Artificial Intelligence as a Testing Ground for Key Theological Questions

Abstract

Engagement with artificial intelligence (AI) can be highly beneficial for theology. This article maps the landscape of the various ways such engagement can occur. It begins by outlining the opportunities and limitations of computational theology before diving into speculative territory by imagining how robot theologians might think of divine revelation. The topic of AI and imago Dei is then reviewed, illustrating several ways AI can inform theological anthropology. The article concludes with a more speculative take on the possible implications of AI for divine infinity, incarnation, theodicy, and demonic intelligence.

Is It Possible That Robots Will Not One Day Become Persons?

“…In Judaism, Christianity, and some strands of Islam, humans are seen as created in the image of God— Imago Dei , to use the Latin phrase. Occurring but rarely in the scriptures, the phrase has been understood differently over time (Dorobantu 2022; Herzfeld 2002; Balle 2023). Typically, though, the idea is, again, that there is something special about humans (whether in our attributes, our function/vocation, or our relationships) that not only separates us from the rest of creation but aligns us with the divine—a notion reinforced in the Judaeo‐Christian scriptures by such verses as Genesis 3: 22 (“Then the Lord God said, ‘Behold, the man has become like one of us, knowing good and evil’” …) and Psalm 82: 6 (“I say, ‘You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you’”).…”

The Role of Artificial Intelligence in the Study of the Psychology of Religion

“…The exploration of AI technologies for simulating and enhancing religious experiences necessitates careful consideration of the ethical implications and challenges (Dorobantu 2022). The authenticity and integrity of religious practices, the possibility of commercializing or trivializing sacred traditions, and the impact on social and cultural dimensions within religious communities are among these concerns (Meintel 2021).…”

“…The development and marketing of AI technologies for profit is a risk of exploiting individuals' spiritual needs and modifying sacred traditions (Elmahjub 2023). Cultural appropriation can happen when AI simulations of religious experiences are created without sufficient understanding or respect for the specific cultural and religious contexts, they represent (Dorobantu 2022). Establishing ethical guidelines is necessary to prevent undue commercialization and appropriation of religious practices (Pozzo 2020).…”

“…Addressing biases requires a meticulous curating and preprocessing of training data, ensuring diversity and representation of different religious traditions, perspectives, and cultural contexts (Reed 2021). Regularly evaluating and refining AI models can aid in identifying and rectifying biases that may arise during the analysis of religious texts (Dorobantu 2022).…”

“…Theological implications and doctrinal interpretation: Integrating AI into religious practices raises theological questions and challenges (Dorobantu 2022). The interpretations of sacred texts, rituals, and doctrines within religious traditions may not match those generated by AI (Geraci 2008).…”