Artificial Intelligence and Christianity

Abstract

The chapter examines the various trajectories of Christian reflection on current and potential developments in AI. It reviews the theological questions generated by the emergence of intelligent machines and explores some of the most interesting solutions proposed in response to these quandaries. The first part is dedicated to inquiries about hypothetical AI developments and their potential implications for Christian theology. Could intelligent machines become authentic selves? If so, could they also partake in the image of God? Could the Christian imaginary envisage a future where robots develop their own religiosity and robotheologies? Could robots also aspire to be saved? The second section adopts a theological anthropological angle of inquiry, considering how insights gained from AI may contribute to refining this approach. What do our fascination with AI and our deep desire to creat an intelligent other reveal about human nature? How would our theological self-understanding change if intelligent machines became ubiquitous?