Everywhere you go, people are talking about artificial intelligence (AI). Some are excited about its potential for things like cancer research. Others worry about its environmental impact, its effect on jobs or the ethical questions it raises. These are important conversations.
Another question also deserves our attention: How will AI shape us as human beings? When the social media revolution began, we didn’t ask this question soon enough. As Christians, we should think carefully not only about what AI can do, but also about the kind of people it will shape us into. If you would like to explore that question further, I’ve found a couple of resources helpful so far.
I invite you to consider reading Pope Leo XIV’s latest encyclical (a letter outlining the Catholic Church’s perspective on a topic), Magnifica Humanitas. Released on May 15, 2026, it builds on the robust theological tradition of Catholic social teaching, raises a range of ethical considerations and offers specific suggestions to safeguard human beings. The encyclical is widely available online for free.
In addition, author and minister Carey Nieuwhof has several episodes on The Carey Nieuwhof Leadership Podcast that explore the promises and pitfalls of artificial intelligence. The September 22 episode, “Is AI Worse for Mental Health Than Social Media?” offers a helpful starting point for thinking about AI’s impact on our well-being.
Rather than approaching AI with fear and trembling or uncritical enthusiasm, let’s think deeply about the impact it will have on human flourishing and choose to do everything we can to safeguard our hearts, minds and souls. These resources offer a helpful place to begin that conversation.
Carol McEntyre, Senior Minister