While vast majorities still consider humans better at personal tasks, almost a third of Christian adults (32 percent) believe that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is better or equal to humans in writing and developing sermons vocalizing the word of God, according to a nationwide survey of Christian and non-Christian adults in the United States.
The startling research result was disclosed on Tuesday by Barna Group, a Dallas-based research and resource company focused on faith and culture, and Gloo, a leading technology platform envisioned with connecting the faith ecosystem.
The survey evaluated the views of 656 Christian adults and 1,072 general adults in the U.S. in the period of May 21 to 31. Researchers used an online panel to help collect data and employed a quote random sampling methodology.
“We know from our recent research findings that most people, not just Christians, are navigating where and when to use AI in alignment with their personal values,” said Steele Billings, head of AI at Gloo. “It’s no surprise that most Christian adults believe ministry tasks requiring a personal touch should be done by humans.
“But what may be surprising to most ministry leaders is that many Christians are optimistic about using AI beyond just everyday administrative tasks.”
Results of the survey revealed a mixed response to whether Christian humans or AI could perform certain tasks better. The question that was put to believers was, “Which do you feel AI could do better, and which do you feel a human could do better?”
Most respondents preferred humans to AI for spiritual counseling (86%) and mental health counseling (84%). However, AI received a two-third approval rate (67%) for administrative tasks, such as for planning and scheduling, compared to humans.
More than half (53 percent) also responded that AI was able to organize music setlists better, or equal to, humans.
The survey also showed that half of Christians (50 percent) perceive AI as better or equivalent in its ability to giving church budgeting advice.
Meanwhile, the survey results for general U.S. adults revealed that half (44%) approve of AI-generated literature and younger people (61%) believe AI can contribute to the fields of art, music and storytelling, amongst other survey results.
“The research shows gradual but dynamic shifts in how individuals engage with this technology from ethical considerations to a desire for greater competency in its use,” said Ashley Ekmay, lead researcher at Barna. “As AI continues to evolve, there are signs that people are increasingly grappling with its implications.”
Recognizing the potential benefits AI could bring to the Church, Gloo is organizing a second annual ‘AI & the Church Hackathon’ for IT professionals interested in exploring how AI can provide practical solutions for ministry, as Christian Daily International reported earlier. The event that will be held in Boulder, Colorado from Sept. 13 to 15 will feature prominent guests, including Pat Gelsinger, Intel CEO and Bobby Gruenewald, CEO of YouVersion.
