Leading and teaching in the age of artificial intelligence by Sean O’Callaghan and Paul A. Hoffman

Leading and teaching in the age of artificial intelligence by Sean O’Callaghan and Paul A. Hoffman

Leading and teaching in the age of artificial intelligence by Sean O’Callaghan and Paul A. Hoffman

https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2026/13-march/books-arts/book-reviews/book-review-ai-shepherds-and-electric-sheep-leading-and-teaching-in-the-age-of-artificial-intelligence-by-sean-o-callaghan-and-paul-a-hoffman

Publish Date: 2026-03-12 20:30:00

Source Domain: www.churchtimes.co.uk

  • Practical Focus: The book stands out for its wise, practical approach to AI, emphasizing its direct impacts on everyday life rather than speculative themes of super-intelligence and computer personhood.
  • Pastoral Insight: Authors Sean O’Callaghan and Paul A. Hoffman bring considerable pastoral insight, offering thoughtful discussion on how AI affects education, discipleship, and ministry.
  • Accessible for Popular Audience: Written primarily for a US audience, the book remains accessible and valuable for a popular readership, though British readers should be mindful of its intended US context.
  • Useful Application: Despite some reliance on quotations and summaries from other works, the book’s focus on how AI influences current practices in education, discipleship, and ministry is highly practical and useful.
  • Evaluation of AI Impacts: The authors impressively cover the range of ways AI affects daily life, giving concrete suggestions on how to navigate these changes with pastoral caution.
  • Strength of Theology: The theological backbone of the book is strong, providing a robust “biblical perspective” that integrates well with its practical recommendations.
  • Balanced Approach: Although it acknowledges some scientific concepts, the book’s primary strength lies in its balanced exploration of the theological and practical aspects of AI.
  • Valuable for Today: The book is commended for its relevance in the present context rather than its speculative anticipation of potential futures in AI. The Revd Dr Andrew Davison’s endorsement underscores its timeliness and practicality.