A Christian Response to AI
Every summer at NCC we run our topical “mix tape” series. And few topics are bigger right now than generative artificial intelligence. I preached about this last Sunday, and someone asked if I could put a summary online, so here it is. Experts call AI a once-in-a-century innovation, something that will reshape how we live on planet earth. It is already transforming medicine, engineering, education, warfare, creativity, and just about everything else. And it is scaling at a record pace.
But with all this progress comes a long list of concerns: social dependence (one in four people now use AI companions), plagiarism, data privacy, water and energy consumption, job displacement, skill atrophy, misinformation, deepfakes, and the erosion of originality.
And here is the twist: even people who swear they will never use AI are using it regularly. A 2025 Gallup study found that 99% of U.S. adults used at least one AI enabled product in the past week, especially navigation apps, weather apps, streaming services, social media, and online shopping. AI is already embedded into daily life.
So the question isn’t “Should Christians avoid AI?” The question is, “How should Christians respond to AI?”
Allow me to introduce three indisputable truths to help believers think biblically about this issue.
1. AI Is Not Human
This seems obvious, but it’s the foundation. AI is not a person. It doesn’t have a soul, a conscience, or a heart. Which means AI itself is not the real issue—the human heart is.
We’ve been here before. When Gutenberg invented the printing press in 1440, it became gasoline on the fire of the Reformation. It also became a vehicle for heresy and conflict. Same tool, different outcomes. The problem wasn’t the press. It was the human heart.
Genesis 11 gives us another example. A new technology emerges—the brick. It’s stronger, more uniform, capable of building taller structures. And what do humans do? They build a tower “to make a name for ourselves” (Gen. 11:4 NIV). Pride. Ego. Self‑exaltation. Were bricks the main problem? No, as always, it was the human heart.
Takeaway: The real threat is never simply the technology. It’s found in the human heart.
2. AI Is Not God
Isaiah 44:15-17 gives us a hilarious but sobering picture of idolatry. A man cuts wood, uses half to warm himself and bake bread, then uses the other half to carve a god and bow down to it. Sounds absurd, but we can all do the same thing. We take the things we love and put them in front of God. We were, after all, created to worship.
A recent survey found that one third of people trust AI for theological information more than their pastor. I promise I am not offended. Ok, maybe a little. But this is where the danger lies: when AI becomes the first place we turn for wisdom, direction, comfort, or clarity.
Imagine Moses at the Red Sea pulling out his phone to seek AI’s advice:
GPS: “Turn around. Can’t be done.”
Copilot: “No one has ever parted a sea before.”
ChatGPT: “Here’s a lovely diagram explaining why this is impossible.”
Grok: “100% probability of drowning.”
Claude: “Here are three links to book a ferry.”
No. Moses needed God. And so do we.
Jesus said, “The Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have said to you.” (John 14:26 NIV)
Takeaway: Deeply rely on God. Never let anything take His place.
3. AI Is Not You
Genesis 1:26 tells us we are made in the image of God. Psalm 139:14 says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” Ephesians 2 calls us God’s handiwork—His masterpiece. You are the pinnacle of creation. Nothing can replicate you or replace you.
So don’t give away your humanness.
First, don’t let AI take your integrity. Don’t use it to cheat in school, at work, or in your creative life.
Second, don’t let AI take your voice, or your contributions. You are made in God’s image. You are unique. Keep creating.
AI is not human, so don’t blame it for everything.
AI is not God, so don’t let it take His place.
AI is not you, so protect your integrity and your voice.
The Lord still needs you!
