Paul Hoffman, Pastor at Evangelical Friends Church and Associate Professor at Samford University, dives deep into the interaction between AI and faith. He emphasizes that AI should remain a tool, advocating for human flourishing while warning against its potential pitfalls. The conversation explores the challenge of maintaining authenticity in communication and creativity alongside technology. Hoffman also shares insights on reclaiming human connection in our increasingly digital world, urging listeners to prioritize community and spirituality.
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Astonishment with ChatGPT's Speed
Paul Hoffman shares an astonished moment when a friend used ChatGPT to write an essay in seconds. - This experience sparked his curiosity about AI's impact on knowledge and theology.
insights INSIGHT
Selective AI Engagement for Flourishing
AI should be engaged with selectively to support human flourishing, not to replace human agency. - Scripture teaches humans are God's image bearers meant to flourish creatively and responsibly.
insights INSIGHT
AI as Tool, Not Partner
AI is fundamentally a tool and should not be treated as a partner or an entity with soul. - Humans remain distinct as image bearers of God with unique agency beyond machines.
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Leading and Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
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Love and the Postmodern Predicament
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The Technological Society
Jacques Ellul
In 'The Technological Society,' Jacques Ellul discusses the concept of 'technique,' which he defines as the totality of methods rationally arrived at and having absolute efficiency in every field of human activity. Ellul argues that modern society is dominated by this 'technique,' which is focused on efficiency and has infiltrated all aspects of human existence, including science, automation, politics, and human relations. He warns that this technological system threatens human freedom and responsibility, and that it has taken on a life of its own, independent of human control. The book explores the historical rise of 'technique,' its characteristics, and its profound impact on society, highlighting the need for a critical reevaluation of the role of technology in human life[1][2][5].
The Anxious Generation
Jonathan Haidt
In 'The Anxious Generation', Jonathan Haidt examines the sudden decline in the mental health of adolescents starting in the early 2010s. He attributes this decline to the shift from a 'play-based childhood' to a 'phone-based childhood', highlighting mechanisms such as sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, addiction, loneliness, social contagion, and perfectionism that interfere with children’s social and neurological development. Haidt proposes four simple rules to address this issue: no smartphones before high school, no social media before age 16, phone-free schools, and more opportunities for independence, free play, and responsibility. The book offers a clear call to action for parents, teachers, schools, tech companies, and governments to restore a more humane childhood and end the epidemic of mental illness among youth.
The Age of M
Work, Love, and Life When Robots Rule the Earth
Robin Hanson
In 'The Age of M', Robin Hanson delves into a future scenario where brain emulations, or 'ems', become the dominant form of intelligent life. The book predicts how this shift would fundamentally change various aspects of society, including work, relationships, and overall human experience. Hanson uses economic and social analysis to describe how ems would interact, work, and live in a world where they outnumber and outperform humans. The book is a thought-provoking exploration of the potential consequences of advanced artificial intelligence and whole brain emulation on human civilization.
"AI is a tool, not a partner."
As more people use AI tools like ChatGPT, how should Christian leaders respond? On one hand, there are opportunities to leverage Artificial Intelligence as a tool for human flourishing. But we should also be cautious about its potential to diminish human connection and creativity. They discuss the need for engagement, the importance of community, and the role of the Christian faith despite the allure of transhumanism.
Cohosts Andrew Noble (PhD Student Theology & Technology), Joel Jacob (Principle Product Manager at Splunk), and Austin Gravley (TGC Social Media Manager) discuss a new book by Sean O'Callaghan and Paul Hoffman: AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep: Leading and Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
What Would Jesus Tech 
