Trinity Western’s School of the Arts, Media + Culture (SAMC) recently held an AI unconference in collaboration with the Christianity and Communication Studies Network (CCSN) looking to explore faith-filled social interaction in a shifting media landscape
The unconference was a Christian faith-infused, transdisciplinary conversation that aimed to explore the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) in all segments of public and private life. Dr. Scott Macklin and Dr. Kevin Schut were the lead facilitators of the event.
Keynote presenters included Dr. Derek Schuurman, professor of computer science at Calvin University, and Dr. Chase Mitchell, assistant professor of media and communication at East Tennessee State University. Panelists included filmmaker and podcast producer Sarey Martin Concepción.
About the event
The event was aimed at undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, staff, alumni, community constituents and anyone interested in exploring the implications of AI in all segments of public and private life, specifically in the Christian context.
The unconference featured keynote speakers and round-table discussions that were designed to engage participants in thought-provoking conversations and inspiring reflections.
As an unconference, the focus was on unscripted, informal exchanges in small groups that revolved around topics of shared interest. The event served as a platform for sharing research, experiences, and practical applications related to AI in the realms of art, music, business, education, science, and more.
It fostered collaboration among scholars and practitioners interested in exploring the intersections of Christianity, technology, and various disciplines.
Finally, this year’s encounter served as a generative mechanism to produce a transmedia suite of artefacts (e.g., a book, podcasts, videos, framing guides, etc.)
Thoughtful reflection and engagement
As Christians, we joyfully celebrate all the benefits the tools of communication afford as part of God’s wondrous gifts of creation. At the same time, because these tools are formed from the earth’s resources and human design, they suffer the effects of humanity’s fall into sin.
We thus recognize the importance of faith-filled responses to AI that integrate a biblical worldview and include questions such as:
- What does it mean for AI to be rooted in God’s good-created order, and how does this affect the Church’s communication with the world?
- How can AI help us grow in love for God, ourselves, our neighbour, and the environment?
- What biblical values, norms, and virtues are important for the responsible and ethical use of AI?
- Additionally, as AI continues to expand and become more capable of doing things that previously only humans could do, how does it affect our humanness?
- In what ways are people distinct from machines? In essence, what does it mean to be fully human, or image bearers created in the image of God (Gen. 1:26–28), in the age of AI?
Fostering dialogue
The overarching goal of the encounter was to foster the start of a dialogue around these and other key questions that integrate biblical teachings, theological perspectives, and Christian ethics with cutting-edge AI advancements.
By acknowledging the affordances and constraints of AI, we can proactively address the potential ramifications on human creativity, spirituality, and societal well-being.
Our faith in Christ compels us to explore how AI can be harnessed to foster human flourishing while also being vigilant against its potential misuse.
Together, we can envision a hopeful future where AI serves as a tool to enhance human creativity, expression, and innovation in obedience to God.
