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Made in Our Image: God, artificial intelligence and you
Artificial intelligence is coming. And this tech revolution, perhaps more than any such revolution that’s gone before, will change the world. No life will be left untouched.
How do Christians navigate their way through these momentous changes? What does Christianity have to say about this brave new world? What will living for Jesus look like in a world where humans, made in God’s image, coexist with intelligent machines made in our image?
Author, pastor and self-confessed ‘tech realist’ Stephen Driscoll sets out to answer those questions with a deep dive into the intersection of faith and technology. Avoiding the extremes of both the tech worshippers and the ‘doomers’, Driscoll offers accessible and illuminating insights into the nature of AI, along with practical tips on how Christians might use this technology for good. Most of all, he shows how the deepest structures of biblical thought will equip Christians to live with AI.
This book is a must-read for tech-savvy optimists and sceptics alike.
How do Christians navigate their way through these momentous changes? What does Christianity have to say about this brave new world? What will living for Jesus look like in a world where humans, made in God’s image, coexist with intelligent machines made in our image?
Author, pastor and self-confessed ‘tech realist’ Stephen Driscoll sets out to answer those questions with a deep dive into the intersection of faith and technology. Avoiding the extremes of both the tech worshippers and the ‘doomers’, Driscoll offers accessible and illuminating insights into the nature of AI, along with practical tips on how Christians might use this technology for good. Most of all, he shows how the deepest structures of biblical thought will equip Christians to live with AI.
This book is a must-read for tech-savvy optimists and sceptics alike.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 2024
18 people are currently reading
93 people want to read
About the author
Stephen Driscoll
1 bookStephen Driscoll studied at Moore College, The University of Sydney, and the University of NSW, and has worked for the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students and in investing roles with a few banks. He loves training and teaching students and ministry apprentices from the Bible about all sorts of topics.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 1, 2025
Great book, easy to read, very helpful, well researched.
Helpful in thinking about technology in general, not just AI. A few notes:
Highlighted some sad realities about technological advances over the centuries, such as televisions leading to decreases in civic engagement (parent teacher interviews, dinners with neighbours, volunteering, church attendance... (P. 12 & 112)).
Highlighted some really positive realities about technological advancements, such as cheaper production leading to greater affordability of things like clothes, soap... Leading to longer life expectancy etc (p.145)
Chapter 2 was eye opening as to just how far AI has come already - i.e. thinking creatively, using intuition, prediction, able to understand sarcasm, empathise etc - and the possibilities into the future.
The author compared the development of AI to things like the industrial revolution or printing press in the potential significance it has to change society (esp, in the appendix)
Emphasized that technology is neutral, neither good or bad. It is humans who use it for good or ill. (P. 83)
AI, then, has potential for much good, but we shouldn't be naive, it can be used to harm. (P. 91)
I liked the emphasis on the fact that technological invention isn't the ultimate answer to better lives - this isn't where we should be putting our hopes. For example, the simple things like regular church attendance reduces mortality, lowers depression, increases optimism, improves physical health, makes marriages more stable, expands social networks, makes people more charitable, more engaged with society... (P. 152).
The discussion about unbundling (dividing up and choosing what you want, instead of taking the good and bad of the whole package - i.e. with T.V. channels, single songs and not the whole album, and even relationships) was also very helpful (p.157)
I love technology, but this was a helpful read as I reflect on how to think about it and use it wisely.
Helpful in thinking about technology in general, not just AI. A few notes:
Highlighted some sad realities about technological advances over the centuries, such as televisions leading to decreases in civic engagement (parent teacher interviews, dinners with neighbours, volunteering, church attendance... (P. 12 & 112)).
Highlighted some really positive realities about technological advancements, such as cheaper production leading to greater affordability of things like clothes, soap... Leading to longer life expectancy etc (p.145)
Chapter 2 was eye opening as to just how far AI has come already - i.e. thinking creatively, using intuition, prediction, able to understand sarcasm, empathise etc - and the possibilities into the future.
The author compared the development of AI to things like the industrial revolution or printing press in the potential significance it has to change society (esp, in the appendix)
Emphasized that technology is neutral, neither good or bad. It is humans who use it for good or ill. (P. 83)
AI, then, has potential for much good, but we shouldn't be naive, it can be used to harm. (P. 91)
I liked the emphasis on the fact that technological invention isn't the ultimate answer to better lives - this isn't where we should be putting our hopes. For example, the simple things like regular church attendance reduces mortality, lowers depression, increases optimism, improves physical health, makes marriages more stable, expands social networks, makes people more charitable, more engaged with society... (P. 152).
The discussion about unbundling (dividing up and choosing what you want, instead of taking the good and bad of the whole package - i.e. with T.V. channels, single songs and not the whole album, and even relationships) was also very helpful (p.157)
I love technology, but this was a helpful read as I reflect on how to think about it and use it wisely.
June 12, 2025
As someone who wanted to scream “HAVE YOU NEVER SEEN IROBOT?!” Whenever AI was mentioned, I needed this book 😅
Brilliant thoughts, observations, insights and practicals (at the end) to consider and remember concerning technology, viewed through a biblical lens.
Brilliant thoughts, observations, insights and practicals (at the end) to consider and remember concerning technology, viewed through a biblical lens.
April 8, 2025
Great reminder of the gospel-centred worldview we need to have in the forefront of our minds as we engage with AI.
I felt that the final chapter should have been half the book though. Lots of warnings about AI in the book, but not much advice on how to use AI wisely as Christians.
I felt that the final chapter should have been half the book though. Lots of warnings about AI in the book, but not much advice on how to use AI wisely as Christians.
July 29, 2024
Lots of helpful reflections about the nature and limits of tech in general and some clear explanation applying to AI in particular. I felt he is a bit weak on the cultural factors affecting technological change (which he treats as an exogenous process) and smuggles in some surprising assumptions about AI self-awareness. Not very much about how using AI will change us which is one of my big concerns personally. Plenty of warming theological truths that help navigate some of the complexities - AI doesn't threaten human identity and neither can it replace either God or human interactions. A nice manifesto for Christian distinctiveness is suggested near the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2024
Steve Driscoll’s book Made in Our Image takes us through what is AI and why we should care about it. AI will undoubtedly change the world – if you’re not convinced, you should read the book nonetheless, as it may change your mind! This is a very well researched yet accessible book for any Christian, particularly those who have limited background knowledge. Driscoll’s research goes beyond a mere introduction to AI – throughout the book, he has clearly engaged well with historians, economists, sociologists, and philosophers. This is very much a multidisciplinary book! He weaves stories from history into his argument – this means the book is very interesting, easy to read, and yet, theological. Illustrations are also insightful and elucidating.
Given AI’s importance, Christians should think carefully about whether the Bible says anything about it. Here Driscoll sets up the existential question clearly: what is so special about humanity? Is it our intelligence and cognitive function (and if so, doesn’t AI pose an existential threat?) Driscoll explores what the Bible says about identity and how it foundational – an anchor for us in a quickly changing landscape. Despite dealing with complex philosophical issues, he nonetheless introduces them in a way that is easy to understand – e.g. physicalism vs dualism, or God’s sovereignty vs human responsibility – and gives us the Biblical take on them with suitable reference to the text.
Driscoll shows how looking at AI through the lens of a biblical framework illuminates the vast potential for bad in it – which is unsurprising given our own propensity for sinful behaviour. This was a worthwhile exploration – we would do well to be realistic about the potential problems of AI, rather than being caught off-guard by sudden change. However, it would be foolish to dismiss Made in Our Image as another “doomer” book. Driscoll freely admits and points out the potential for good uses of AI. But more importantly, this process helps us see how relevant the gospel message of today is – particularly so in a world changed by AI. Christian hope is not in AI, but in the resurrection hope of Jesus.
I only had one quibble with the book – I think I would lean towards technology (and therefore AI) being a positive thing, rather than neutral. This is not just my view, but Akos Balogh in his Centre for Christian Living presentation mentions the same thing (https://ccl.moore.edu.au/resources/po...). This is because in Genesis 1-2, God expects humanity to work the ground, which presumably includes tools (and therefore, technology). I’m sure Akos would agree with Steve, however, in the potential dangers of AI.
I can’t recommend this book enough to every Christian – not just those who have an interest in AI. I suspect it will only become more and more relevant.
https://matthiasmedia.com.au/products...
Disclaimer: a free copy of the book was sent to me for review.
Given AI’s importance, Christians should think carefully about whether the Bible says anything about it. Here Driscoll sets up the existential question clearly: what is so special about humanity? Is it our intelligence and cognitive function (and if so, doesn’t AI pose an existential threat?) Driscoll explores what the Bible says about identity and how it foundational – an anchor for us in a quickly changing landscape. Despite dealing with complex philosophical issues, he nonetheless introduces them in a way that is easy to understand – e.g. physicalism vs dualism, or God’s sovereignty vs human responsibility – and gives us the Biblical take on them with suitable reference to the text.
Driscoll shows how looking at AI through the lens of a biblical framework illuminates the vast potential for bad in it – which is unsurprising given our own propensity for sinful behaviour. This was a worthwhile exploration – we would do well to be realistic about the potential problems of AI, rather than being caught off-guard by sudden change. However, it would be foolish to dismiss Made in Our Image as another “doomer” book. Driscoll freely admits and points out the potential for good uses of AI. But more importantly, this process helps us see how relevant the gospel message of today is – particularly so in a world changed by AI. Christian hope is not in AI, but in the resurrection hope of Jesus.
I only had one quibble with the book – I think I would lean towards technology (and therefore AI) being a positive thing, rather than neutral. This is not just my view, but Akos Balogh in his Centre for Christian Living presentation mentions the same thing (https://ccl.moore.edu.au/resources/po...). This is because in Genesis 1-2, God expects humanity to work the ground, which presumably includes tools (and therefore, technology). I’m sure Akos would agree with Steve, however, in the potential dangers of AI.
I can’t recommend this book enough to every Christian – not just those who have an interest in AI. I suspect it will only become more and more relevant.
https://matthiasmedia.com.au/products...
Disclaimer: a free copy of the book was sent to me for review.
May 20, 2025
4.5 stars rounded up to 5! Sometimes I round down but this I rounded up because it’s so well written, timely on a critical topic. The author has an engaging and sometimes drily humorous writing style. He shows evidence of very wide reading, polymath style. And so he can informatively address the topic of AI with historical, philosophical, social, ethical and theological perspective. He is aware developments in AI are moving very fast yet has managed to address the topic that did not feel out-of-date as I read it a year after publication.
He writes with a deep biblical theology from an evangelical Christian viewpoint that helpfully engages with other views, especially from the viewpoint of the cross of Christ (but not just proof-texty)!
My only reason for not giving it an absolute 5 stars is that I thought the book would have been strengthened by a stronger presence of the classical biblical doctrine of God, his infinite and eternal nature, in aseity, omnipotence and omniscience, alongside his goodness, justice and love in creation and redemption. These latter attributes - are assumed and asserted, but the former attributes seem important to me as one considers extremely powerful and developing Artificial Intelligence!
He writes with a deep biblical theology from an evangelical Christian viewpoint that helpfully engages with other views, especially from the viewpoint of the cross of Christ (but not just proof-texty)!
My only reason for not giving it an absolute 5 stars is that I thought the book would have been strengthened by a stronger presence of the classical biblical doctrine of God, his infinite and eternal nature, in aseity, omnipotence and omniscience, alongside his goodness, justice and love in creation and redemption. These latter attributes - are assumed and asserted, but the former attributes seem important to me as one considers extremely powerful and developing Artificial Intelligence!
August 6, 2025
There were definitely helpful nuggets in here, but at times the author rambles. He spends four chapters in the biblical framework of creation, fall, redemption & consummation. I appreciated this, but at times he goes off on tangents or takes too long to actually explain AI in light of the framework he sought to use. Decent read.
October 15, 2024
A very helpful and interesting read as AI rushes into every aspect of our lives. Stephen Driscoll succinctly explains many aspects of AI and show how the big themes of the Bible help us make sense of it and what to do. I made some changes in my own interactions with AI, and was encouraged to keep fixing my eyes on Jesus.
December 15, 2024
Great book! So clear and concise. AI is a big thing in our world and will only get bigger. This book addresses how to look at AI from the framework of creation, sin, the cross and the new creation. Very solid and very well done.
July 2, 2025
"Technology has always brought a mixture of blessing and curse to this fallen world, and AI will be no different. Even more importantly, the Scriptures give us the framework we need for processing these changes, finding our place in an ever-changing world, and keeping our eyes fixed on the kingdom of God."
- Stephen Driscoll, Made in Our Image, chapter 7
Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly unavoidable. A simple search on Google Chrome brings up Gemini, countless platforms are already incorporating ChatGPT and you can’t update your iPhone without Apple Intelligence springing to the surface.
As Christians, we can’t bury our head in the sand and act as if these technologies do not exist or simply assume that they are only capable of evil purposes. Instead, we need to seek to understand what this technology is capable of, the consequences of using it and above all, our motivations behind incorporating it into our lives in the first place.
As I’ve been doing lots of research into AI and thinking through how we use this particular technology for Christ, I have found this book to be immensely helpful, as it thinks through how we go about applying an understanding of biblical theology to artificial intelligence. He does this by walking through the implications that an understanding of creation, the fall, the cross and the new creation have upon our thinking around artificial intelligence.
Driscoll demonstrates how vital it is that we understand that AI is a product of humans, and of their warped understandings of the world in which we live. He also emphasises the importance of applying great caution in terms of the trust that we place in these LLM’s and in their ability to tell us the truth, or to answer our bigger questions about life, and especially, about faith. I have seen times where ChatGPT has given very biblical answers to questions about faith, however, we must remember that at the end of the day, ChatGPT draws from many corners of the internet, not directly from the Bible. Even if it was drawing directly from the Bible, it does not have a soul or a conscience or a living relationship with the Lord Jesus, and so it cannot provide ultimate truth.
Yet, he also alludes to the many ways in which developments in technology has aided the spread of the gospel, both in the past and the present. He emphasises the importance of not falling on either the side of tech pessimism, where we fear artificial intelligence and act as if it's only ever capable of evil. Yet he also warns those who find themselves in the camp of tech optimism, where we can be in danger of naïvely thinking that it can do no harm and should be used in all contexts, for the sake of efficiency.
- Stephen Driscoll, Made in Our Image, chapter 7
Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly unavoidable. A simple search on Google Chrome brings up Gemini, countless platforms are already incorporating ChatGPT and you can’t update your iPhone without Apple Intelligence springing to the surface.
As Christians, we can’t bury our head in the sand and act as if these technologies do not exist or simply assume that they are only capable of evil purposes. Instead, we need to seek to understand what this technology is capable of, the consequences of using it and above all, our motivations behind incorporating it into our lives in the first place.
As I’ve been doing lots of research into AI and thinking through how we use this particular technology for Christ, I have found this book to be immensely helpful, as it thinks through how we go about applying an understanding of biblical theology to artificial intelligence. He does this by walking through the implications that an understanding of creation, the fall, the cross and the new creation have upon our thinking around artificial intelligence.
Driscoll demonstrates how vital it is that we understand that AI is a product of humans, and of their warped understandings of the world in which we live. He also emphasises the importance of applying great caution in terms of the trust that we place in these LLM’s and in their ability to tell us the truth, or to answer our bigger questions about life, and especially, about faith. I have seen times where ChatGPT has given very biblical answers to questions about faith, however, we must remember that at the end of the day, ChatGPT draws from many corners of the internet, not directly from the Bible. Even if it was drawing directly from the Bible, it does not have a soul or a conscience or a living relationship with the Lord Jesus, and so it cannot provide ultimate truth.
Yet, he also alludes to the many ways in which developments in technology has aided the spread of the gospel, both in the past and the present. He emphasises the importance of not falling on either the side of tech pessimism, where we fear artificial intelligence and act as if it's only ever capable of evil. Yet he also warns those who find themselves in the camp of tech optimism, where we can be in danger of naïvely thinking that it can do no harm and should be used in all contexts, for the sake of efficiency.
June 24, 2024
My favourite read of this year so far. I'm not sure if I was particularly interested in AI coming into the book, but I found the topic really stimulating. Even more, I really appreciated the way in which the author engaged theologically, writing in a way that was robust and engaging.
Things I loved:
- The discussion on AI technology was fascinating. It wasn't simply a focus on AI itself, but thinking through how technology has changed so rapidly and profoundly shaped our way of living. I found myself thinking a lot about how our lives interact with technology afterwards.
- The way theology was discussed in the book. When it comes to theology, it's not easy to write in a deep and engaging way. Sometimes theology can be hard to understand. Sometimes it can come off as dry. However, there was something in the writing style (and I'm still trying to work out how), that made the theological discussion of AI compelling. Driscoll brought the relevance of creation, fall, redemption and new creation out in a really fresh manner that I found quite stimulating. I actually re-read parts just to appreciate the writing style.
- Balanced. I'll be the first to admit that I'm a bit of a 'smart phones are the root of all evil' type of guy. But Driscoll gave a view of technology that is incredibly balanced, showing both its merits and harm.
- Well researched. I was impressed by the number of footnotes and the variety of the sources! And really interesting sources too!
A book I would recommend for everyone. Not only to think about AI, but to have a solid framework for how to think theologically about a topic. And it's just a really fun read.
Things I loved:
- The discussion on AI technology was fascinating. It wasn't simply a focus on AI itself, but thinking through how technology has changed so rapidly and profoundly shaped our way of living. I found myself thinking a lot about how our lives interact with technology afterwards.
- The way theology was discussed in the book. When it comes to theology, it's not easy to write in a deep and engaging way. Sometimes theology can be hard to understand. Sometimes it can come off as dry. However, there was something in the writing style (and I'm still trying to work out how), that made the theological discussion of AI compelling. Driscoll brought the relevance of creation, fall, redemption and new creation out in a really fresh manner that I found quite stimulating. I actually re-read parts just to appreciate the writing style.
- Balanced. I'll be the first to admit that I'm a bit of a 'smart phones are the root of all evil' type of guy. But Driscoll gave a view of technology that is incredibly balanced, showing both its merits and harm.
- Well researched. I was impressed by the number of footnotes and the variety of the sources! And really interesting sources too!
A book I would recommend for everyone. Not only to think about AI, but to have a solid framework for how to think theologically about a topic. And it's just a really fun read.
February 19, 2025
With a cool cover, and with AI all the rage, I thought I'd give this book a shot (especially because I can just borrow it from Moore Library!)
I think it was perhaps slightly too long winded (perhaps it was based on sermons / seminars?) but I also did appreciate all the stories he put in there (which I guess made it longer), but at times when he was talking about New Creation I kind of forgot I was reading an AI book.
The premise is simple but brilliant I think, going through creation / sin / cross / new creation and connecting it to AI. So AI is great (humans are great in creation) but also terrifying (because of sin).
It can't be moral (only the cross is our moral answer) and it can't be our hope (only new creation will bring that about).
I also liked his chapter explaining AI (I learnt about Grokking, when AI can group together tasks in one go to make it super duper fast) and his insistence that this technology will be a big deal.
All in all though, I recommend just reading the final reflections (and maybe a summary of the book through AI?)
* Value relationships not efficiency
* Information is not wisdom
* Don't underestimate new technology (but also be balanced in opti/pessimism)
* Cultivate "New creation resilience" rather than trying to control things.
I think it was perhaps slightly too long winded (perhaps it was based on sermons / seminars?) but I also did appreciate all the stories he put in there (which I guess made it longer), but at times when he was talking about New Creation I kind of forgot I was reading an AI book.
The premise is simple but brilliant I think, going through creation / sin / cross / new creation and connecting it to AI. So AI is great (humans are great in creation) but also terrifying (because of sin).
It can't be moral (only the cross is our moral answer) and it can't be our hope (only new creation will bring that about).
I also liked his chapter explaining AI (I learnt about Grokking, when AI can group together tasks in one go to make it super duper fast) and his insistence that this technology will be a big deal.
All in all though, I recommend just reading the final reflections (and maybe a summary of the book through AI?)
* Value relationships not efficiency
* Information is not wisdom
* Don't underestimate new technology (but also be balanced in opti/pessimism)
* Cultivate "New creation resilience" rather than trying to control things.
January 18, 2025
Thoughts:
• I picked this up rather reluctantly despite hearing some positive endorsements. Recently I've been getting real sick of hearing about AI because it feels like all discussion about it is overshadowed by the loud voices of doomers and tech worshippers alike. I'm glad this author takes a far more neutral stance, being quite rational about the fact that AI will neither end nor save humanity. There's no fearmongering or myopic optimism here.
• The book includes a brief introduction to AI technologies, written in layman's terms. This is another tech-meets-Christian-thought book and many of the ideas discussed can also be applied to technological advancements in general, not only AI.
• The bulk of the book situates AI and technology within a framework of biblical theology, approaching it in the classic creation/sin/cross/new creation format. The concluding thoughts are interesting and raise some ethical/wisdom considerations.
• I suspect some things in this book will seem dated in a few years' time - the author also acknowledges this possibility. Overall it's a bit better than I expected. It's straightforward and reasonable and a relatively light read.
• I picked this up rather reluctantly despite hearing some positive endorsements. Recently I've been getting real sick of hearing about AI because it feels like all discussion about it is overshadowed by the loud voices of doomers and tech worshippers alike. I'm glad this author takes a far more neutral stance, being quite rational about the fact that AI will neither end nor save humanity. There's no fearmongering or myopic optimism here.
• The book includes a brief introduction to AI technologies, written in layman's terms. This is another tech-meets-Christian-thought book and many of the ideas discussed can also be applied to technological advancements in general, not only AI.
• The bulk of the book situates AI and technology within a framework of biblical theology, approaching it in the classic creation/sin/cross/new creation format. The concluding thoughts are interesting and raise some ethical/wisdom considerations.
• I suspect some things in this book will seem dated in a few years' time - the author also acknowledges this possibility. Overall it's a bit better than I expected. It's straightforward and reasonable and a relatively light read.
August 13, 2024
The Book, Made In Our Image: God, artificial intelligence and you, is an excellent book. In it, author Stephen Driscoll helps the reader understand the incredible development of AI over the last 5 decades, noting that, like most technology, it can be used for good and for bad. Being one who knows very little about AI, this read was so very informative as Driscoll explains the latest technological revolution, provides an understanding of how AI is developed and works, how AI impacts culture and individual's view of their identity, the role of sin and AI, how the cross of Christ is an answer to the emptiness left by AI, and how humans can wisely use AI for good. Driscoll brings into the discussion an understanding of how Christian theology has much to say about AI and the consequences of AI being used poorly. I think this is an excellent book and very much worth reading. I highly recommend it.
December 16, 2024
“Nothing that we ever invent is beyond his imagination”
This little theology of AI surprised me. I think what I like best is the author’s reticence to define the technological limits of AI - we really should expect it to shake things up more than we’d prefer. However, good doctrines of creation and soteriology provide the framework to live well and resiliently despite change.
It’s important to remember the author is writing to a Christian audience. This becomes evident as he assumes that his authors will give the Bible the final word on an issue. To be sure, he does his technological research, but his reliance on doctrine as his final rhetorical push may not be as convincing to a reader outside a particular branch of Christianity.
His writing is informative, thought provoking and devotional. He speaks to the head and the heart.
Would recommend to any lay Christian trying to think about AI a bit more honestly and theologically.
This little theology of AI surprised me. I think what I like best is the author’s reticence to define the technological limits of AI - we really should expect it to shake things up more than we’d prefer. However, good doctrines of creation and soteriology provide the framework to live well and resiliently despite change.
It’s important to remember the author is writing to a Christian audience. This becomes evident as he assumes that his authors will give the Bible the final word on an issue. To be sure, he does his technological research, but his reliance on doctrine as his final rhetorical push may not be as convincing to a reader outside a particular branch of Christianity.
His writing is informative, thought provoking and devotional. He speaks to the head and the heart.
Would recommend to any lay Christian trying to think about AI a bit more honestly and theologically.
July 3, 2024
This book is excellent.He uses the biblical framework of creation - fall - redemption -new creation to help us think through the role and impact of A.I . Each of those chapters addresses A.I. its inevitability , its potential for good, and potential for harm but helps us understand how we can think theologically about this subject. Driscoll also provides a fascinating historical perspective on the impact of technology on society - it is a fresh, interesting and non cliched way of looking at why we are were we are in history today. He points us clearly to Christ and our need for Him. I think a sympathetic reader who is not a Christian may find this useful as they consider the role of A.I whilst being challenged to consider their worldview and need to turn to their creator. I will be encouraging people I know to read this book.
December 7, 2024
I found Made in Our Image to be a rather mixed bag all-in-all, While I understand the author’s scepticism within his analysis of AI, I thought that the general historical benefits of technology should have been giving more credence. (Honestly, there are people recovering in hospitals who likely wouldn’t have stood a chance fifteen years ago.) Technology moves so, so fast and provides mankind with a plethora of benefits that seemed to have been routinely overlooked in this publication. Additionally, there are plenty of Christian philosophers who could have been a source of information and even inspiration within its pages. Instead, the author quoted Marx and quoted Engels which just seemed rather clunky and downright strange considering their hostility toward the Christian ethos. In the end, it was a 3/5.
February 25, 2025
Christian window on AI
This amazing book should be required reading for all Christians who are pondering the imminently coming embrace of AI. It gives expert guidance on the basis of AI, its future development, its usefulness and possibilities. But above all it outlines the existential dangers to mankind of our reliance upon technology as truth, when the only truth is that mankind was created in the image and likeness of God and it is upon God that we should place our reliance. God has shown us how to live in that reliance through his son Jesus Christ, who is our eternal hope and salvation, and not the ultimately empty promises that reliance on developing technology brings.
This amazing book should be required reading for all Christians who are pondering the imminently coming embrace of AI. It gives expert guidance on the basis of AI, its future development, its usefulness and possibilities. But above all it outlines the existential dangers to mankind of our reliance upon technology as truth, when the only truth is that mankind was created in the image and likeness of God and it is upon God that we should place our reliance. God has shown us how to live in that reliance through his son Jesus Christ, who is our eternal hope and salvation, and not the ultimately empty promises that reliance on developing technology brings.
January 24, 2025
I enjoyed this very balanced view on the use, reality and impact of AI from a Christian perspective. I could potentially have valued a little more 'what do we do' at the end. But the overview and the way this fit into an overarching view of technology that takes the benefits whilst being open eyed about the drawbacks was great.
June 13, 2024
An accessible primer on AI, solid biblical principles for navigating the existential questions this technology raises, all supported by wide reading and good humour. Highly recommended.
November 21, 2024
In my experience, many doctrinally conservative Christians knee-jerk react to pretty much any new technology by demonizing it…quite literally in the case of AI as I have seen at least two groups claiming that AI is just demons pretending to be computer programs. This book takes a far more reasoned approach.
The author briefly describes what AI is and how it has developed over time. His tone is generally one of amazement at human ingenuity as a product of God’s common grace. Along the way, he highlights a lot of amazing advances in AI, though I think he gives it way too much credit when he offhandedly claims some AI is self-aware.
For the main point of the book, he discusses how Christians should relate to technology in general (as tools with potential for good and evil) and explores potential benefits and dangers of AI in particular. He also spends quite a bit of time on the difference between human beings (who are made in God’s image and find our purpose in him) and even the most intelligent AI now or in the future (“glorified silicon”).
Overall, I think that the author did an admiral job of touching on important scientific, moral, and spiritual issues in a way that is reasonable, balanced, and faithful to Scripture (not resorting to ripping verses out of context and/or engaging in conspiracy theories).
The author briefly describes what AI is and how it has developed over time. His tone is generally one of amazement at human ingenuity as a product of God’s common grace. Along the way, he highlights a lot of amazing advances in AI, though I think he gives it way too much credit when he offhandedly claims some AI is self-aware.
For the main point of the book, he discusses how Christians should relate to technology in general (as tools with potential for good and evil) and explores potential benefits and dangers of AI in particular. He also spends quite a bit of time on the difference between human beings (who are made in God’s image and find our purpose in him) and even the most intelligent AI now or in the future (“glorified silicon”).
Overall, I think that the author did an admiral job of touching on important scientific, moral, and spiritual issues in a way that is reasonable, balanced, and faithful to Scripture (not resorting to ripping verses out of context and/or engaging in conspiracy theories).
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