With artificial intelligence (AI) poised to shape almost every aspect of life, Christians must take an active role in shaping AI. That was the theme of an “AI for Humanity” conference held Oct. 7 at Colorado Christian University (CCU) in Lakewood, Colorado. Presented by the Christian Post in partnership with Gloo AI and CCU, the conference explored opportunities to use AI for church missions as well as dangers of tech and how to avoid them.
Christian leaders in technology, education, public policy, and discipleship discussed the importance of developing AI with values-based guardrails that protect human life and flourishing.
In his opening remarks, Christian Post Executive Editor Dr. Richard Land called AI the most significant invention since the printing press. Just as that machine led to tremendous controversy and conflict, he said, AI will also bring challenges and struggles.
Land, former president of the Southern Baptist Convention’s Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission and former president of Southern Evangelical Seminary, emphasized that humans made in God’s image must engage with AI so it doesn’t become “dehumanizing.”
Gloo’s Pat Gelsinger Tells Christians To Embrace AI
Keynote speaker Pat Gelsinger—executive chairman and head of technology at Gloo—spoke about using AI as a force for good. The former Intel CEO has merged his love of technology with his passion for ministry through efforts such as Transforming the Bay for Christ.
RELATED: Leading Technologist Pat Gelsinger Expands Role at Gloo to Executive Chairman and Head of Technology
Gelsinger, who has helped create groundbreaking tech projects for 45 years, said Christians must be active in forming and shaping AI. We “failed” to do that with social networks and social media, he said, but now AI offers another chance. In this “Gutenberg moment for humanity,” Gelsinger said, AI can become “a powerful embodiment of the Christian church.”
For that to happen, Christians must drive the conversation and stay relevant. That means embracing and using AI in “every possible way,” said Gelsinger. “Embrace these tools to make you better in everything you’re doing,” he advised. “We should be using AI to drive mission.”
Gelsinger said we can use AI to educate every child on the planet in their own language. That, in turn, will reduce or even eliminate poverty. “The heart of our Lord Jesus Christ would be honored if the church could do that,” he said.
Gloo’s core principles include openness and accountability, trust and standards, and licensing protections for intellectual property. Because tech innovations must reflect human values, Gloo set benchmarks after studying “Flourishing AI.” Gelsinger said secular tech creators such as Mark Zuckerberg of Meta and Sam Altman of Open AI need to care about the values that Christians care about.
With artificial intelligence poised to shape almost every aspect of life, Christians must take an active role in shaping AI.Click to Post
