The vast majority of evangelicals believe artificial intelligence is simply a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or for evil.
However, 7 out of 10 evangelicals admit being concerned about the future because of AI, and about the same proportion believe AI is dangerous.
These findings and more come from the latest report by Infinity Concepts and Grey Matter Research, Artificial Intelligence: An Evangelical Perspective. Researchers surveyed 1,039 evangelicals to find out how they view AI.
Key Findings:
- 25% view AI positively, 38% negatively, 28% neutral
- 56% believe AI will positively impact workplace efficiency
- 60% predict a negative effect on job availability
- 78% predict at least one negative effect from AI among nine areas presented, but 76% predict at least one positive effect.
- Opinions are split on AI’s impact on public safety, Bible study, the economy, creativity, and faith
- 78% are concerned that people will become mentally lazy due to AI
- 55% believe that AI will eventually become smarter than humans
- Only 22% have formed strong opinions about how AI is being used today
- Just 11% strongly believe churches can make good use of AI.
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“The evangelical perspective on artificial intelligence is one of cautious optimism, tempered by legitimate concerns about the future,” said Ron Sellers, president of Grey Matter Research. “There is an undeniable potential for AI to transform our world for the better, yet the reservations among evangelicals, whether deeply informed or not, signal the need for a thoughtful and ethical approach to AI development.”
The study reveals a correlation between AI knowledge and positive perception. Among evangelicals who feel well-informed about AI, 55% view AI positively, compared to just 25% of those who are less informed.
Mark Dreistadt, president and CEO of Infinity Concepts, poses a crucial question: “Will the church passively observe AI’s development or actively engage in shaping it with Christian ethics? The church stands at a crossroads.
“It can either passively observe the unfolding AI landscape or actively engage in shaping the ethical and moral framework around the use of AI. The challenge is before us…how will we respond?”
