Because we bear your name August–September 2026

‘“All things are lawful,” but not all things are beneficial’ (1 Corinthians 10:23).

When St Paul tells us that not all things are beneficial, he is asking us to discern: What promotes the cause of the gospel? Is artificial intelligence (AI) promoting the gospel? Should we be suspicious of technology? Many modern sci-fi movies tell of a future in which AI is taking over the world.

In my own journey in life, I was personally blessed by technology in the church. My parents enrolled me at St Peters Lutheran College in Brisbane in 1978 because the school taught Computer Science when other schools didn’t even know it could be a subject.

It is partly true to say that I came to know the gospel because of technology in the church.

Dr Martin Luther grabbed modern technology with both hands. The printing press had recently been invented when he nailed up his 95 Theses. Luther’s writings flooded the book market: catechisms, Bible guides, theological works and picture posters.

While this technology was bearing good fruit, there was also a caution. The printing press also unleashed a ‘war of words’, with pamphlets and posters attacking others. The era of published propaganda had begun.

In this edition of The Lutheran, we are considering faith in the digital age.

We are guided by the principle that St Paul wrote to the Christians in Corinth. All things are lawful, but not all things are beneficial.

He goes on to explain, ‘Do not seek your own advantage, but that of others.’ This helps us understand the meaning of his words, ‘… not all things are beneficial’. What will be of benefit for the building up of other people? What will serve to tear down or slander other people?

This year, the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, wrote a document on AI titled Magnifica humanitas (meaning ‘magnificent humanity’). Pope Leo guides his readers to God’s love for people of all races in all places. No machine or technology can replace people in God’s world. Pope Leo also gives some questions to ask when considering the use of AI: Does it help me value people? Does it help me promote peace and justice? Does it distract me from what is true?

Pope Leo does not argue for ignoring or rejecting AI, but like Luther and the printing press, he urges that we remember AI is a ‘tool to use’.

There is a danger in our church of using AI to write sermons, prayers and other expressions of ministry. AI does not have a soul and is not led by the Holy Spirit to hear and learn the word of the Lord like we are. AI can be a useful tool for ministry; however, it is always exactly that: a tool that can never replace or displace people.

As people of the church in this modern world, we ask for the Holy Spirit to lead us in ways to use technologies like AI for the cause of the gospel. This is so that those who dwell in darkness discover the light and hope of the joy of salvation.

‘Not all things are beneficial’ because we bear your name.

In Christ,
Paul 

‘Lord Jesus, we belong to you,
you live in us, we live in you;
we live and work for you –
because we bear your name’