divine guidance over technological prowess, encapsulated in Joanna Ng’s poignant reminder: “DW is superior to Artificial Intelligence.”
Engaging with these themes further can be deeply enriching. Exploring the writings and talks of Joanna Ng and Rosalind Picard offers profound perspectives at the intersection of technology and Christian faith. Additionally, participating in future events by the American Scientific Affiliation, including the 2025 Annual meeting, Science & Technology as Worship, in Colorado, from July 18-21, and local discussions, can deepen our understanding and commitment to improving the lives of all people and integrating ethical, moral and Christian values into the ever-evolving landscape of artificial intelligence.
