Faith, Formation, and the Algorithm: The Church in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Faith, Formation, and the Algorithm: The Church in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Publish Date: 2026-01-20 00:03:00
Source Domain: vts.edu
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Shift in Theological Conversations: The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into everyday church life has led to changes in how intelligence, authority, creativity, and personhood are understood and negotiated by the church.
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Author’s Scholarly Pursuit: The author, Michael W. DeLashmutt, is finishing a book titled “Theology and Technology: After Intelligence”, which examines how AI affects ministry, theological imagination, and ministry practices.
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Engaging Theological Narrative: The book argues that Christian theology has more to offer in discussions about AI than commonly supposed, positioning AI within a broader historical context of technology in the church.
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Proposed Framework – Grounded Critical Use Theory: Introduces a framework that encourages thoughtful, discerning, and creative engagement with technology while avoiding technological determinism and excessive enthusiasm.
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Interdisciplinary Approach: The book combines theology with cultural studies, anthropology, cybernetics, information science, and philosophy of technology to explore AI’s impact on human vocation, the imago Dei, and various church practices.
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Relevant to Modern Seminary: Given the integration of hybrid learning and digital ministry at the General Theological Seminary, these topics are central to current theological education and the church’s engagement with a rapidly changing world.
