Made in Our Image
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Description
Artificial intelligence is coming. And this tech revolution, perhaps more than any such revolution that’s gone before, will change the world. No life will be left untouched.
How do Christians navigate their way through these momentous changes? What does Christianity have to say about this brave new world? What will living for Jesus look like in a world where humans, made in God’s image, coexist with intelligent machines made in our image?
Author, pastor and self-confessed ‘tech realist’ Stephen Driscoll sets out to answer those questions with a deep dive into the intersection of faith and technology. Avoiding the extremes of both the tech worshippers and the ‘doomers’, Driscoll offers accessible and illuminating insights into the nature of AI, along with practical tips on how Christians might use this technology for good. Most of all, he shows how the deepest structures of biblical thought will equip Christians to live with AI.
This book is a must-read for tech-savvy optimists and sceptics alike.
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Table of contents
- 1. Waiting for the future: The (latest) technological revolution
- 2. More than a calculator: Understanding artificial intelligence
- 3. Identity implosion: Creation and artificial intelligence
- 4. Less dead than the others: Sin and artificial intelligence
- 5. Intellect overthrown: The cross and artificial intelligence
- 6. Drawn together in love: The new creation and artificial intelligence
- 7. Concluding thoughts: On the wise use of artificial intelligence
- Appendix: Technology and our changing society
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About the author
Stephen Driscoll studied at Moore College, The University of Sydney, and the University of NSW, and has worked for the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students and in investing roles with a few banks. He loves training and teaching students and ministry apprentices from the Bible about all sorts of topics. He is married to Lauren, and they have two young children.
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Commendations
Emergent large-language model AI will be one of the most disruptive technological developments in the history of humanity. In Made in Our Image, Stephen Driscoll does not take a simplistic proof-texting or moralistic approach, but shows how the deep structures of biblical thought and the unfolding of redemption history equip us for this disruption. Driscoll is masterful in bringing together theology, science, history, economics, sociology, politics and ethics. At the same time, Made in Our Image is very approachable for the non-academic. An exceptional and important book.
—Mikey Lynch, Editorial Director, The Gospel Coalition Australia; Campus Director, University Fellowship of Christians, University of Tasmania; Author, The Vine Movement and The Good Life in the Last DaysSometimes the right book comes along at the right time. Stephen Driscoll’s Made in Our Image is just such a book. Filled with awareness of the topic, the book engages richly with timeless biblical truth to chart a way forward in responding to a complex issue in a way that will honour Jesus and love others. If you’re looking for a biblically informed and technologically aware response to an issue that is shaping our world right now, this book should be at the very top of your list.
—Paul Grimmond, Dean of Students, Moore Theological College, Sydney; Author, When the Noise Won’t Stop and Right Side UpIf you want a short, engaging, insightful and theologically discerning book on the technological revolution that will be more influential than the internet, it is in your hands. Enjoy!
—Richard Chin, National Director, Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students; Author, Captivated by Christ and How to Read the Bible BetterThe rise of AI technology has enormous implications for all of us—not only for how we live and work, but also for how we understand what it means to be human. Christians need to be equipped to grasp the issues and to navigate the waters ahead. In this book, Stephen Driscoll provides us with a highly valuable resource for doing just that. He describes the nature of the technology in an accessible but highly informative way, insightfully outlines the challenges the technology raises for us, and then applies a deeply biblical framework—creation, sin, the cross of Jesus Christ, and new creation—to help us address these challenges. The book is biblical and practical, full of insights into many ways the gospel of the Lord Jesus shows us how to live in light of this increasingly pervasive technology.
—Lionel Windsor, New Testament Lecturer, Moore Theological College, Sydney; Author, Truth Be Told and Gospel Speech OnlineStephen Driscoll is no empty-headed Pollyanna, mindlessly praising technology in all its forms. But neither is he a panicked Chicken Little, shrieking at us to go churn our own butter. Instead, this book is nuanced and careful. But don’t think that makes it boring. Made in Our Image is interesting. But more than that, it’s important, and it will make you think. It’s a book about theology as much as it is about technology.
—Craig Hamilton, Senior Minister, Pitt Town Church, Sydney; Author, Made Man and Wisdom in Leadership -
Reviews
JJames H.
AI will only become bigger and more complex over time, so I appreciate the breadth and depth that Driscoll brings to help us understand AI. The book engages with different spheres, providing a historical backdrop of technology and the future potential of AI.
Despite the vastness of the topic, I never felt the need for more information, nor did I feel overwhelmed. This book is ingeniously written with a healthy dose of Driscoll’s humour.
With this understanding and background of technology and AI, Driscoll weaves a Biblical narrative and framework that brings the gospel to bear in our understanding of AI and how humans fit into a world filled with technology. It is not just a great reminder of gospel truths; Driscoll is also deeply pastoral and hopeful in pointing us to the hope and joy found in the gospel of Jesus.
"Made in Our Image" is a great resource and a strong reminder to fix our eyes on the kingdom of God and living in light of the promises to come.
I highly recommend this book to everyone, whether you are towards the sceptical side of AI or towards the end of embracing it fully.
JJonathan M.Really good content
JJohn M.Stephen has provided a very helpful explanation of the development of AI and the massive impact it will have - is having -on our world. The best part however is the fact that Stephen has done this in the context of a Biblical perspective and in doing this, has provided great insight into the Christian view of personal identity - never more important with IA implications but helpful for everyone.
BBarry J.A very interesting and helpful book about Artificail Intelligence from a Christian view. I much enjoyed the way he frames the I.A. path we are all on and how as a Christian we can deal with it. For older Christians we can understand where he is coming from because of the way the world has handled previous "new" technologies and diffent viewpoints including the worldly view.
I found this very helpful.CCarolyn A.This was a fascinating read that had me swinging between "Wow! Can AI really do that?" to "Oh no! Could AI really do that?" to "Praise God for our identity, hope and eternity in Him."
Stephen Driscoll shows that he is well up-to-date with AI, both in the present and the possibilities it holds for the future. He presents a balanced account of the good and bad of AI. However, his placement of AI alongside creation, sin, the cross and the new creation provides the reader with a firm Biblical response to AI in our world today.
I would love for everybody to read this book but especially every parent, pastor, youth worker and teacher. Fortunately I bought two, so I gave a copy to my son who is a parent, teacher and camp leader!
Details
ISBN | 9781922980199 |
Format | Book |
Series | |
Chapters | 7 |
Pages | [200] |
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