What is AI? by Dartinia Hull
Questions:
- According to a paper written by computer scientist John McCarthy and posted on the Stanford University website, AI is “the science … of making intelligent machines, especially intelligent computer programs …” What do you feel about calling a computer “intelligent?” Is intelligence limited to biological entities? Is intelligence larger than can be imagined?
- Examine the list of six examples of AI in our daily world. Do these uses surprise you?
Artificial intelligence is here. Now what? by Kate Ott
Questions:
- What are some ways you and/or your church experience artificial intelligence?
- To what extent do you see AI as an asset to society? In the church?
- What are some concerns you have regarding the widespread use of AI in everyday life?
- Reread the last paragraph of the article. How do you respond to the statement that begins, “Such visioning requires that we identify and lead with …”
- Have you followed up on any of the resources or links the author has cited? If so, share some of what you learned.
Teaching AI about ethics and the Gospel by Jacob Allen Cook
Questions:
- What concerns you most about what the author has written about AI?
- The author refers to Isaac Asimov and Thomas Aquinas regarding their statements about “laws of robotics” and “natural law.” What do you think of Cook’s use of the insights of these two authors?
- Have you read any science fiction? If so, to what extent do these writings have any relevance to what is happening today concerning AI applications?
- What moral and ethical dilemmas do you think will emerge as Christian believers and critical thinkers seek to influence the direction and use of AI in society as well as in the church?
- Use your imagination and your Christian convictions to think about the future. How do you see AI being an asset for shaping the future of the Christian church?
Tech disparities in the Christian world by Eric Nolin
Questions:
- Nolin laments the absence of women in the technology sector, especially in the development and utilization of AI. What are some possible strategies for addressing this imbalance?
- How might Christian colleges and universities, as well as denominational judicatories, make intentional moves to support women as active partners in advancing AI in the future for the benefit of church agencies?
- How important do you think it is to have women at the table where AI applications are being developed?
Generative AI by Eric Nolin
(Note to leader: If you are guiding a group to discuss the questions that follow, consider planning for two sessions. For the second session, suggest your participants do some Internet research on several of the applications that are referenced in the article.)
Questions:
- Kutter Callaway and other theologians are planning a conference focused on the development and applications of AI. What are some items you would like to see added to their agenda?
- Consider doing a Google search on ChatGPT and Midjourney. What have you learned that may be helpful to a brainstorming process?
- The term “generative AI” has been used several times. Do a Google search of the term. What do you see as the implications of this use of AI?
- Christopher Lim and colleagues have created a product called spf.io. Check out their website. What do you think is the value of this tool for Christian ministry?
- What would you think of the PC(USA) developing a tool like Cathy.ai, which Lorenzo Lebrija developed for the Episcopal Church?
- In this article, we read about seven leaders who are using AI in their ministries. What common thread do you see through all seven brief descriptions? About which of the descriptions would you like to learn more? Which seems most intriguing?
