A Christian artificial intelligence expert has told Premier Christian News that the Church must respond to fear surrounding the technology’s potential.
It comes amid warnings from the head of developer Anthropic that there were “serious” risks with AI because of the pace of its development.
The recently-retired Bishop of Oxford, Steven Croft, told Sunday on BBC Radio 4 that the Church needed to rediscover the apocalyptic language of heaven, hell, death and judgement in response, because of the possible threat to humanity’s existence.
Hugh Chichester, founder of non-profit training and upskilling network Niya AI, told Premier that it was “understandable” that there were concerns over the technology, but Christians have a unique response.
He said:“The brightest lights cast the darkest shadows. There are reasons to be very hopeful and excited about parts of AI, and there's there's reasons to be cautious and maybe even anxious about the future."
Chichester described that it is “probable” that AI models are becoming able to “recursively self-improve”, training themselves and developing a sense of agency, which comes with concerns. He believed greater regulation was needed, but that western democracies have so far struggled to keep pace in legislating.
“What we're seeing with AI is so many unknowns and so much uncertainty that people don't feel secure and don't feel firm. Well, Jesus is the answer. What an opportunity for the Church to point to something that is that is anchored beyond this world, that is firm and secure.”
Chichester called for prayer for those making the decisions at the top of tech firms, for those developing the technology and the politicians making laws in response.
Asked about AI’s impact on the nature of human nature, Chichester shared his hope that it could “take away parts of humanity that feel industrial [giving] us more space to be creative, relational and innovative.”
The House of Bishops is meeting this week, so that Church of England leaders can be aware of the risks and be equipped to respond pastorally to the growing use of AI in everyday life among congregations.