What Does the Bible Say About Artificial Intelligence?

Tier 2 → Young Professionals & Families

The Bible doesn’t name “AI,” but it does give clear principles: humans alone are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27), we’re called to steward what we build (Genesis 1:28), and we must trust God’s wisdom over human innovation (Proverbs 3:5–6). AI can be helpful—but it’s never our authority.

The Question Everyone in Memphis is Asking

Here in the 901, we're watching AI transform everything from how work gets done to how content gets created. ChatGPT writes emails. Algorithms decide what we see on social media. And a lot of us are quietly asking, “Is this helping us live wiser… or just faster?”

The good news? The Bible speaks directly to this moment—not through predictions about robots, but through timeless principles about wisdom, responsibility, and what it means to be human.

What Scripture Actually Says

Genesis 1:26-28 gives us the foundation: "Then God said, 'Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.' So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it.'"

This passage establishes two massive truths:

First, humans alone carry the Imago Dei, the image of God. No matter how sophisticated AI becomes, it will never bear God's image. It will never have a soul. It can't worship, pray, or experience redemption. That's uniquely ours.

Definition Block: What does “Imago Dei” mean?

Imago Dei is Latin for “image of God.” It means every human being is created by God with unique dignity and purpose (Genesis 1:26–27). Our value isn’t earned by intelligence, productivity, or tech—it's given by God. AI can imitate patterns; it cannot carry God’s image.

Second, we're called to steward creation. "Subdue it" doesn't mean exploit it, it means manage it wisely. That includes the tools we create. AI isn't off-limits; it's part of our God-given mandate to develop and use creation responsibly.

The Tower of Babel Warning

Before we get too excited about what AI can do, Genesis 11:1-9 offers a critical warning. The Tower of Babel wasn't just about building tall, it was about human pride replacing dependence on God.

"Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves."

Notice the motivation: self-glorification. When technology becomes about proving our power instead of serving God's purposes, we're headed for trouble.

Here's what that looks like today:

• Using AI to manipulate people instead of serve them

• Building systems that prioritize profit over human dignity

• Replacing prayer and discernment with algorithm-driven decision-making

• Trusting AI outputs more than Scripture's truth

Tools Are Never Neutral

Leviticus 19:36 gives us a fascinating principle: "Use honest scales and honest weights."

Wait, what do ancient marketplace scales have to do with AI?

Everything. This verse teaches that our tools reflect our values. A dishonest merchant doesn't just misuse scales, he uses dishonest scales designed to deceive. The tool itself carries moral weight.

AI is the same way. How it's built, what data trains it, whose interests it serves, these aren't neutral technical questions. They're moral ones.

As believers in Memphis, a city that's witnessed both technological innovation and historic injustice, we should be especially sensitive to how AI systems can perpetuate bias or serve the vulnerable.

Where Christians Find Wisdom

Proverbs 3:5-6 cuts to the heart: "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."

AI offers understanding, lots of it. It can analyze data, predict patterns, and generate answers faster than any human.

But here's what it can't do:

• Discern God's will for your life

• Provide wisdom rooted in relationship with the Holy Spirit

• Understand the moral weight of decisions

• Love, forgive, or extend grace

God's Word must remain our ultimate standard of truth. Not Google. Not ChatGPT. Not any algorithm, no matter how sophisticated.

When you're facing a decision in Cordova or Bartlett or anywhere in the Mid-South, AI might help you gather information, but only the Holy Spirit can give you wisdom.

Practical Guidelines for Christians Using AI

So how do we actually live this out? Here are some biblical principles for engaging AI:

Modern Question	Biblical Response	Practical Wisdom
“Is AI automatically evil?”	Tools can be used for good or harm; our hearts matter (Genesis 1:28; Proverbs 4:23).	Use AI with prayerful self-awareness. If it’s feeding pride, shortcuts, or deception, it’s not worth it.
“Can I use AI for school/work?”	Stewardship is part of our calling (Genesis 1:28).	Use it to assist, not to lie. Cite sources, verify facts, and keep your integrity intact.
“Should I trust AI’s answers?”	God’s Word is the final authority (2 Timothy 3:16–17).	Treat AI like a fast intern: helpful, but needs supervision. Check everything against Scripture and wise counsel.
“What if AI makes me feel replaceable?”	Your worth is rooted in being made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).	Your value isn’t your output. Build rhythms of rest, worship, and real relationships.
“How do I avoid a ‘Tower of Babel’ mindset?”	Pride leads to collapse; dependence on God leads to life (Genesis 11:4; Proverbs 3:5–6).	Before big decisions, pray first, then use tools. Don’t use tech to avoid surrender.
“How should Christians think about AI and justice?”	God cares about honesty and fairness (Leviticus 19:36; Micah 6:8).	Ask: Who gets harmed? Who gets overlooked? Advocate for people over profit—especially the vulnerable.

1. Remember Who You Are

You bear God's image. AI doesn't. Your worth isn't measured by productivity or efficiency, it's rooted in being God's beloved child. Don't let technology dehumanize you or others.

2. Use It as a Tool, Not a Teacher

AI can help you write, research, or organize. But it can't replace Scripture, prayer, or godly counsel. If you're using AI to generate content, run it through a biblical filter. Does it align with our beliefs?

3. Ask the Stewardship Question

Before implementing AI in your work or home, ask: Does this serve God's purposes? Does it honor human dignity? Am I using this wisely?

4. Guard Against Pride

The moment you start trusting your AI tools more than God's guidance, you're building your own Tower of Babel. Stay humble. Stay dependent on the Holy Spirit.

5. Advocate for Justice

As Assemblies of God believers, we're called to stand for the vulnerable. That means asking hard questions about how AI affects jobs in Memphis, whether algorithms treat people fairly, and if technology is serving everyone, not just the powerful.

God's Sovereignty Hasn't Changed

Here's the most important truth: God is still sovereign.

AI might seem all-powerful when it beats humans at chess, writes convincing essays, or diagnoses diseases. But Psalm 147:5 reminds us: "Great is our Lord and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit."

No algorithm can:

• Answer prayer

• Convict hearts

• Perform miracles

• Raise the dead

• Save souls

• Return in glory

That's all still God's territory. And it always will be.

A Memphis Perspective

Right here in the 901, we're uniquely positioned to think about this well. Memphis has always been a city where innovation meets real human need, from reshaping global logistics to pioneering medical research to leading cultural movements.

As we embrace AI's possibilities, let's do it with:

• Biblical wisdom that keeps God at the center

• Christlike compassion that prioritizes people over profits

• Holy Spirit discernment that knows when to engage and when to step back

• Assemblies of God conviction that Scripture is our final authority

Whether you're working in tech at AutoZone's headquarters, teaching kids in Cordova, or running a small business in Bartlett, you can steward AI faithfully.

What This Means for First Assembly Memphis

At First Assembly Memphis, we're committed to helping you navigate these questions with biblical clarity and practical wisdom. We believe God's Word equips us for every challenge, including the ones that didn't exist when Scripture was written.

That's why we're here: to help you grow in Christ-centered wisdom that applies to your real life in 2026. From your job to your family to your smartphone, we want to help you honor God in all of it.

Want to dive deeper into what the Bible says about modern life? Here are a few simple next steps:

Join us in person (Memphis / 901)

If you’re in Memphis, Cordova, Bartlett, Arlington, or anywhere in the 901, I’d love to meet you at First Assembly Memphis.

• Sunday Classes: 9:30 AM

• Worship: 10:30 AM Also, today (March 9) we have a pastoral meeting at 9:00 AM.

You can also read our Mission and Vision to see what we’re about.

Join us online (Boundless pathway)

If you’re not in the Memphis area or you’re unable to attend locally, you can still grow with us through our online community at https://www.boundlessonlinechurch.org.

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Need prayers? Text us day or night at 1-901-213-7341.

(Note: This line is for prayer and pastoral support, not emergency services. If you are in immediate danger or need urgent help, please call 911.)

Remember: you’re not just navigating technology. You’re a child of God—made in His image, saved by grace through faith in Jesus, and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live with wisdom in a complicated world.