A week ago, Kenny Jahng, Admin for the AI for Church Leaders and Pastors Facebook group and contributor to Exponential, posted an article called
Beyond Binary Morality: How AI Challenges Traditional Christian Ethical Frameworks.
Original link here:
As I’m apt to do. This is going to get the treatment. Kenny is a nice guy. Likely one of the friendliest you’ll meet in the church tech space. But there are some concerning issues with this piece that I'd like to point out. It’s no secret I'm not a fan of A.I. use in the church. On a number of levels. But what Kenny has done is provided, I imagine unknowingly, counterpoints to most of my reservations of the tech. My regular readers will know the drill. I’ve done a few of these so far. Kenny’s article will be left in it’s entirety in bold italics while my comments and content will be in plain text.
Ready, set, go!
One of artificial intelligence’s (AI) biggest practical impacts on the church might be its reshaping of how we think about morality. For centuries, religious and philosophical traditions have framed ethics in clear-cut terms – good versus evil, right versus wrong – based on what we see immediately in front of us. These frameworks have provided pastors with simple and straightforward ways to guide their congregations.
Right out of the gate we hit the ground running. While Kenny’s assertion of ethical thought being derived from objective reality may hold sway in the philosophical realm. That simply is not how Christians understand how morality and ethics for Christians are formed and understood. We do not get our morality from watching the natural world do natural things. Because we are told that this world is unnaturally cursed with the effects and disruptions of sin (Genesis 3:17, Romans 8:19-23) If pastors were using such simple and straight forward frameworks, then they weren’t reading or applying what the word of God says or being convicted by the Spirit of God in that reading. A Spirit who was also instrumental to the conception of the scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16). But as we’ll see later. Kenny is, I think, using the collective idea of religious leaders across religious lines to form a unified theory of what then pastors should then do. In essence, there is a reason why “philosophical traditions” are also mentioned here, even though, frankly, they have nothing to do with the end result Christian morality. In short, the only way two trains heading west get to the same town, is if they are on the same track. But more on that later.
But AI exposes the limits of binary thinking, pushing us toward a deeper, more nuanced understanding of ethical decision-making.
I mean, you have to know what kind of reaction a statement like that is going to stir up in even the most milquetoast of discernment bloggers. Either Kenny is looking to rile us reformed types up, or something a lot worse is simmering behind the scenes here.
AI and the Complexity of Moral Choices
Traditional moral frameworks have long been rooted in absolute judgments. Religious teachings typically presented ethical choices as clear-cut: love or hate, truth or deception, selflessness or selfishness.
Again, Note how the framing of the argument is one from a blanketed and encompassing “Religious teachings”. The moral frameworks and justifications of every religion, conflicts with the moral framework of Christianity. Whether we notices it or not(1 Corinthians 10:20). That the Mormon faith, for example, abhors abortion to the same political degree as Evangelicals only means that the demons at the head of that table also enjoy the food. It’s our declaration of God’s graces over that food that makes it Christian. We should rejoice and be glad that the sovereignty of God allows for the use of false religions to be used in the advancement of Christian ethics under a different banner. So long as we still hold place for the weaker brethren, as we’re commanded to do, and not partake in the worship practices of demons for the sake of practicality.
Pastors have historically guided their congregations using these stark moral contrasts, providing seemingly unambiguous roadmaps for righteous living.
Bait, and switch. We weren't talking about pastors a second ago, yet the same clear cut binaries that were inadequate for the vague “Religious teachings” are now also applied to pastors. I would argue that pastors were never using “stark moral contrasts” that weren’t also part of a perfect and infinitely nuanced word of God. One that is always active, living, and apt for teaching, doctrine and reproof. If pastors were being cut and dry with vague teachings, then they weren’t being good pastors.
Yet, as artificial intelligence begins to be applied in so many more places in our daily lives, AI is starting to expose the profound limitations of such reductive thinking. Consider the complex ethical scenarios emerging from AI systems. An autonomous vehicle confronted with an unavoidable accident doesn’t choose between pure good and pure evil but must make a millisecond calculation weighing multiple imperfect outcomes.
The A.I. systems, actually aren’t exposing anything. Because the applied agency we anthropomorphically give them is an illusion at best. Someone, or groups of someones, have always been at the helm of deciding what happens in those millisecond instances. And each on of those someones' programing the algorithms and calibrating the sensors and training the models and collecting data to do it all with, are sinners. This is a point that never get’s dealt with because it lets us see how the shell game of A.I. is played. These tools are made for and by people separated from God for mostly ungodly things. In essence we do not lend trust to more qualified A.I. because of their intelligence, We lend it to less qualified computer programmers in our ignorance.
A medical triage algorithm doesn’t simply decide who lives or dies but must navigate intricate considerations of survival probability, quality of life, and limited resources. These scenarios demand a radical reimagining of moral reasoning.
A medical triage algorithm never decided who lived and who died. A data scientist and/or programmer did. And they did it with a sift that had much larger holes than the mixing bowl was ready for. Don’t believe me, ask one if a transexual man is technically a woman, then consult a proctologist on the same criteria when the patient turns 40 and needs a prostate exam.
The declaration that these scenarios demand reimagined moral reasoning is one made under white flag. The very second A.I. could approximate any given professional, we surrendered that profession to it. Which is all well and good when correct diagnosis go up in the doctors office, but with it comes the very real and very problematic issue of what professionals look like in the church. Those are the people who have to wade into these same hospitals for the autonomous car crash victims and parse the delicate roads to forgiveness, grief, and reconciliation. Ones where an untraceable or unknowable person who decided that in the event of a guaranteed collision, with humans, that it would aim for the one and not the other and why. We are not in need of reimagining our moral reasoning because there is functionally no way to exercise that reasoning outside of admitted defeat and submission to a these higher powers of millisecond judgements and calculated deaths. Killings that we could never accomplish on our own because of the Holy Spirit's conviction in our lives. Conviction that could tell us that what we are doing is wrong, but won’t tell the programmers or data scientists, because statistically, almost none of them are Christians.
Addressing Concerns About Biblical Truth and AI Ethics
Some pastors may question whether AI can really challenge biblical moral absolutes. However, we must remember, AI does not replace God’s moral order. Rather, it reveals the complexity of ethical decision-making in a fallen world.
Does it? If the moral revelation is from a perfect and timeless God then any intrusion of a machine into the equation of God saying “Shall not” is actually a limiting factor is given any kind of equal footing or precedent. When God says in scripture that “Thou shalt not kill” in Exodus 20:13 He’s not saying it from the top of mount Sinai only, and to the ancient Hebrews alone. But from the very presence of his omnipresence and through the power of his omnipotence. That word is part of which all things are made (John 1:1-3). Of which we know it by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit in the writing of scriptures for our benefit. To say that A.I. reveals any kind of complexity is to try to add to that infinity. A.I. only adds itself to the moral absolute and becomes the complexity, because as we will see by the end of this article, that is the primary function of A.I. in almost all Christian contexts. To replace God, specifically the Holy Spirit. Saying that is doesn't, doesn't show that it doesn't. And it demonstrably shows that it does.
Scripture often acknowledges the need for wisdom in morally gray situations (James 1:5, Romans 12:2, Proverbs 3:5-6).
This is such a strange set of scriptures to use in this case. Because each points the reader back to God for revelation and wisdom and the discretion of God and not in the context of morally grey areas.
Just as theologians have adapted their understanding of morality in light of new scientific discoveries – such as the shift from viewing illness as purely a spiritual affliction to understanding it through medical advancements or reassessing biblical interpretations in light of astronomy and genetics – AI presents an opportunity to refine how we apply biblical ethics to modern challenges.
The key word missing here is “Some”. Some theologians might have changed their view of how God used illness in history for His will. But others would not have. Some theologians will look at an ever expanding universe and declared that the account of God stopping the sun in Joshua Chapter 10 is incompatible with our understanding of how the universe works. Or the age of the earth. Or when life truly begins in the womb. But others would not have. And that’s because some theologians want to be called Christian but don’t want to be called stupid or backwards or any other kind of moniker for the gospel. They look for and find ways to not believe what a perfect God might have said, and heap upon themselves teachers after those same ideological lusts (2 Tim 4:3). At the top of that heap in this season is A.I. and its super intelligent glory. That’s why these same theologians are the ones asking A.I. things from scriptures instead of knowing things because of their relationship with the scriptures. A relationship that is with God himself I might add. A.I. only serves to refine how we apply the biblical ethic because it replaces what does that refining in the first place. If conviction in the living Word of God is insufficient when it comes from the Holy Spirit, what good is a scientific explanation on top of that, generated by a savvy prompt?
Moral Agency and Divine Will
A key concern is whether AI undermines human moral agency. While AI can aid decision-making, it does not possess consciousness, intention, or a soul. Moral responsibility still rests with those who design, deploy, and use AI. The church’s role is to help congregants evaluate how AI is used in ways that honor God and uphold human dignity.
I agree, and would only add that there is also room and warrant for the concept of not using A.I. for things as well not just good stewardship in and of itself.
For example, a church using AI to schedule pastoral visits should ensure that it remains an efficient tool, not a substitute for genuine pastoral relationships. AI should enhance personal ministry rather than depersonalize it.
Again, I would agree. But there is a subtle acknowledgement here that the pastoral relationship is some how more important than the secretary answering the call at the church. To elevate the pastoral relationship over the Christian relationship is to separate the body of Christ as specifically exhorted against in 1 Corinthians 12:15
Human Dignity in AI Decision-Making
Another issue is AI’s role in decisions that affect human lives, such as healthcare triage or criminal justice reform. AI must never become an excuse for dehumanizing people. Pastors should encourage ethical AI practices that affirm the image of God in every person, ensuring that technology serves humanity rather than replacing moral discernment.
There is quite literally no way to accomplish this so long as we keep treating these things like people. In other words. There is a reason most of these things have names not nouns.
For instance, AI-driven hiring tools used by church organizations should be regularly reviewed to prevent bias and ensure they reflect fairness and dignity for all applicants.
This is just a blanket admission that the church reviewers are the ones doing the hiring, but allowing the disembodied A.I. to sort the resumes instead of anyone with discernment for calling. Which again points to the Holy Spirit and His gifts being side stepped by A.I.
Everyday Practical Scenarios Congregants May Face
AI is already influencing the daily lives of church members in ways that raise ethical and spiritual concerns. Here are some real-world situations where AI intersects with faith and morality:
AI-Generated Sermons & Devotionals – Should pastors or congregants rely on AI to generate sermons or devotionals, or does that diminish spiritual discernment and divine inspiration?
AI in Workplace Decision-Making – How should Christians respond when their employers use AI to monitor productivity, make hiring decisions, or determine promotions?
AI and Social Media Algorithms – Should believers know how AI curates content and influences their beliefs, behaviors, and online interactions?
AI in Financial Decision-Making – Is relying on AI-driven investment strategies ethical, especially if they prioritize profit over ethical considerations?
AI-Powered Facial Recognition – How should Christians respond to churches or businesses using facial recognition technology for security and personalized experiences?
AI and Misinformation – How can believers practice discernment when AI-generated content (including fake news, deepfake videos, or altered images) spreads false narratives?
AI in Healthcare Recommendations – What should congregants consider when AI suggests medical treatments, especially when ethical issues like end-of-life care or genetic modifications are involved?
AI in Mental Health Support – Can AI-driven chatbots provide real emotional and spiritual support, or should human-led pastoral counseling remain the standard?
Each one of these points to either a fruit of the spirit or a spiritual gift that is being neglected for the sake of A.I. use. I will continue to bang that drum until enough pastors start dancing. A.I. is subverting work that the church has always done by and relied on the Holy Ghost for. And it's doing so under the guise of productivity and scale. And the sooner we see that the better.
How the Church Can Engage AI Without Compromising Biblical Truth
Pastors have a unique opportunity to guide their congregations through AI’s ethical challenges in a way that aligns with biblical truth.
Here are three practical ways to start:
Develop Theological Guidelines on AI Use
Develop and publish a church-wide position on AI’s role in ministry and ethics.
Encourage denominational leaders to discuss AI from a biblical perspective.
Equip your leaders with resources to teach about AI’s impact on Christian ethics.
For example, a church leadership team might create a technology ethics guide to ensure that AI tools align with biblical values and pastoral care priorities.
This is all good practical advice if not for the blanket assumption of adoption. It’s hard to believe that if honest theological scrutiny is being applied to A.I., that we always land on a pro A.I. use position.
Promote Digital Discernment Among Congregants
Offer small group studies on AI’s influence on daily life to study the source, role, and application of Biblical wisdom.
Teach biblical principles for evaluating new technology.
Encourage thoughtful engagement rather than fear or rejection of AI.
Example: A youth group could explore how AI-generated social media content shapes their worldview and discuss how to apply biblical discernment to what they consume online.
The fourth suggestion caught my eye the most here, as I've heard this line of reasoning two times before. A few year ago, during the pandemic, the church went through another technological change en masse as a wide spread adoption of online ministry became the norm. I had my protests and reservations then and still do now. But it was the VR church attempts that used this same reasoning. Their argument was one of having skeptics try the VR church services in order for them to make an informed decision about the practice. Most of those saying this kind of thing, don’t realize that it is an official strategy of cults to use this form of reasoning. Mormons will ask you to pray to their god to see if the book of Mormon is true. Something no confessing Christian should do. Thinly veiled peer pressure isn’t persuasion, it’s pressure. And encouragement of engagement is the same kind of thing. You do not need to participate in activities to know or be able to know if they are right or wrong. Again, this stresses the affects of A.I. in use over the possession of personal discernment given to us by the Holy Spirit (John 16:8).
Use AI to Enhance, Not Replace, Ministry
Implement AI tools for administrative tasks to free up pastors for discipleship.
Explore AI-driven pastoral care tools that support, not substitute, human connection.
Encourage responsible AI use in sermon research, counseling support, and outreach.
Example: A pastor might use AI-powered translation tools to serve a multilingual congregation better, allowing for more inclusive worship experiences.
About the only thing in this section that I haven't covered elsewhere in my response is the example given at the end which is actually a great use for A.I. Barring any hallucinations the model might have because of its programming or data sets and training, translation on behalf of the unlearned is a great use for this kind of tool. Being able to hear in real time what a Korean pastor is preaching in Korean would be a blessing to the church, as would that same feat in every other language. In this regard the capabilities of A.I. can seemingly point to a future possible unity between culturally distinct churches.
And yet, even in this example we find evidence in the scriptures that this is an activity where the Holy Spirit is not only present with the church but empowering them to do the very same thing.
“And when the day of Pentecost was fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. And suddenly there came a sound from heaven as of a rushing mighty wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. And there appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, and it sat upon each of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven. Now when this was noised abroad, the multitude came together, and were confounded, because that every man heard them speak in his own language. And they were all amazed and marvelled, saying one to another, Behold, are not all these which speak Galilaeans? And how hear we every man in our own tongue, wherein we were born? Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites, and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judaea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus, and Asia, Phrygia, and Pamphylia, in Egypt, and in the parts of Libya about Cyrene, and strangers of Rome, Jews and proselytes, Cretes and Arabians, we do hear them speak in our tongues the wonderful works of God. And they were all amazed, and were in doubt, saying one to another, What meaneth this?” Acts 2:1-12 KJV
What Kenny is describing above is exactly what was going on here in Acts.
Moving Forward with Wisdom
One of AI’s most significant opportunities for Christian leaders and communities is that it can expand our capacity to apply wisdom in complex, real-world situations. This equips us to engage ethical challenges with greater depth and nuance. By embracing complexity and engaging in thoughtful discussions, pastors can help their congregations navigate this new moral landscape with confidence and wisdom. Instead of seeing AI as a threat, we can view it as an opportunity to strengthen our understanding of justice, mercy, and love in a rapidly changing world. With intentionality, you can lead the way in ensuring AI serves the church’s mission while staying faithful to biblical truth.
With all the talk of the application of wisdom and the embracing of complexity it cans seem forward thinking and mature for a Christian leader, to take an article like this at face value. But as was repeatedly pointed out in this response, at face value, A.I. seems to simply be how the church unaware is replacing how they work with the Holy Spirit. Which is exactly why there is such strain on the the workers and leadership. Fostering a demand for productivity tools to extend capacity. With no Holy spirit to empower the leaders those same leaders turn to technology to fill its role. Why have a man who has learned Greek and Hebrew serve as translator for a church, when that same process can be mapped to a bot and sold at a premium at church conferences. Why have a sermon placed on the heart of a pastor and preached by and through the Holy Spirits gifting, when a chat bot can tell him exactly what to say. While there is wisdom in using a sharp axe for the work of sharp axes, much of the “Work” of Christian life and practice is one of contemplation, study, prayer, and faithful presence. Of which A.I. only interlopes as as disruption.
Kenny.
I think the intention behind your work with A.I. and the hope you have is admirable and that you can tell you want pastors to do more and better things. But there are some major flaws and oversights in this kind of thinking. The kinds of things that will only fester and get worse over time. Seeing how fast technology tends to move and change. Getting ahead of bad decisions that look like good ones is ever more important.
I would love to talk with you more on this.
Your brother in Christ,
Mike van Goch.