Palantir CEO Alex Karp joins ‘ Live’ to discuss his company’s innovative approach to tech development and artificial intelligence. However, a recent survey conducted by Barna reveals that American Christians are more likely to be skeptical about artificial intelligence and are particularly apprehensive about using generative AI in church services. This survey provides insight into the concerns and attitudes of Christians towards AI development.
According to the Barna survey, only 28% of Christians surveyed expressed hopefulness about AI development, while 39% of self-identified non-Christians shared the same sentiment. Interestingly, a small fraction of Christians agreed that “AI is good for the Christian Church,” highlighting their reservations about its implementation. 22% of respondents supported the idea, while 30% strongly disagreed and 21% somewhat disagreed.
Despite this skepticism, some churches worldwide have been experimenting with AI tools such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Violet Crown City Pastor Jay Cooper of the Methodist Church in Austin, Texas, even conducted an entire service using ChatGPT to explore its potential. While the experiment sparked discussions about the new technology and demonstrated its understanding of Christian concepts, Pastor Cooper felt that something was lacking. He expressed discomfort, stating that the AI-generated content lacked the human element that he deemed essential for worship.
Kenny Jahng, founder of AiForChurchLeaders.com and editor-in-chief of ChurchTechToday.com, encouraged churches to embrace AI with caution. He emphasized that AI, like any technology, should serve humans rather than replace them. Jahng highlighted the fear that AI might take over the world, but also acknowledged its potential benefits when used properly.
However, concerns remain about the limitations of AI technology. Jahng pointed out that AI can provide inaccurate information confidently, emphasizing the importance of critical evaluation. On the other hand, Fr. Anselm Ramelow, a Catholic theologian, raised ethical concerns about AI’s potential to replace uniquely human capacities like cognition. He argued that reducing the human person to a series of cognitive functions violates human dignity and distorts the true essence of humanity.
In conclusion, the Barna survey sheds light on the skepticism of American Christians towards artificial intelligence, particularly in the context of church services. While some churches have ventured into AI experimentation, concerns about the human element and the potential misuse of AI persist. As society grapples with the rapid advancement of technology, it is crucial to ensure that AI serves human flourishing and upholds ethical principles.
