

What Would Jesus Tech
Austin Gravely, Andrew Noble, and Joel Jacob
Three friends embark on a journey to reconcile their love of tech with their love of Jesus.Join Joel Jacob (Product at Splunk), Austin Gravley (Socials at TGC), and Andrew Noble (Theology & AI Technologies PhD at Nottingham) as they interview leading theologians and technology experts to grow in their ability to imitate Jesus in a digital age. Whether you're working in tech, addicted to tech, or just trying to use tech as Jesus would, we hope you'll learn along with us.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 14, 2025 • 28min
What Churches Need to Know About Smart Glasses
Smart glasses are making their way into churches, raising important questions. The conversation emphasizes the need for clear policies to ensure privacy and safety, especially for vulnerable groups. Balancing accessibility for visually impaired individuals with the importance of community protection is crucial. The speakers also discuss society's acceptance of this technology and the potential risks involved. Preparing proactively for these advancements could help churches navigate the challenges and benefits that come with smart glasses.

Jul 2, 2025 • 8min
Christian Dads Talk Summer Tech (part one)
We discuss the challenges and joys of being a dad during the summer. Part two on Patreon. We explore the balance between technology use and outdoor play, the importance of being present with children, and creating memorable experiences. The conversation emphasizes the significance of presence over perfection in parenting, especially during the summer months when schedules can be more relaxed. (And yes, the thumbnail for this is based on Bluey and created by ChatGPT)Chapters00:00 Summer!03:12 Screen Time06:07 Balancing Freedom and Structure (Patreon)09:08 Presence (Patreon)16:03 Adventures (Patreon)Support us on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/WWJTHave a great summer!

Jun 23, 2025 • 41min
A Gentle Singularity?
Sam Altman, the founder of ChatGPT, believes we're past the event horizon. We're past the point of no return. The future is an AI future. And, well, Andrew Noble and Joel Jacob mostly agree. But with some important caveats related to AI safety, deterministic versus probabilistic coding, determinism philosophically, and agency amidst rapid technological advancements.Chapters00:00 Intro02:28 AI Defense and Security07:47 The Gentle Singularity13:43 The Deterministic vs. Instrumentalist View of Tech22:46 Probabilistic vs. Deterministic Coding in AI25:31 Evaluating AI's Performance, Ethics, and Impact31:34 Finding Hope in the AI AgeLinks - Sam Altman on A Gentle Singularity- Using GenAI helps consultants: - ChatGPT May Be Eroding Critical Thinking Skills, According to a New MIT Study Keywords: AI, Artificial Intelligence, OpenAI, Sam Altman, technology, singularity, ethics, job displacement, security, human values, deterministic, probabilisticSupport the show: https://www.patreon.com/WWJT

Jun 5, 2025 • 57min
AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep, with Paul Hoffman
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.

May 29, 2025 • 51min
You Were Never Meant to Do It All, with Kelly Kapic
"God purposefully designed humans to have limits and depend on one another." Why is it so hard to believe this?Theologian Kelly Kapic discusses this with us in his new book, You Were Never Meant to Do It All: A 40-Day Devotional On The Goodness of Being Human. Cohosts Andrew Noble and Austin Gravley ask Kapic about human limitations, depending on one another, and the balance between work ethic and rest. They discuss the importance of community and the significance of physical touch in a technological age.Buy the book! Link: https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/books/you-were-never-meant-to-do-it-all/406045Earlier episodes with Kelly Kapic:- discussing Kapic's You're Only Human ("Limits") - and the Tyranny of TimeChapters00:00 Intro01:40 Understanding Human Limits09:57 "Balance"15:00 Technology and Human Limitations21:55 Touch26:57 Self-Optimization28:43 Love31:43 Stress35:54 Community42:51 PlaceCohosted by Andrew Noble, Joel Jacob, and Austin Gravley. Original Music by Abigail Neale. To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show visit whatwouldjesustech.com

May 22, 2025 • 52min
Navigating the Christian Tech World, with Cory Hixson
How should Christians navigate various faith and technology organizations? Some are Universities. Others are non-profits you can volunteer with. The three cohosts chat with Corey Hickson on the intersection of engineering education, technology, and growing your faith. They explore the role of Christian universities in shaping future engineers, the impact of AI on education and work, and the importance of integrating faith into the tech space, even if you don't work at a Christian company! The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by Christians in technology, the need for community, and the significance of viewing work as a form of worship.00:00 - Intros and Background to Dr. Cory Hixson of Colorado Christian University04:25 - Be a generalist! And Christian Universities for Technology?12:10 - Exploring Christian Tech Orgs & The Ecosystem of Faith and Technology20:44 Worship Through Work in Engineering25:30 - You Don't Have To Join a "Christian" Org!30:15 - Parachurch Tech Orgs?36:17 - Faith and Work Integration in Tech39:04 - Supporting Engineers in Their Faith Journey44:09 - The Future of Technology and Human InteractionJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/u3vMQ45wSupport us: https://www.patreon.com/WWJTKeywordsengineering education, Christian universities, AI impact, faith and work, technology integration, Christian organizations, future of work, community in tech, worship through work, engineering careersCohosted by Joel Jacob, Andrew Noble, and Austin Gravley. Original Music by Abigail Neale. The image was created with the assistance of ChatGPT. The show notes were written with aid from Riverside's AI. To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show visit whatwouldjesustech.com

May 14, 2025 • 35min
This episode is so cliché
In this episode of 'What Would Jesus Tech?', Austin Gravley and Joel Jacob explore clichés in both the tech and ministry worlds. They delve into the implications of phrases like 'let go and let God' and 'everything is a season', as well as tech cliches about the future and scale. There are pitfalls in overusing such terms. We need to get past the cliches if those in tech and those in ministry are going to do a good job speaking to each other. 00:00 Intro01:10 Brief update on Robotics03:13 Digital Transformation06:20 Tech Bros, Vibe-Coding, Growth Hacking, and More10:35 "Let Go and Let God"15:07 Seasons18:41 Love the Sinner, Hate the Sin20:30 The Future26:11 Scaling29:45 The Importance of Language in Tech and FaithJoin our discord: https://discord.gg/u3vMQ45wSupport us: https://www.patreon.com/WWJTKeywords: AI, robotics, digital transformation, tech clichés, ministry, Christian clichés, seasons of life, technology future, scaling, pivotingCohosted by Joel Jacob, and Austin Gravley. Original Music by Abigail Neale. The image was created with the assistance of ChatGPT. The show notes were written with aid from Riverside's AI. To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show visit whatwouldjesustech.com

4 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 35min
How AI Can Function As Idolatry
Dive into a thought-provoking discussion on how AI can mirror ancient idolatry. The hosts explore the ethical dilemmas in developing AI technologies and the emotional bonds formed with robot companions. They challenge listeners to reflect on technology's role in fulfilling or distorting human connections. Drawing insights from Tertullian and modern studies, they urge a deeper understanding of genuine relationships versus technological substitutes. Ultimately, it's a call to discern true life from digital distractions.

Apr 15, 2025 • 29min
The Tech-Savvy Christian Faith | Re: Wes Huff's History of Technology & Christianity
Have Christians historically been innovators in the tech space? At least when it comes to the codex and the printing press, the answer seems to be yes. That's what Wes Huff argued in his video over at Apologetics Canada. We watched that video and discussed its implications, including: the historical context of the writings of the Bible, the emotional impact of technology on faith, and the implications of generative AI for ministry.We also delve into the balance between innovation and tradition in worship, the role of immersive experiences in understanding scripture, and the trade-offs associated with new technologies.0:00 - Innovating Faith? An intro.2:38 - Historical Perspectives: Technology and the Bible8:13 - Navigating the New Tech Landscape: AI and Coding10:40 - The Balance, in Worship & Evangelism16:14 - Immersive Experiences: The Future of Scripture Engagement?19:00 - Cultural Influences: Fandom and Interpretation of Scripture21:53 - A Christian Technological ImaginationPlease send your ideas, questions, and feedback to the cohosts, Andrew Noble, Joel Jacob, and Austin Gravley, at whatwouldjesustech@gmail.com. These shownotes were created with the assistance of Generative AI. Original Music by Abigail Neale. To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show visit whatwouldjesustech.com

Apr 1, 2025 • 57min
Multiplying the Word: Steward Your Story, with Ian Harbor
"Just ship it, even if you're 19.""You can only control your outputs."In this episode, Andrew Noble, Austin Gravley, and Ian Harber discuss the intersection of marketing, faith, and personal branding. This is our fourth and final public episode of Multiplying the Word. They explore how marketing can be a tool for spreading ideas. We should steward our stories and reputations. Ian shares insights from his journey in writing and marketing, emphasizing the need for authenticity and the value of connecting with an audience. Vulnerability and authenticity don't always mix well. Ian discusses how to appropriately share.Chapters00:00 - Intro02:05 - Is Marketing Dirty?10:52 - Mind Your Reputation21:29 - Tactics29:44 - The Stewardship Journey32:35 - Navigating Personal Stories and Vulnerability39:39 - Crafting a Personal Narrative43:36 - Advice for Aspiring Writers/CreatorsCohosted by Andrew Noble, Joel Jacob, and Austin Gravley. Original Music by Abigail Neale. To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show visit whatwouldjesustech.com. Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/fAqx3WGu