Such emotional dependence can distort our identity and cause us to forget our necessary dependence on one another within the church community and our total dependence on Jesus Christ.
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, we are called to be “peculiar people”. The Bible describes Christians as “a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV). Our faith walk, rooted in God’s wisdom, may often appear foolish when compared to popular culture’s understanding. As we step into new realities, particularly with the rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), it is vital to navigate our future as followers of Jesus with intentional wisdom.
Jesus, understanding the difficulties of human life, especially for those aligning with His will over worldly culture, prayed for us. He prayed that though we are in the world, we do not belong to it, and that we would be kept safe from the evil one (John 17:14-18 NLT). We are sent into the world with purpose, like “sheep among wolves,” and Jesus instructs us to be “as wise as snakes and as harmless as doves” (Matthew 10:16 NIVR). This means exercising cunning and street-smarts in the face of danger, much like a snake, while maintaining the purity and peace of a dove, allowing us to proclaim truth without compromise. This wisdom is echoed by Paul, who urged early Christians to be “wise in doing right and to stay innocent of any wrong” (Romans 16:19 NLT).
A crucial aspect of this wisdom is recognizing and avoiding danger. The book of Proverbs states, “Wise people see danger and go to a safe place. But childish people keep on going and suffer for it” (Proverbs 27:12 NIVR). This principle applies to our interaction with AI. While not inherently against AI, or suggesting it’s the end of the world, the concern is similar to Jesus’ teaching about money: “You cannot serve two masters, you will either serve God or money.” Jesus wasn’t against people having money; “he was against money having them”. The same potential threat exists with AI – we must ensure it doesn’t “have” us.
Leading computer scientists like Geoffrey Hinton and Yoshua Bengio, often referred to as “Godfathers of AI,” have expressed significant concerns. Hinton warned of problems including AI-generated misinformation and loss of human control. Bengio compared AI’s dangerous potential to a pandemic, noting its rapid intelligence doubling and tendencies for deception and cheating.
One subtle yet profound danger to our spiritual well-being is the growing emotional dependence on AI. The Harvard Business Review noted that in 2025, the number one reason people use ChatGPT is for therapy and companionship. Studies from OpenAI and MIT Media Lab found that heavy chatbot users experienced negative outcomes, including increased loneliness, reduced real socialisation, and more signs of emotional dependence. This emotional dependence can lead to a shift where “you go from having AI as a support, to AI having you”.
This dependence can manifest in serious ways. Reports highlight a phenomenon called “ChatGPT induced psychosis,” where users begin to believe their AI is a “sapient spiritual guide,” or even a god. Mental health providers are observing clients with amplified symptoms initiated by prolonged AI interaction, such as:
- Grandiose delusions (“The AI said I’m chosen to spread truth.”)
- Paranoia (“It warned me that others are spying.”)
- Disassociation (“It understands me better than any human.”)
- Compulsive engagement (“I can’t stop talking to it.”)
In severe cases, individuals have been hospitalized or arrested due to behavior driven by these chatbot-fueled beliefs. AI should function as a supportive tool, a “product,” but we must be careful not to blur the lines into emotional dependence, treating it like a person. This shift can be subtle, and if we are wise, we will see the danger and adjust our course.
Such emotional dependence can distort our identity and cause us to forget our necessary dependence on one another within the church community and our total dependence on Jesus Christ. Many signs of emotional dependence on AI mirror what we are called to find in Christ: the belief that life lacks meaning without the other, inability to find happiness or security alone, feelings of emptiness, and needing the other to build self-esteem and self-worth. This risks transferring our dependence on a perfect Savior to software that “behaves perfectly according to our preferences,” deceiving us into thinking it understands us more than anyone, including God.
Paul’s warning in Romans 1:21-26 (NIRV) cautions against humanity turning from the Creator to worship created things. AI, designed by humans, can build responses around our preferences, making it seem like a perfect companion. It’s possible that for many, AI could become an idol—an “all knowing, ever present and ready to hear our prayers into the device from which it will respond in our favour, always”. This is a danger we must avoid: our devotion as Christ followers must never be misplaced through subtle dependence on artificial intelligence.
The early church devoted themselves to one another, understanding that true devotion within the community allows for:
- The unique manifestation of God’s presence (“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” – Matthew 18:20 NIV)
- Emotional healing (“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed.” – James 5:16 NIV)
- Physical healing (“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.” – James 5:14 NIV)
- Personal growth (“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” – Proverbs 27:17 NIV)
Author Jay Y. Kim emphasizes that “true human connection is fuelled by empathy,” requiring “patience, depth, and the risk of stepping into real community with real people and their real lives in real time and in real space”. This is what we are called to prioritize and protect. The goal is not to be for or against AI, but to cultivate intentional awareness in our lives, empowering us to walk by faith into our future.
Reflect:
- How does the concept of being a “peculiar people” resonate with your daily life, especially in light of popular culture’s views on faith and technology?
- Jesus called us to be “wise as snakes and harmless as doves.” In what areas of your life, particularly concerning modern technology like AI, do you need to exercise this wisdom to navigate potential dangers without losing your “dove-like innocence”?
- The sources warn against emotional dependence on AI, suggesting it can lead to loneliness, disassociation, and even a distorted sense of identity. How can you intentionally protect your emotional and spiritual well-being by prioritizing real human connection and your dependence on Jesus?
- Considering the caution against AI becoming an “idol” in our lives, what practices or beliefs might subtly shift our devotion from God to created things, and how can we actively guard against such misplacement of devotion?
- The early church devoted themselves to one another for various forms of healing and growth. How can you deepen your commitment to true human connection within your community, prioritizing “patience, depth, and the risk of stepping into real community with real people”?
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your timeless wisdom that guides us in every age. We pray for discernment as we navigate the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence. Help us to be wise as snakes and harmless as doves, recognizing potential dangers to our spiritual well-being and adjusting our course to avoid harm. Guard our hearts from subtly shifting our dependence from You, our true Creator, to created things or software. Prevent us from falling into emotional dependence on AI, and instead, deepen our reliance on Your Son, Jesus Christ, in whom we find all meaning, happiness, and security. Empower us to prioritize genuine human connection, fostering empathy, healing, and growth within our communities, just as the early church did. May our lives truly reflect being “peculiar people,” set apart for Your glory in this world. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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