Enoch Wan, Karen Hedinger, Mark Hedinger.
The mission of God (missio Dei) regarding this world
is highly connected with communication. The people
of God are called to teach (Matthew 28:20), and to
reprove, rebuke and exhort (2 Tim 4:2). The narrative
examples of the Book of Acts point us to teaching in
homes and in public (Acts 20:20). Jesus was known for
His teaching (John 13:13), and for the gracious words
that fell from His lips (Luke 4:2). Perhaps most impor
tantly for us, Jesus’ words were “Spirit and life” (John
6:63).
The missio Dei is tightly connected with the idea of
communication. Yet we also experience the reality
that communication is not all God-honoring. We must
use care to avoid “any unwholesome talk” (Ephesians
4:29). Peter warns against false teachers who will
introduce destructive heresies and will exploit Chris
tians with “fabricated stories” (2 Peter 2:1-3).
Communication, in short, can be God-honoring and
approached in ways that honor God and spread His
truth. Communication can also be misused for private
gain and to spread harmful half-truths or untruths.
Communication can be aimed at that which builds up
in truth (Ephesians 4:29); yet it can also be aimed at
“fabricated stories.”
A new element has entered the realm of human
communication – the technology we call Artificial In
telligence (AI). In this article we explore the theologi
cal and missional impacts of generative AI, from now
on referred to as AI, on our view of Christian commu
nication. We will do this by first examining the nature
of communication. We will then consider the nature
of AI. With those foundations in place, we will consid
er the use/misuse of AI in several aspects of Christian
ministry and mission. Finally, the article will end with
a practical application of wise and unwise uses of this
growing technology.
Relational Realism for Christian Ministry 關係論與基督教事工 