Should Christians be scared of AI?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Christians do not need to fear AI because God remains sovereign over history, raising up and removing all things according to His will (Daniel 2:21; Ephesians 1:11). Scripture reminds us that we are not given a spirit of fear but of power, love, and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). This allows us to anchor our response to all things including AI in confidence rather than anxiety. Even if technology is used for evil in a fallen world under Satan’s influence (1 John 5:19), God is greater than any force at work (1 John 4:4). While some speculate about AI’s role in future deception or control (Revelation 13:15–17), Scripture tells us not to be alarmed by such developments but to remain watchful and steady (Matthew 24:6, 42). Instead of fear, we are called to practice discernment, testing everything and holding fast to what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:21). In every advancement, we are anchored to God, our Rock, who is working all things for His purposes and for the eternal good of those who belong to Him (Romans 8:28).

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• New technology can be scary because flawed human beings often use it for evil rather than good. But though technology may change, fear has always been present. Believers should handle fear as David did: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me?” (Psalm 56:3–4). God is greater than every enemy.
• We can trust God even in the face of technologies with immense potential and danger. As the One who controls history (Daniel 2:21), He governs all developments, including new technologies.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The apostle John wrote, “We know … the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19; cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4). This includes technology and much more. This is why Paul advised us on how to stand strong in spiritual warfare: "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil" (Ephesians 6:11).
• Every account of demon posession in Scripture is either people (Mark 5:1–13) or animals (Matthew 8:31–32) being possessed. That doesn’t mean demons can’t possess technology, but the biblical pattern is possession of creatures.
• With AI’s seeming “human-like” capacity for reasoning, people fear that Satan may be infiltrating or even orchestrating the technology. But John reminded his readers that the Spirit in believers is greater than Satan’s influence (1 John 4:4). While we do not see the spiritual realm, we have the promise that nothing in it will thwart God’s plans.
• God is bringing history to a head where there will be a one-world government (Revelation 13:1–8) and the rise of satanically influenced leaders (2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, 9–10). Some believe AI might be be capable of creating an image that speaks and directs worship to the beast (Revelation 13:15–17). Even if this were so, believers shouldn't fear because God is still in control (Ephesians 1:11).
• God’s plan is beyond that final rebellion to the final destruction of all evil systems and the capture and final destruction of the beasts and Satan (Revelation 19:20; Revelation 20:10). Additionally, God has promised that not even death will stop us from spending eternity with Him, with Jesus personally guaranteeing that nothing can take us out of His hand (John 10:28–29; cf. Romans 8:38–39).
• How, then, should we view AI? The same as we view the rest of the world’s teaching. We verify every truth claim it makes against Scripture, discarding anything bad (1 Thessalonians 5:21). And we heed Jesus’ advice not be alert (Matthew 24:42–43) but not alarmed (Matthew 24:6).
• As Paul wrote to Timothy, “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7), so we approach everything, trusting God through it all.

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Artificial intelligence can seem like magic. In seconds, it can create your vacation itinerary, summarize the lab report of your bloodwork, and help you figure out how to fix the blue tooth connection on your ear buds. AI is a tool to be used for good or evil. That may not be reassuring considering humanity's track record.

But believers shouldn't allow fear to rule us, whether about AI or anything else. God is greater than the Satan and any of his demons (1 John 4:4). While we can be harmed by evil men and women in this world, we can never be eternally lost (Romans 8:38–39).

As we, as a society, begin to integrate and consider AI’s potential, we can pray that God will graciously restrain humanity so that AI’s worst-case potential for evil is never realized. We can also look back at history and be encouraged by remembering how He has kept humanity from destroying itself despite its evil bent. That doesn’t mean great damage hasn’t occurred (such as nuclear bombs) or that great harm may not be in our future. What it does mean is that we are anchored to the immovable Rock who has promised never to leave or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5), and who is working out all things to the believer’s eternal good (Romans 8:28).

UNDERSTAND

• Artificial intelligence is a human technology operating in a fallen world and can communicate both truth and falsehood depending on how it is used.
• Christians need not fear new technologies because God remains sovereign over all.
• The proper biblical response to AI is discernment.

REFLECT

• When you encounter new technologies or cultural developments that seem unsettling, how does remembering God’s sovereignty over everything affect the way you respond?
• How do you ensure that fear of cultural change doesn't distract you from the confidence Scripture calls you to have in Christ’s protection and promises?
• What practical steps help you evaluate information (from AI or any other source) through the lens of Scripture?

ENGAGE

• What biblical principles should guide Christians as they evaluate emerging technologies that did not exist when Scripture was written?
• How might future technological developments intersect with biblical descriptions of global deception and political control in the end times, and how can we respond?
• In what ways can we thoughtfully encourage the wise use of tools like artificial intelligence while guarding against spiritual deception?