Almost 25 years ago, I was at a conference where Presbyterian Pastor Leonard Sweet gave us a piece of advice, which could also be considered a warning.
He said that people who were born before 1965 were immigrants in this new world, and if we didn’t learn the new language that was being developed, we would be left behind.
The new language was that of fast-developing technology. At that time, using email was the new technology. Since then, this new language has grown exponentially!
In that moment, I thought of my step-grandfather, who came from Italy with his mom and sisters. He spoke English and Italian. His mom and sisters only spoke Italian.
They lived in an Italian neighborhood, but as the neighbors aged and died off (or moved away) there were less and less people with whom to communicate. In a sense, they were left behind because they never learned English.
Today, AI (artificial intelligence) is the next step in this ever-growing and developing technology. It is growing so fast that, if we don’t stay current in this language, we could be left behind!
On the positive side, many people of faith see AI as an extension of humanity’s God-given creativity and intellect. Just as medicine, engineering, and communication technologies have improved human life, AI can help reduce suffering and expand opportunity.
We can use AI in moral and spiritual callings to love and serve others. However, there are also serious concerns.
Many religious traditions warn against turning creations into idols – giving them authority or reverence that should not belong to them. If AI begins to shape moral decisions without human conscience and compassion, people may surrender responsibility rather than exercise it.
In using AI, it is important for us to keep focused on humility, accountability and compassion. Technology itself is not moral or immoral – but how humans design and use it will always be a moral choice.
I want to stay true to myself and my faith as I attempt to stay current in this world. How can I stay focused on love, forgiveness, compassion, mercy and grace without being left behind?
