Issues, Etc. Artificial Intelligence and Digital Necromancy – Pr. Jonathan Conner, 10/15/25 (2882)
Oct 15, 2025
Pr. Jonathan Conner, Pastor of Zion Lutheran Church and author of 'Kids Have Questions,' dives into the ethics of AI and what he terms 'digital necromancy.' He defines AI-generated impersonation of the dead, raising biblical concerns about its implications. Conner warns against the emotional manipulation of AI simulations, likening it to necromancy condemned in scripture. He discusses potential commercialization in the funeral industry and highlights how such practices could distract believers from Christ's teachings.
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Digital Necromancy Defined
- Jonathan Conner calls AI-generated resurrected voices "digital necromancy," warning it's essentially summoning the dead for counsel.
- He argues this practice replicates forbidden necromancy and should trigger alarm among discerning Christians.
Biblical Prohibition Applied To AI
- Conner cites Deuteronomy 18 condemning mediums and necromancers as "an abomination to the Lord."
- He connects biblical prohibition to modern AI simulations that seek revelation apart from God.
AI Charlie At Church
- Conner recounts an AI-generated clip of the late Charlie Kirk delivered in churches to illustrate the phenomenon.
- He stresses AI Charlie is not the deceased Charlie but an algorithmic impersonation that manipulated emotions.
