AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep
Leading and Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Published on 29. April 2025
Book
Paperback/Softback
208 pages
978-1-5409-6801-2 (ISBN)
Description
Since ChatGPT burst into the public consciousness in 2022, AI has thoroughly infiltrated everyday life. Machines can now take on work once thought to be solely the domain of human beings--from writing college essays to composing worship music. How should Christians respond to this brave new technology?
In this accessible introduction to AI, Sean O'Callaghan and Paul Hoffman explore its social and ethical impacts for ministry and teaching. The authors shed light on the biblical vision for human flourishing--and on how AI can help or hinder that flourishing. Avoiding both alarmism and uncritical acceptance, O'Callaghan and Hoffman offer resources and practical tools for using AI in our classrooms and congregations.
AI can write a generic three-point sermon, but it cannot replace an authentic encounter between humans and the divine. In a time of cultural confusion, O'Callaghan and Hoffman encourage readers to embrace the clarity found in the gospel. The book includes a foreword by A. Trevor Sutton.
In this accessible introduction to AI, Sean O'Callaghan and Paul Hoffman explore its social and ethical impacts for ministry and teaching. The authors shed light on the biblical vision for human flourishing--and on how AI can help or hinder that flourishing. Avoiding both alarmism and uncritical acceptance, O'Callaghan and Hoffman offer resources and practical tools for using AI in our classrooms and congregations.
AI can write a generic three-point sermon, but it cannot replace an authentic encounter between humans and the divine. In a time of cultural confusion, O'Callaghan and Hoffman encourage readers to embrace the clarity found in the gospel. The book includes a foreword by A. Trevor Sutton.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Ada, MI
United States
Publishing group
Baker Publishing Group
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 224 mm
Width: 151 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
316 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-5409-6801-2 (9781540968012)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Sean O'Callaghan (PhD, University of Liverpool) is associate professor of religious and theological studies at Salve Regina University, where he also serves as a coordinator of the AI Initiative. He previously served as director of the PhD program in humanities and technology and is currently a faculty member in that program.
Paul A. Hoffman (PhD, University of Manchester) is associate professor in the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies and director of the Preministerial Scholars Program at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He previously served as a senior pastor and is the coauthor of Preaching to a Divided Nation.
Paul A. Hoffman (PhD, University of Manchester) is associate professor in the Department of Biblical and Religious Studies and director of the Preministerial Scholars Program at Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. He previously served as a senior pastor and is the coauthor of Preaching to a Divided Nation.
Content
Foreword by A. Trevor Sutton
Introduction
1. What Is Artificial Intelligence?
2. What Are the Current and Potential Implications of AI?
3. What Does It Mean to Be Human from a Biblical Perspective?
4. What Does It Mean to Be Human in the Technological Age?
5. How Should Educators Interact with AI?
6. How Should Christians Be Formed and Discipled in the Age of AI?
7. How Should Ministry Leaders Approach AI?
Conclusion
Appendix: Six Views on Technology
Recommended Resources
Index
Introduction
1. What Is Artificial Intelligence?
2. What Are the Current and Potential Implications of AI?
3. What Does It Mean to Be Human from a Biblical Perspective?
4. What Does It Mean to Be Human in the Technological Age?
5. How Should Educators Interact with AI?
6. How Should Christians Be Formed and Discipled in the Age of AI?
7. How Should Ministry Leaders Approach AI?
Conclusion
Appendix: Six Views on Technology
Recommended Resources
Index