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Some have argued that the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) represents a “fourth industrial revolution.”  We still have much to learn about AI and the ultimate scope of its influence.  Yet, this much is already certain, AI will have a profound impact on humanity; perhaps even re-shaping our understanding of what it means to be human.  Since faith and spirituality form an important dimension of human existence, it is imperative that we begin exploring the relationship between AI, faith, and spirituality.   

 This episode focuses on this critical relationship, with the guidance of theologian Michael J. Paulus, Jr., who believes that we are currently living “through a unique and transformative moment in human history.”  In this interview, we will discuss the history of AI, along with important ethics and justice questions.   

 In this interview, Richard Randolph also suggests that there seems to be a tendency for both fiction and nonfiction writers to cluster into two diametrically opposed camps, concerning AI and the future.  On the one hand, many writers envision a coming dystopia driven by an AI out-of-control.  On the other hand, others envision a coming utopia, in which AI solves all problems and humans live joyful and fulfilling lives. 

 Although he is fundamentally optimistic about the future of AI, Dr. Paulus discusses his proposal for an “Apocalyptic Imagination,” which charts a hopeful middle course between dystopia and utopia.   

For Further Reading 

Michael J. Paulus, Jr., Artificial Intelligence and the Apocalyptic Imagination, Cascade Books, An Imprint of Wipf and Stock Publishers, 2023. 

 Michael J. Paulus, Jr. and Michael D. Langford, co-editors, AI, Faith, and the Future: An Interdisciplinary Approach, Pickwick Publications in 2022.