Artificial Intelligence (AI) is no longer a distant or abstract idea. Across Africa and the world, it is shaping how people work, communicate, learn, worship, and even make moral decisions. From smartphones to sermons, AI is now part of everyday life.
For Christians, this moment calls for more than technical curiosity to spiritual discernment.
The Bible states that in the last days, “knowledge shall increase” (Daniel 12:4). Few generations have experienced a surge of knowledge comparable to what we are witnessing today. AI can translate languages instantly, analyse massive data sets, generate content, and simulate human reasoning at unprecedented speed.
Are we merely witnessing technological progress, or are we also living within conditions Scripture anticipated?
Technology Under God’s Sovereignty
Christian faith does not oppose innovation. Scripture affirms that creativity and intellect are gifts from God. History supports this truth. Scientists such as Isaac Newton, Michael Faraday, and Gregor Mendel pursued discovery while holding deep convictions about God’s sovereignty.
Technology, therefore, is not inherently evil. It is amoral. Its impact depends entirely on the values and intentions of those who design, deploy, and control it.
AI, Global Reach, and Prophetic Questions
One of AI’s most significant contributions is its ability to remove barriers. Language translation tools now make it possible for the Gospel to reach communities that were previously inaccessible. Digital platforms allow messages to cross borders instantly.
Could what is described in Revelation 13, a world where power, visibility, and control converge in ways that affect “all peoples” be a reality now which is enabled by AI?
- When Scripture speaks of global visibility, are we now living in an age where such conditions exist?
- When technology enables constant monitoring, identification, and behavioral prediction, how should believers discern its ethical and spiritual implications?
- At what point does convenience evolve into dependence and dependence into vulnerability?
The role of the Church is not to speculate recklessly, but neither is it to remain silent.
The Quiet Risks of Unexamined Adoption
While AI promises efficiency, it also presents subtle dangers:
- Erosion of critical thinking and human skill
- Rapid spread of misinformation and diluted truth
- Shallow faith practices driven by speed rather than depth
- Dependence on technology for discernment meant to be spiritual
There is a growing risk of what might be called “lazy faith” where tools replace discipline, and automation replaces intimacy with God.
Power Without Humility
The Bible repeatedly warns against pride fueled by power and success. King Uzziah’s technological and military advancements led him to overstep spiritual boundaries, resulting in his downfall (2 Chronicles 26). King Nebuchadnezzar’s empire fed his arrogance until God humbled him (Daniel 4).
These accounts demonstrate that progress without humility leads to judgment.
Modern culture increasingly places salvific hope in technology. Some even propose AI-based belief systems or speak of machines as humanity’s future “ saviour.” Could this be idolatry in new language?
A Responsible Christian Response
I do not think Christians need to fear AI, nor to embrace it uncritically. A faithful response requires balance such as:
- Learning how AI works and where it is heading
- Using it ethically to improve efficiency and service
- Challenging moral gaps, bias, deception, and misuse
- Guarding spiritual disciplines prayer, Scripture, fellowship, and obedience
AI can help search Scripture, translate texts, and organize knowledge. But it cannot replace the leading of the Holy Spirit or the Christian discipline. It can make it easier in accessing scriptural knowledge but cannot influence what you do with the knowledge.
Wisdom for a Technological Age
AI is a powerful gift, and it is amoral. Its influence will be determined by whose hands guide it and whose values shape it.
A believer in a rapidly changing world, will need to remain sober and vigilant (1 Peter 5:8), especially toward any technology that subtly demands ultimate trust.
Very insightful and spot on! We shouldn’t not he uncritical and dependent on the rapidly evolving technology.Deep convictions and spiritual discernment should be guarded with due deligence not to be eroded by the convenience and spoteneinty that comes with the rampant amoral AI as you’ve rightly elucidated!
Thank you very much for this wise analysis of AI and how Christians should use it without compromising on what the Bible teaches us. Shalom
Thanks for the prompting the believer to be inquisitive in their use of AI. I must admit that, the subtle and yet powerful impact the AI has had on this generation is inconceivable. One time as a dad, one of kids asked me for something. Instead of just giving it out to her, asked my daughter to write a full page requisition in her own handwriting explaining why she needed that particular thing. She ran up her desk and grabbed her phone. A few minutes later I went by to check on her progress. Guess what. She had asked Chat GPT to compose the requisition as a 10years old and she just copying it as if it was her own work. It dawned on me that day on what we are dealing with.
Critical thinking as you mentioned Peter is soon going to be history. AI and technological dependence is eroding the man’s ability to think and make choices. If untamed, we are bound to loose that place in human history. Far be it from us that we are the generation that will witness the collapse.
Yes, we can utilize AI in honoring God. How? I asked AI on how to honour God using AI and here is what I found, word for word
Here is how to honor God using AI:
Enhance Scripture Study and Preparation: Use AI to quickly find historical context, cross-references, or to outline biblical topics for teaching, allowing more time for deep, personal study and prayerful reflection.
Creative Worship and Outreach: Utilize AI to generate ideas for sermon illustrations, create visual art representing a walk with Christ, or brainstorm new ways to share the Gospel through social media.
Efficient Ministry Administration: Automate routine tasks like scheduling meetings, organizing notes, managing communication, or translating materials, which helps church leaders and volunteers focus on building personal relationships.
Maintain Ethical Integrity: Ensure AI-generated content is accurate and vetted, avoiding the use of AI to replace personal, empathetic pastoral care.
Keep God Central: Treat AI as a tool that serves the Creator, not a replacement for divine wisdom or human interaction, ensuring that technology serves the kingdom of God.
AI should be used to support and enhance human efforts in serving God, not to replace the essential elements of faith and human connection.
God help us.