Soul in the Machine Series: Why I’m Learning to Use AI (and Other Digital Technologies) Responsibly as a Christian

Should I be scared of using AI and new technologies?

Can a Christian use AI or other technologies without guilt?

Why should you want to use AI responsibly as a Christian?

Are Machines Really Taking Over the Internet?

Machines are taking over the internet, bots are everywhere, and eventually, it’s been projected, most tasks will be automated out and our most boring responsibilities will be delegated to robots while we humans use our time to produce more “important” things. Laundry will become obsolete, taking your children to sporting events can be done by the robotaxi, and shopping online can now be done by the Muse and Grok bots by Meta and xAI.

How Fast Has Technology Changed in One Lifetime?

These technologies have advanced so quickly that even a millennial like me can struggle to keep up, despite being pretty comfortable with learning emerging, evolving tech. I remember the world before computers and cell phones became popular, “smart,” and super connected. This perspective is what I hope my readers keep in mind when it comes to the latest digital inventions. It’s been an exponential discovery for us humans. I grew up with floppy disks, recording music from my television or radio using a cassette player, and making mixes on tape or ripping CDs. Eventually, I learned how to code for Myspace, build websites, and design using Adobe Creative Suite. Today there are self-driving cars, private space trips (almost), AI bots (or SI bots per President Donald J. Trump), blockchain, CERN, CRISPR, in vitro fertilization, stablecoins, Neuralink, and robot assistants—and I can’t even imagine what will be at our fingertips in the next five years.

Is Using AI Still a Simple Choice?

It wasn’t long ago when you had to call in to buy and sell stock. Today, in an app, your phone can scan your face and log you into your accounts, and computations are done instantly to show pricing of thousands of stock options you can purchase right away, so long as you have the funds. Technology has provided much convenience for us, but it seems that there’s an eerie future ahead where in the past, technological advancements were easy to choose to use. You had a choice. You inputted, and the machine outputted what you directly asked it to. Today, the choice isn’t as black and white to make. AI can make decisions on its own, but it was you who initiated its task.

When Does Using AI Cross the Line From Tool to Shortcut?

For example, let’s say you have come up on a deadline, had not managed your time well, and missed necessary reading to complete a graded assignment. You can choose to take the likely failing score or easily use AI to provide a summary of the readings and essentially “catch you up.” Did you do anything wrong, or did you simply utilize a new tool to complete work faster? What if you found out your child would likely have Down syndrome, but, if you could afford it, you could use CRISPR to essentially (eventually) delete the chromosome that makes it happen? Let’s say you take that route. Was that wrong of you? Or did you ensure your child would have a more prosperous life and future?

What Does AI Mean for Artists and Copyright?

AI agents can scour the internet and scan works of art, then recreate artwork or make “their own” using existing art, music, and design shared online, even under copyrights or with clear owners and usage restrictions. Thankfully (which I can’t believe I’m thanking a corporation), Sony and Warner sued Anthropic in late August 2026 over its agents training off of their work. Where’s the justice for the artists? Do we work with these technologies as artists or completely abandon them and risk falling behind on a new digital skill, similar to learning Photoshop? The issue with these agents is that they’re autonomous: we input data, and they output and commit to completing a task regardless of what gets in the way. So in the case with Sony, why didn’t the agents stop themselves from infringing on copyright laws?

How Can You Use AI Responsibly as a Christian?

I seek to be someone of goodwill and have decided to learn all I can and use these agents and technologies responsibly. I refuse to purchase Meta glasses, as I wouldn’t want to be recorded without consent and buying such a product would go against how I’d like to be treated. Another choice I made was to avoid prediction markets, as they’re a form of gambling and can lead to risky moves with my income, which I am to be a faithful steward of.

Why Am I Writing the Soul in the Machine Series?

I’m looking to educate myself and humbly seek guidance with these new technologies as a Christian, a person of good will, and a responsible member of society. While some of us may seem confident in handling these issues, others of us are a bit afraid or uncomfortable because we lack knowledge on the subject, which is why I’m writing the Soul in the Machine series in hopes of recording the changes in technology and understanding how to use them responsibly to make the world a better place.

To read the first article in the Soul in the Machine Series Check Out: A Christian Perspective on Artificial Intelligence and other Technologies.