No ethical issue keeps me up at night as does the question of artificial intelligence. The reason for my dismay is that the church doesnt seem to be thinking very deeply about these matters at all, even as we move into a technological revolution that could prove to be Gutenberg-level in its implications. This book is a balm for anxiety in the age of technological disruption. No evangelical has thought and written more clearly on these matters than Jason Thacker. In this monumental work, he avoids both naivete and paranoia about AI. The years ahead will require wise Christians in a time of smart robots. This book shows the way.
Russell Moore, president, Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission
Harnessing technology in our world, especially in education and medicine, can help us live productive and fulfilling lives. Yet Thacker reminds us that we must learn to do so in ways that glorify God and protect the innocent among us. Great read for parents!
Jeb Bush, former governor of Florida
As more aspects of our economy and of our daily lives are automated, we have an increasing burden to question our new technologies. Jason Thackers The Age of AI is an excellent introduction for those seeking to understand both these coming changes and the truths about humanity that will not change. This book offers a foundation for future reflection on life in a world inseparable from artificial intelligence, as well as practical tools for navigating your family and community through these choppy waters.
Ben Sasse, US senator, Nebraska; author, Them: Why We Hate Each Otherand How to Heal
There are some things you dont know you need until its too late. What Jason Thacker has done in this work is prepare us for a future where we will need to think clearly and biblically about artificial intelligence. The Age of AI is a book for our time as the use of AI is rapidly advancing. It is deeply researched but accessible to the average reader, theologically rich, and filled with wise counsel. Im grateful for this book.
Trillia Newbell, author, Sacred Endurance, If God Is for Us, and Fear and Faith
Technology rightly applied can be powerful for humanity and the church. AI is challenging us to consider carefully how it can be shaped for Gods kingdom and to understand its risks. Jason puts all of this into historical and scriptural context for each of us to deepen our insights into this critical topic.
Pat Gelsinger, CEO VMware; founder, Transforming the Bay with Christ; author, The Juggling Act
AI is an important subject, not just for computer scientists but for everyone, with implications for areas ranging from work and family life to medicine and commerce. Finding a thoughtful Christian voice on this topic is rare, and so this timely book is a welcome contribution to the ongoing conversation about the responsible use of AI.
Derek C. Schuurman, professor of computer science, Calvin University
Rapid advances in technology present Christians in the twenty-first century with profound ethical and stewardship questions we dare not ignore. In this book, Jason Thacker brings an authentic Christian intelligence to the vexing and high-velocity quandaries of artificial intelligence. You need to read this book, intelligently.
R. Albert Mohler Jr., president, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
I recommend The Age of AI highly and without reservation. In it, Jason Thacker employs a theological frameworkdrawing upon the imago Dei and the Great Commandment especiallywithin which he addresses pressing questions about artificial intelligence as it relates to individuals and families, as well as to the medical, military, and data industries. Thackers style is approachable and thus will prove helpful for a broad audience of thoughtful Christians.
Bruce Riley Ashford, author, The Gospel of Our King; provost and professor of theology and culture, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary
The age of AI is not a Jetsons fantasy of the distant future. Its here. And this new age raises challenging theological questions. Jason Thacker helps us prepare for this imminent future in The Age of AI. Its a practical and valuable early entry in what will surely be a growing body of Christian writing and thinking on AI in coming years.
Brett McCracken, senior editor, The Gospel Coalition; author, Uncomfortable: The Awkward and Essential Challenge of Christian Community
The Age of AI informs us and assists us in envisioning a future that is filled with tools, influences, opportunities, and challenges relating to artificial intelligence. While many may fear the unknown future before us, Jason Thacker presents the imperative need to always lift up the constancy of the image of God and the dignity of all human life as presented in the Holy Scriptures, the Bible. I am thankful Jasons book can help churches, pastors, theologians, and Christian leaders in all vocations to wrestle through this current topic, always being committed to what this book states profoundly: God-given dignity isnt ours to assign or remove.
Dr. Ronnie Floyd, president and CEO, Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee
Our culture is worried about issues surrounding AI but often lacks insight into how to think wisely about this technology. This is because modern culture is disconnected from some underlying and necessary presuppositions: God is real, we are made in his image, and we cannot create as he creates. Jason Thacker offers keen insight into AI, how to think about it, and how to relate to it in a way that is focused on these truths.
Erick Erickson, editor, The Resurgent
As a Christian parent and pastor trying to live my life faithfully engaged with the surrounding culture while also leading others, I already feel behind when it comes to many discussions concerning technology and our changing world. I am thankful for someone like Jason Thacker who is skilled in articulating the state of our digital world and who also is well informed on the future realities and implications headed our way, especially in the realm of AI. We need Christians who can inform the church with a biblical worldview how to navigate through this digital age that is only going to increase in the days ahead. Not only is Jason informed, hes at the center of the conversation, exactly where we need Christians to find themselves. While the digital world changes daily, Gods Word never falls behind. I am grateful Jason Thacker is writing with an everlasting truth in this ever-changing culture.
Dean Inserra, lead pastor, City Church, Tallahassee, Florida; author, The Unsaved Christian: Reaching Cultural Christianity with the Gospel
For far too long, evangelicals have found ourselves trailing behind the culture and desperate to keep up. From our current vantage point, we can see that artificial intelligence and emerging technologies will soon confront Christians with various questions weve never had to grapple with before. In The Age of AI, Jason Thacker serves as a helpful guide for believers and the church to understand and prepare for the challenges of the future.
J. D. Greear, pastor, The Summit Church; president, Southern Baptist Convention
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The Age of AI
Copyright 2020 by Jason Thacker
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