Living Faithfully in an Age of Advanced Technology

Christians can struggle today to know how to think about technology. We can easily see the many benefits that have come with the advanced technology of our age. But at the same time, we are aware that there are costs as well, not only in terms of the intentional sinful use of technology but also the unintended consequences it can have. In this first session we will be looking at some basic principles to help us develop a theology of tools. What place does the creation and use of tools have in the Christian worldview? Are all tools created equal? And what changes as our tools become more complex and more powerful with far broader applications? How we answer these questions will have a profound effect on how we think about AI and the technology of our age.

Technology impacts the way we think, live, and worship, and not always for the better. For example, social media has made it easier to connect and communicate with people, but those who spend significant amounts of time on social media are often less connected with family, friends, and their church. With a theology of tools in place and a Biblical worldview to guide us, in this second session, we will consider how faithful Christians can use or misuse Artificial Intelligence and ways to avoid becoming a slave to Artificial Intelligence.

As intelligent, generative technologies rapidly advance in capability and ubiquity, they are accompanied by a rising tide of influence as to whether, when, and how we should engage with these technologies.  In most cases these influences do not have gospel motives for the individual or society, nor are they rooted in biblical anthropology. For example, large language models purport to offer the solution to loneliness, an alternative to the labor required for human creativity, and the answer to many of our questions big and small.  In fact, for some AI has the potential to solve our biggest problems and transform humanity so that we transcend to a higher plane of existence. Considering these things, how then should Christians respond? What pursuits and practices will ground us in the reality of God’s world, living according to the nature and role God has given to us as his image bearers? And how does the gospel of our Lord give us true meaning and hope amid the competing gospels of our technological age?

Our physical and spiritual health can be compromised if we do not use biblical wisdom to discern the impact and outcome of certain technologies upon us as image bearers of God.  Our personal decisions have impacts upon not only us but those around us.  In this break out session we will discuss practical ways to guard ourselves from the overuse of certain Technologies; along with some good reasons and biblical motivations that will aid us in doing so.

Parents aim to honor God in raising their children. Fathers serve as providers and protectors, mothers as nurturers, but where does technology belong at home? When is it appropriate to introduce screens like computers, tablets, video games, or phones? Should children have cell phones and unbridled access to the world wide web? Should we have devices “watch our kids,” or do they hinder physical and spiritual growth? Are we aiding our children toward idolatry or their role as men and women? This session with Pastor Drew Hacker will provide biblical insights on how families can think about integrating technology into their homes, ensuring it serves their spiritual goals rather than undermining them.

There is no getting around it; A.I. WILL change how things get done in the workplace. “A.I. Agents” are already managing email addresses, creating social media posts, answering phone calls, and so much more. Businesses are experimenting with the use of A.I. Automation out of fear of getting left behind. A lot has already changed and a lot more is coming. Our job as Christians is to use wisdom and discernment with our use of A.I. when it comes to productivity. A.I. can be a powerful tool when used properly. In this session, pastor Matt Jantz will look at the wise use of this technology when it comes to productivity in the workplace.

It is tough to escape the reality that technology seems to be integrated into the lives of many of us and our families. It can be difficult to go throughout the day without some form of it beckoning our attention.  Whether it’s social media, entertainment, and communication through the likes of smartphones, computers, gaming consoles and AI, technology and its devices are here to stay.  In this class, we will look at how this reality specifically pertains to teenagers.  While it might be true that technology can offer certain benefits such as enhanced learning and connection, it is also true that it can present many risks. We will unpack some of those potential risks and seek to provide practical help and wisdom as it pertains to technology usage for teenagers seeking to honor God.