Practice
AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep Leading and Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Sean O’Callaghan and Paul A. Hoffman Foreword by A. Trevor Sutton Since ChatGPT burst into the public consciousness in 2022, AI has thoroughly infiltrated everyday life. Machines can now take on work once thought to be solely the domain of human beings—from writing college essays to composing worship music. How should Christians respond to this brave new technology? In this accessible introduction to AI, Sean O’Callaghan and Paul Hoffman explore its social and ethical impacts for ministry and teaching. The authors shed light on the biblical vision for human flourishing—and on how AI can help or hinder that flourishing. Avoiding both alarmism and uncritical acceptance, O’Callaghan and Hoffman offer resources and practical tools for using AI in our classrooms and congregations. “In this significant work O’Callaghan and Hoffman guide Christian leaders biblically, theologically, and practically on this life-alter- ing development called AI. AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep is a well-researched and pioneering book that gives us a clear road map to begin understanding and navigating this ever-changing technological age.” —Matthew D. Kim, Baylor University; author of Preaching with Cultural Intelligence “When it comes to AI, this book deletes the algorithms of both alarmist and utopian thinking. The authors combine deep insights about theology and technology, all with a heart no machine can replicate. Whether the prospect of artificial intelligence exhila - rates you or terrifies you, this book will make you think. ” —Russell Moore, editor in chief, Christianity Today “This meticulous work presents us with a biblical-theological framework for addressing the challenges AI poses to communi- ties, education, church ministry, the meaning of being human, and moral practices. It cogently explains why AI should not be rejected outright and how it can be critically engaged and received with thanksgiving.” —Ximian Xu, University of Cambridge “Working through the lens of the biblical story, O’Callaghan and Hoffman sketch a Christian approach to AI that is theologically informed, philosophically thoughtful, and yet eminently practical. A clear, wise, and timely resource, with particular relevance for educators and pastors.” —Derek C. Schuurman , professor of computer science, Calvin University
MARCH 2025 • 208 pp. • paper • $24.99 • 9781540968012
Sean O’Callaghan (PhD, University of Liverpool) is associate professor of religious and theological studies at Salve Regina University, where he also serves as a coordinator of the AI Initiative. He previously served as director of the PhD program in humanities and technology and is currently a faculty member in that program. Paul A. Hoffman (PhD, University of Manchester) is senior pastor of Evangelical Friends Church of Newport, Rhode Island. He also teaches courses on preaching at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
ALSO BY THE AUTHOR PREACHING TO A DIVIDED NATION 9781540964748 • $24.99p
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