Can God be found in the algorithm? How far should our powers with A.I. extend, and how should the church engage with these technologies? What are the implications of A.I. for human relationships and the way we love?
These questions and more are explored in a new podcast, “The New Garden,” launching Thursday, October 2. The series features robust interviews and conversations with thought leaders, tech entrepreneurs, theologians, and academics to examine the intersection of artificial intelligence and theology in contemporary life.
Co-hosted by Tony Sundermeier, Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, and Brent Macon, Atlanta-based tech entrepreneur and thought leader, “The New Garden” features a variety of guests in multiple fields. Each episode features a rich discussion, deep questions, and a relatable conversational format to engage listeners and make these often abstract ideas more tangible and relatable as our world enters a new chapter with A.I.
Notable guests include: Author and Theologian Brian McLaren; Franciscan Sister and Theologian Ilia Delio; Theologian Robert Nicastro, Executive Director of Christogenesis; Christine Rosen, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; Derek Schuurman, Author and Chair of Computer Science at Calvin University; and Bob Johansen, Fellow at the Institute for the Future in Silicon Valley.
New episodes will be released every Thursday and will be available on all major podcast platforms. Video versions will also be published on YouTube and on the First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta website at www.firstpresatl.org.
About the hosts
Brent Macon is a dad, entrepreneur, and spiritual seeker living in Atlanta. He owns multiple units of The Little Gym, a children’s gymnastics gym. Brent hosts the ‘Macon Atlanta’ podcast where he explores questions about technology, wellbeing, and community with Atlanta innovators and community builders. Brent was previously a management consultant with McKinsey & Company, worked at Uber, and led a technology startup in the charitable giving space. He and his wife are the proud parents of three children. They attend St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, where Brent helps lead stewardship efforts and teaches high school Sunday school.
Rev. Dr. Tony Sundermeier is the Senior Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, serving since 2014. A Philadelphia native, he earned degrees from Eastern University, Princeton Theological Seminary, and a Doctor of Ministry in Missional Leadership from Mission Seminary. He previously pastored in West Chester and Allentown, Penn. His ministry emphasizes preaching, discipleship, and leadership development. Beyond the pulpit, he serves on boards including Princeton Theological Seminary, Eastern University, and Midtown Alliance. A cancer survivor, he often shares how his journey shaped his faith and leadership. He and his wife, Rev. Dr. Katie Sundermeier, have two sons, Jonny and Luke.
About First Presbyterian Church
First Presbyterian Church is a community of humble followers of Jesus Christ who choose, by God’s grace, to live by love, seek continual transformation, and equip all to be servant leaders in Atlanta and throughout the world. The church is located at 1328 Peachtree St. NE in Atlanta. You can discover more at www.firstpresatl.org
