AI and Theology for Hopelessly Busy People

The other day, Terri and I were headed to accompany our nieces on a local Harry Potter exhibition and discussing AI. She had mentioned that her tycoon/rancher boss had AI scheduled for Sunday afternoon at 2. I thought it was strange he had to schedule it when AI’s existence is clearly all around us. Obviously, I must have misunderstood.

And I had.

You see in Terri’s world, AI stands for artificial insemination. Her boss breeds whitetail deer, primarily for hunting.

When I think of AI, it’s generally about artificial intelligence.

What exactly is theology?

At its simplest, theology means “the study of God.” The word comes from two Greek roots:

Theos = God
Logos = word, reason, or study

So, theology is literally “thinking or reasoning about God.”

Theology is how we think faithfully about who God is and what that means for how we live.

A.W. Tozer

What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.

A Brief History of Artificial Intelligence

The idea of creating something that can think or act like a human is not new. Its roots trace back to ancient times. Greek myths tell of Talos, a giant bronze man who guarded Crete. Jewish folklore speaks of the Golem, a clay being brought to life through divine words.

Even way back then, people dared to wonder: Can humans imitate the act of creation itself?

Ancient stories weren’t about machines but about the mystery of life and the limits of human power. Nowadays, theologians continue to wrestle with these age-old questions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI), as you and I know it today, began in the mid-20th century when, in the 1950s, the British mathematician Alan Turing asked, “Can machines think?” His renowned Turing Test suggested that if a machine could imitate human conversation, then it might be considered “intelligent.”

A few years later, in 1956, a group of scientists gathered at Dartmouth College for a summer workshop, dreaming of machines that could reason, learn, and even improve themselves. During this workshop the term “artificial intelligence” was officially born.

Early optimism soon met hard reality.
Computers weren’t powerful enough, data was limited, and funding dried up. These slow periods are known as the AI winters (1970s-1990s). While these seasons were a time when excitement cooled and progress seemed stalled, behind the scenes breakthroughs were happening.

The revolution came when computers grew faster and data became abundant.
Algorithms were suddenly able to learn from experience rather than following pre-programmed rules, thereby giving birth to machine learning and later on, deep learning, which is the technology behind voice assistants, self-driving cars, and image recognition.

By the 2010s, AI was no longer science fiction. It was present in our pockets, our homes, and our workplaces.

This brings us to present day and the newest wave we know as generative AI. It can create art, music, and even text that feels deeply human. These tools don’t just compute; they create.

Naturally, this has sparked both awe and ethical debate:

What does it mean to create in the image of the Creator?
Can something made by humans ever reflect true wisdom or moral understanding?

These are not simply technological questions but theological ones.

AI and Theology for Hopelessly Busy People

In a world where artificial intelligence shapes everything from our social feeds to our work schedules, finding time to reflect theologically can feel impossible. But even in our most hectic seasons, it’s worth asking: What does my faith say about the machines shaping my life?

Here’s a faith-centered guide for those who feel hopelessly busy but who still want to think deeply.

God Still Reigns: Even in the Age of Algorithms

While artificial intelligence might seem omnipotent at times, it’s not. Sure, it can predict what we’ll buy, what we might like, and even what we could be thinking. But the Bible reminds us:

Psalm 24:1 NIV

The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

No matter how advanced AI becomes, it is a tool, not a deity. Only God holds ultimate wisdom, sovereignty, and creative power. AI reflects human design; humanity reflects divine image.

Humans Are Still Image Bearers

In the rush of emails, meetings, and metrics, it’s easy for us to feel more like a machine than a person. Yet Genesis 1:27 reminds us that we are indeed made in God’s image. AI can replicate human patterns, but not human purpose. It can simulate conversation, but not compassion. Remembering this truth helps us hold on to our humanity in an increasingly automated world.

Our Tools Are Not Temples

Our danger isn’t that AI will become godlike but that we’ll treat it as if it already is. We consult algorithms for truth and rely on apps for validation. Theology reminds us to worship the Creator, not the creation. Let AI be your servant, not your shepherd. That holds true for any technology or media.

The Ministry of Presence in a Digital World

Technology connects us, but it can also distract us from being truly present.
Jesus didn’t just send a message; He became one. Christ’s incarnation is the ultimate reminder that real love shows up in person. So take the time to look someone in the eye and let your presence be your ministry.

A Simple Daily Prayer for the Overwhelmed

Before checking your phone, tablet, or opening your laptop, whisper this:

“Lord, help me use today’s tools to serve Your purpose, not replace it.”

My hope is that this small, simple prayer reframes your day, anchoring you in divine purpose amid a sea of digital noise.

Closing Thoughts

Thinking theologically about AI doesn’t require hours of study. You and I need to pause long enough to remember that as technology evolves, God’s truth still remains. Yes, as defenders of our faith we need to know God’s Word and what it says. However, when you and I are hopelessly busy, we can still live with wisdom, humility, and hope, trusting that the Creator of all things still reigns over all of His Kingdom and every algorithm.