188 - Christians against AI art - Susannah Black Roberts
Jan 10, 2025
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Susannah Black Roberts, a senior editor at Plough and writer for notable conservative publications, discusses the complex relationship between AI-generated art and Christian values. She argues that AI art is a contradiction, akin to pornography, undermining authentic creativity. The conversation dives into ethical concerns regarding AI's role in religious expression and warns of potential demonic influences. Roberts advocates for preserving human artistry, emphasizing that genuine worship should not be outsourced to technology.
AI art prompts ethical concerns regarding authenticity and emotional depth, questioning its suitability for genuine religious expression.
The reliance on AI for art risks undermining traditional creative practices and spiritual engagement, leading to superficial artistic satisfaction.
A 'stay human' movement advocates for revitalizing genuine artistic experiences, emphasizing the importance of effort, intention, and personal growth in creativity.
Deep dives
The Rise of AI Art in Religious Contexts
The emergence of AI art has sparked ongoing debates about its appropriateness, especially within religious circles. Some individuals, including Catholics, have begun using AI-generated images of sacred figures for various purposes, such as church bulletins and online content. This trend raises concerns about a lack of appreciation for traditional artistic creation and a potential disconnect from the deeper human and theological implications of art. The discussion reflects broader tensions about technology's place in sacred contexts and the perception of art as an inherently human endeavor.
Different Reactions Across Christian Denominations
While reactions to AI art may vary across different Christian denominations, the overall sentiment appears to transcend formal boundaries. Regardless of denominational affiliation, individuals who embrace technology tend to be more open to AI art, often influenced by a Silicon Valley mindset. Conversely, those rooted in traditional artistic practices, such as visual artists and musicians, are more likely to oppose it. This division highlights a broader cultural discussion about how technology shapes our understanding and engagement with art and faith.
Human Formation and the Nature of True Artistic Creation
The conversation underscores a perceived deficiency in human formation regarding art within the church, suggesting that a deeper appreciation for creativity is lacking. Engaging in genuine artistic practices, whether through visual arts or music, fosters personal growth and transformation. Using AI to create art can impair this developmental journey by offering a quick, superficial satisfaction without genuine emotional or spiritual investment. The hosts express concern that relying on AI limits opportunities for authentic personal expression and diminishes the richness of human creativity.
Ethical Concerns and Artistic Integrity
Ethical considerations surrounding AI art extend beyond the mechanics of image generation, delving into questions of authenticity and relational depth. The creation of art is traditionally seen as a deeply personal and intentional act, infused with love and devotion, which AI fails to replicate. Concerns also arise about the sources of images used to train AI algorithms, leading to the potential incorporation of inappropriate or ethically dubious content. Such issues call into question whether AI-generated art can ever be truly sacred or fitting for religious expression.
A Call for Reconnecting with Human Creativity
The discussion emphasizes the importance of reinvigorating human creativity as an essential aspect of artistic endeavor, advocating for a return to traditional practices. Engaging directly with art, writing, and other creative forms helps individuals cultivate their talents and embrace the vulnerabilities of the creative process. The hosts propose the idea of a 'stay human' movement dedicated to preserving and enhancing the richness of genuine artistic experiences. This movement seeks to counteract the effects of technology that shortcuts the labor of creation, reminding us of the intrinsic values of effort, intention, and the transformative nature of art.
There is increasing speculation and concern about the role of AI in the future of the arts. Surprisingly, many Christians are already embracing the use of AI to produce images of the saints. In this episode, Thomas and Susannah Black Roberts make the argument for why AI art is a contradiction in terms. It is analogous to pornography in that it scratches the itch to “create” without actually achieving the object of the desire in question. We should not use technology to replace the human specialties: “God won’t accept worship that we outsource.” Plus, the danger of demonic influence through AI should not be overlooked.
Susannah Black Roberts is a senior editor of Plough and has written for publications including First Things, Fare Forward, Front Porch Republic, Mere Orthodoxy, and The American Conservative.
