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POD 040 | The Role of AI in Modern Ministry: Insights from Joshua K. Smith
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How can churches responsibly engage with artificial intelligence to benefit their communities? In this episode of theFormed.life, we step into this crucial question with theologian and AI ethics expert Joshua K. Smith. Joshua discusses how churches can actively participate in the ethical use of AI, from generating prayer templates to assisting with Bible translations. He emphasizes the need for faith communities to take a proactive stance in tech conversations, ensuring AI's potential is harnessed for societal good while protecting vulnerable populations. Come and engage with this thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of the Church and AI.
Bio
Joshua K. Smith, Ph.D. (Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary), draws on his diverse experiences in the military, ministry, and academia to guide thoughtful discussions on the challenges humanity faces in an AI-driven world. As an author and scholar specializing in the theology of robotics and technology, he helps the local church and broader audiences navigate complex ethical and philosophical issues emerging alongside advancements in artificial intelligence. Smith has written three books, including his most recent work, Violent Tech: A Philosophical and Theological Reflection, which explores the profound implications of AI and robotics on society and faith.
Quotes
"We need as many people as possible to come to this conversation as scientists, as pastors, as politicians, as teachers, as moms and dads to say, these are things that we're concerned about."
- Joshua K. Smith
"Do I value human connectedness? Do I value the work and trade of a human? Or do I just want the product faster and cheaper?"
- Joshua K. Smith
"It might solve some of our bigger problems. Not all of them. There is still sin. That's what I try to help designers understand. It's like there's still brokenness. It will never be a perfect creation."
- Joshua K. Smith
Three Takeaways
- Leveraging Dormant Resources for Connectivity: Joshua highlighted the untapped potential of "dark fiber" cables in providing internet access to rural communities, outlining how churches can play a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity, especially during times of crisis.
- Ethical Use of AI: From raising concerns about data privacy to exploring the positive impact of AI in areas like disease treatment and community support, Joshua stressed the importance of an ethical approach in deploying AI technologies to ensure they benefit society while safeguarding vulnerable groups.
- Inclusive and Proactive Church Engagement: Joshua urged churches to be proactive rather than reactive regarding technology use. By engaging in tech conversations and potentially funding research, churches can advocate for ethical practices and integrate technology to enhance community well-being.
Resources
Understanding Media: The Extensions of Man - Marshall McLuhan
Robots Are People Too - John Frank Weaver
Artificial Intelligence for a Better Future - Bernd Carsten Stahl
The Age of Surveillance Capitalism - Shoshana Zuboff
Timestamps
00:00 Exploring theology and AI themes with Josh.
05:10 Small community grew into pervasive technology discussion.
07:02 Data exploits push targeted ads to consumers.
13:13 General AI is unpredictable, potentially transformative yet flawed.
15:29 Distinguish ChatGPT, machine learning, and AI nuances.
18:52 AI: Big calculator, struggles with hands, caution needed.
21:06 Blurred line between AI advancements and value.
25:28 Language models: Cheating, translations, sermons, humanitarian uses.
27:26 Jacob used AI to write prayer deceptively.
30:57 Churches' role in guiding technology for good.
34:48 Utilize churches: Connect communities using unactivated internet.
39:46 Nashley Cephas revitalizes Jackson with major investment.
42:39 Technology needs regulation to prevent exploitation.
45:39 Church design often challenges introverted, autistic individuals.
47:55 Old churches, technology, reverence, amplified sound, importance.
51:14 Thanking Josh for his time and generosity.
Hashtags
#CommunityConnectivity #TechEthics #DigitalStewardship #AIinMinistry #InternetAccess #ResponsibleInnovation #ChurchTechnology #EthicalAI #JoshuaKSmith #theFormedLifePodcast
Keywords
rural internet access, church internet solutions, dark fiber cables, community connectivity, technology in church, ethical data usage, protecting vulnerable online, AI in church communities, Bible AI technology, ethical AI implementation, community space utilization, Dead Sea consumer analogy, protecting children online, shift in tech ethics, Genesis technology analogy, regulation of technology, Sabbath and technology, psychological benefits of disconnection, inclusive church technology, autism and worship, reactive church technology use, Marshall McLuhan church tech impact, interdisciplinarity in AI ethics, large language models, AI decision-making, AI misuse risks, balancing tech use, AI in disease treatment, AI in autism support.
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