What Would Jesus Tech

"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.Buy the book: AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep: Leading and Teaching in the Age of Artificial IntelligenceChapters00:00 Intro02:35 The Journey to Writing the Book05:41 Engaging with AI as a Tool vs Partner17:10 Navigating AI in Ministry32:54 Understanding AI Limitations and Risks38:14 Reclaiming Our HumanityJoin our discord.Support us on Patreon.Keywords: AI, technology, human flourishing, theology, ministry, relationships, creativity, community, digital age, Paul Hoffman

"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

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

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

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.

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

"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

The hosts dive into the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence, comparing it to the rise of mobile social media. They discuss the shift from traditional search engines to generative AI tools and the implications for users. Ethical considerations surrounding major AI models like ChatGPT and Claude are examined, with a focus on user experience and transparency. The conversation also touches on open-source AI, its significance, and the role of AI in cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of balancing tech efficiency with critical thinking.

In this episode of What Would Jesus Tech, hosts Andrew Noble and Austin Gravley chat with Luke Simmons, a lead pastor, discussing the intersection of digital marketing and pastoral ministry. One of our most practical episodes for what churches can be doing!We explore the role of social media for pastors, the potential harms of digital media, and how to leverage digital tools for local ministry. Luke shares practical tips for creating engaging church communications, overcoming barriers to digital engagement, and navigating the challenges of content creation, including the use of AI. We also address the celebrity pastor culture, and how local-first is the way to build out your digital content as a church.Follow Luke Simmons on Twitter/X.FaithfulandFruitful.com (Pastoral and Leadership Resources from Luke).Takeaways from this episodePastors should consider using social media as a tool for expanding their "word" and discipleship ministry. Digital content (like podcasts or social media posts) cannot replace visitation, preaching, and pastoral care, but it can help teach people the ways of Christ.Digital media can pose risks, including moral dangers (e.g. lust) and distractions. This isn't for every pastor or every church.Digital content creation should be approached with a mindset of iteration and experimentation.Utilizing email effectively can significantly increase engagement rates.Balancing personal interests with pastoral responsibilities is crucial in communication.The use of AI in content creation should be approached thoughtfully and authentically.Support us on Patreon.Join our Discord Group.Chapters0:00 - Introduction to Digital Marketing for Pastors2:00 - The Role of Social Media in Pastoral Ministry3:33 - Potential Harms of Social Media for Pastors7:03 - Using Digital Tools for Ministry (e.g. podcast)12:43 - Transforming Church Communication (e.g. emails)16:42 - Creating & Repurposing Content27:33 - The Importance of Practice in Communication28:57 - Leadership and Communication: The Core Connection30:02 - Choosing Topics & Outlets for Digital Ministry39:20 - Addressing the Celebrity Pastor Culture43:01 - Practical Tips for Digital EngagementWWJT is cohosted by Andrew Noble, Joel Jacob, and Austin Gravley. Original Music by Abigail Neale. These show notes were co-created by Andrew and an AI tool. To learn more about What Would Jesus Tech and to support the show visit whatwouldjesustech.com

In this episode, co-hosts Andrew Noble and Joel Jacob speak with Dr. Glenn Butner about the intersection of theology, economics, and moral formation. They discuss how markets function, the moral implications of economic systems, and the role of trust in transactions. The conversation emphasizes the need for Christians to engage thoughtfully with economic practices and the importance of understanding the complexities of market design. Butner's book, 'Work Out Your Salvation,' serves as a foundation for discussing how faith can inform economic behavior and moral formation.Support WWJT on Patreon and receive a book! Must sign up before March 31st, 2025.Buy Butner's book: https://www.amazon.com/Work-Out-Your-Salvation-Formation/dp/1506479413Read Andrew's review: https://adfontesjournal.com/book-review/work-out-your-salvation-a-review/Takeaways (AI Generated with Human Oversight): Markets are not just economic systems; they are technologies that shape our interactions and form who we are. Incentives can significantly alter behavior, sometimes in unexpected ways. Christian engagement with economics should be nuanced and informed by scripture. The church has a role in shaping economic practices and moral formation. A doctrine like Common Grace can help us make sense of how markets can form us in good ways. Understanding social sin is crucial in navigating market dynamics. Christians should analyze specific markets rather than endorse or condemn entire systems. Moral formation can occur outside the church through various societal interactions. Every individual has a responsibility to consider the ethical implications of their economic choices.Chapters00:00 Introduction and We'll Send You A Book!02:21 Understanding Markets and Moral Formation06:46 The Impact of Incentives on Behavior14:52 Theological Perspectives on Markets23:32 Moral Formation in Secular Markets28:02 Practical Takeaways?40:47 Innovative Hiring Practices and Market Design42:30 The Role of Markets in Social Justice46:41 Moral Formation and Market Interaction49:28 Conclusion and Reflections on Agency