AI and Faith

What happens when we outsource our memory, attention, and even compassion to machines? Join us for a conversation with Dr. Jane Compson, associate professor of comparative religion and ethics at the University of Washington-Tacoma, as we explore how Buddhist wisdom relates to thorny questions around AI.Dr. Compson shares her unexpected journey into Buddhism and AI ethics and how Buddhist concepts like impermanence and not-self offer frameworks for navigating AI development. She discusses practical challenges educators face in the AI age, the ethics of care bots in healthcare, and how you don’t need to be a technical expert on AI to meaningfully engage on this critical issue.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership. Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Alex SarkissianGuest: Jane CompsonEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

In this conversation with Nikki Mirghafori, we explore how artificial intelligence intersects with human emotional pain. How can technology help us understand, alleviate, or even exacerbate our inner struggles? With her unique background in AI and contemplative practices, Nikki offers insights into the role of wisdom, compassion, and awareness in an increasingly digital world. Join us for a dialogue that bridges mind and machine, pain and presence, and that challenges our western thinking by bringing a Buddhist perspective to the discussion.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Pablo SalmonesGuest: Nikki MirghaforiEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Our Spring Town Hall brought together two of AI&F's Advisors: Jon Palmer, the General Counsel of Microsoft, in conversation with Kenneth Cukier, the deputy executive editor of The Economist. They discussed the intersections of religion, ethics, law, and policy on business and society. What have been the influences (both positive and negative) that religion has had on US law, legal ethics and the legal profession? How has this influenced Jon's professional life, and the role of Christian doctrine in the way he views ethics, practices law, and sees his role as a lawyer? What are the challenges and opportunities that AI presents in these contexts and the need for AI to develop in a way that aligns with ethical considerations? Their diverse backgrounds made an especially interesting conversation: Jon is the son of a prominent Presbyterian pastor; Kenn's father fled the Holocaust and took him to Quaker meetings as a child.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenSpeakers: Kenneth Cukier and Jon PalmerEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Expert in AI, philosophy and the law, Barrister and Rabbi Dr. Harris Bor, practices international arbitration and commercial and company litigation from Twenty Essex, a barristers’ chambers in London. In a conversation with Gilad Berenstein, they discuss the politics and policies of AI legislation, as well as, how to navigate between extreme points of view on these topics. They also consider this question: Are we reaching a decisive moment for the future of society and technology?Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Gilad BerensteinGuests: Rabbi Dr. Harris BorEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Today's episode is a conversation with Ali-Reza Bhojani, Maria Joseph Israel, SJ and David Zvi Kalman, which was recorded in March 2025. The experts share their perspectives on AI and religious law from their unique background and beliefs. How is that intersection seen in Muslim faith? How is it different from the Jewish and Catholic point of view? Listen now and join us in this conversation.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Pablo SalmonesGuests: Ali-Reza Bhojani, Maria Joseph Israel, SJ and David Zvi KalmanEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Glen Weyl, Founder and Research Lead at Microsoft's Plural Technology Collaboratory, joins host Gilad Berenstein to explore the intersection of AI and faith. They discuss how Eastern and Western societies uniquely integrate technology with spirituality, often with different results. Glen argues that Western faith voices are sidelined in tech discussions, suggesting a need for greater inclusion. They analyze 'tech religions' and their ethical implications, as well as the role of diverse religious perspectives in shaping AI's future.

Join us for an interview with Craig Detweiler and Peter McGowan on the power of storytelling and creativity in the era of AI. Is AI shaping the way creative people work? How has storytelling affected our idea of artificial intelligence?Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenSpeakers: Craig Detweiler and Peter McGowanEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Listen to the conversation between our host Gilad Berenstein, Mark Chinen and Sreevas Sahasranamam that bridges the breaking news in AI (Operator and Deepseek) with foreign affairs and spirituality. Bringing together Hindu, Christian, and Jewish perspectives, our experts have listed and worked around the world making this a particularly engaging conversion.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenSpeakers: Gilad Berenstein, Mark Chinen and Sreevas SahasranamamEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Listen to an interview with Chris Skaggs, Founder and Chief Operations Officer of Soma Games and Soma SoulWorks, and Amy and Ryan Green, both award winning video game designers. Recorded in January 2025, they discussed how AI will change the gaming industry in the next few years and how that can affect society. Also, Amy and Ryan Green shared creating video game “That Dragon, Cancer” as a poetic memorial to their son and his fight against terminal brain cancer.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenSpeakers: Chris Skaggs, Amy Green and Ryan GreenEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39

Dive into a thought-provoking conversation with professor Karen Swallow Prior as we discuss her book, "The Evangelical Imagination," and also her intriguing views on AI technologies. Recorded in November 2023, this episode explores the importance of empathy in a polarized world, and a surprising literary insight that connects it all. Discover how AI impacts creativity and human connection, and the potential pitfalls of its integration. Gain valuable insights into maintaining sincerity in storytelling, avoiding sentimental deceptions, and the role of AI in religious communities. Join us for a captivating exploration at the crossroads of faith and technology.Views and opinions expressed by podcast guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of AI and Faith or any of its leadership.Production: Robert Rex, Pablo Salmones and Penny YuenHost: Robert RexEditing: Isabelle BraconnotMusic from #UppbeatLicense code: 1ZHLF7FMCNHU39