Written by Andres Duran
On February 29, 2024, an event regarding Artificial Intelligence was presented through the Huffington Ecumenical Institute at HCHC. Constantinos Daskalakis, Theo Nicolakis, Constantine Psimopoulos, and Gayle Woloschak, all with extensive experience in the field, discussed the multiple dimensions of the topic of Artificial Intelligence. The discussions addressed various questions surrounding AI, such as “What is AI?”, and “How does AI operate?”, benefits, risks, opportunities, dangers, progress, and setbacks. With contemporary innovations in the field, the topic has been in conversational circles more recently. Individuals have expressed both excitement and concern. One of these dilemmas appears to be existential. How does AI compare to humanity, in terms of consciousness and self-awareness?
Now with the question being posed, it is worth noting that current AI abilities don’t appear to have achieved this level of advancement. Yet, the question still floats within our minds. At times, causing us to question our very being. However, as an Orthodox Christian, I know we are rooted in Christ. Humanity is made in the Image and Likeness of God. A form AI cannot take on through algorithms. Therefore, the worries about who we are as humanity are minimized. However, if AI can replicate human functions, such as writing, organizing, and collecting information, how is the Orthodox Faith impacted?
AI can curate human-like responses and develop a facade of a character. The facade appears genuine and realistic as if it were human. The question of authority begins to ring. Or rather, the question of truth. Theo Nicolakis, the Chief Information Officer for the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America, spoke about the relationship between AI and church ministry at the event. One of his examples, helps us address the questions of impact on the Church, authority, and ultimately truth. Mr. Nicolakis shared the story of when he was with various priests and had AI produce a sermon. After the completion of the writing, he had the priests go over the piece. They determined, on a theological level, that the text was accurate. However, they mentioned, that while the text was correct theologically speaking, no priest would have given a sermon as the one provided by AI. Something was missing. The human element. There was no heart behind the writing. A priest noted, “Scripture is not in the reading, but the understanding”.
AI, at its current stage, can reproduce information, but not formulate its understanding as a human would. When analyzing Scripture, AI will relay information, but not enter into a deeper dialogue with God, as one would as they prayerfully wrestle with the text. As Mr. Nicolakis mentioned, we “cannot have a computer-mediated experience of God”. When looking for the Truth, we have to remember Truth is not a concept, but a person, Jesus Christ. A person, who we must enter into true dialogue with to understand and grow in the Faith. Scripture and our Faith are not simply about regurgitating information. We are called to formulate a relationship with a real person, Jesus Christ. A relationship cannot be a mix of data sets and directives. Rather, a relationship rooted in Truth is found through one’s willing desire to search their own heart.
About the author
Andres Duran holds an Associate Degree in Film, Television, & Electronic Media and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management. Creativity has always been an area of interest to him. He is currently a seminarian in graduate school at Hellenic College Holy Cross pursuing an MDiv. Along with this, he participates in the Church’s ministries in various ways, such as currently being a Youth & Young Adult Director.