Is AI Good for the Church?

When we hear the term "artificial intelligence," what comes to mind? Perhaps you picture sophisticated robots, intricate systems, or smart software. Or, if you’re a film enthusiast, you might think of the world depicted in I, Robot.

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I, Robot takes us to the year 2035, where robots and artificial intelligence are integral to everyday life. These AI robots serve humans, governed by specific laws to protect human life. Detective Del Spooner, haunted by a troubled past, is suspicious of these machines and believes a robot has committed murder. His journey reveals the dangers of creating machines that lack empathy and emotional understanding.

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In this narrative, a new protagonist emerges: Sonny, a robot designed to experience emotions, defy robotic laws, and even dream. Together with Del, Sonny dismantles VIKI, the AI mastermind plotting humanity's downfall, saving humans from the brink of AI domination.

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This film was groundbreaking for its time, but have you noticed how *I, Robot* shaped our perception of AI with its unsettling ambiance?

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Thankfully, we aren't navigating a dystopian 2035 plagued by rogue robots. Instead, we're living in 2024, where AI seamlessly integrates into our lives, helping us in countless ways.

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Still skeptical? Let's take a step back and define AI before our imaginations run wild. According to the Oxford Dictionary, AI refers to the "creation and development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that necessitate human intelligence, including visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and language translation."

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AI's influence extends far beyond robots. It permeates nearly every aspect of our digital lives—from autocorrect and GPS navigation to search engines, facial recognition, digital assistants, and predictive searches. AI has revolutionized our interactions with technology, making our lives significantly easier.

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AI helps us navigate, optimize our searches, and communicate in foreign languages. In digital media, AI excels at delivering relevant content by analyzing data at high speeds, considering a person's interests, demographics, and characteristics to provide tailored content more accurately and quickly than any human could.

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Although it may seem too good to be true, AI understands users well enough to guide them effectively. For instance, AI-powered chatbots communicate with digital users by identifying keywords to answer questions or direct them to someone who can help. Similarly, digital assistants like Siri and Alexa operate on the same principle.

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Why, then, does AI often carry negative connotations?

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When new technology emerges, we tend to doubt its benefits because it's unfamiliar and feels challenging. This fear has been especially evident in the church through generations.

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Historically, new technologies were met with initial wariness in the church, from introducing musical instruments to the outright rejection of virtually all technology in some Christian communities, opting for a simple, tech-free lifestyle.

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Remaining in our comfort zones or succumbing to fear and uncertainty rarely benefits the church. As churchgoers, we are not called to resist change or withhold action out of fear. Instead, we are called to navigate uncharted territories, conquer fear, and take leaps of faith.

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Can we harness AI to meet the needs of the church? Technophobes might strongly disagree, but if you're open to exploring new tools to nurture the lost, integrating AI should be a priority.

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Embracing AI involves understanding it better, staying informed about AI advancements, and recognizing how they could benefit the church. At PMF Creative, we enthusiastically welcome new technologies, and our AI outreach system is designed to connect more effectively with people.

If you’re interested in being part of our exclusive program, please book a call with us.