AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep offers an accessible introduction to artificial intelligence for a lay audience, focusing heavily on its implications for Christians. The book is structured with clarity, featuring summaries and discussion questions at the end of each chapter, making it a practical resource for church book studies or small group discussions. It delves into the basics of AI technology, its history, current applications, and its potential risks—all filtered through a biblical lens.

While the book is effective at explaining AI to newcomers, its insistence on interpreting the subject through Christian theology limits its universal appeal. This approach can feel, at times, like efforts to connect astrology to astronomy—there may be shared data points, but the moral framework tied to Christianity narrows the scope of its insights. The moralizing tone and exclusive connection to Christian faith make it harder to resonate with readers who approach AI from global, secular, or interfaith perspectives.

The chapters on Christian formation and ministry leadership in the age of AI offer thoughtful prompts for believers navigating this new technological landscape. However, by focusing so singularly on Christian audiences, the authors miss an opportunity to contribute ideas that could inspire a broader, more universal dialogue about ethical AI practices. Instead of fostering globally relevant conversations, the book seems designed primarily to reassure Christians about integrating AI into their worldview.

On the positive side, the book succeeds in raising awareness about the risks and benefits of AI, and it encourages readers to think critically about its role in their lives. For Christians, it may serve as a starting point for grappling with these issues. However, readers looking for a more comprehensive or globally inclusive exploration of AI ethics might find this book too narrowly focused.

This new and upcoming book release, AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep – Leading and Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence by Sean O’Callaghan; Paul A. Hoffman covers explaining what AI (artificial intelligence) is, the history of it, how it is being used, and the future of AI. Along with the pros and cons from a biblical perspective. I personally learned a lot! I recommend everyone read this or least start researching this information yourself.

The book is set up with a summary and questions at the end of each chapter, making it a great book to use in a book study group or to discuss with others. The first part of the book goes into explaining what AI is and the potential risks, along with how it is currently being used. Some of this is very worrisome, and it is beneficial for us to be aware of it so that we can be prepared and learn how to use it as Christians. The chapters on How Should Christians Be Formed and Discipled in the Age of AI & How Should Ministry Leaders Approach AI is something all churches should read and discuss.

Here are a few of my highlights I took while I read:

Artificial intelligence, with its far-reaching impacts, isn’t going away, and it will challenge us…
Sometimes, we won’t even be aware that it is running our lives, our surroundings, in the background.
AI can unearth new drugs that heal and unearth drugs that destroy human life on a massive scale.
The consumption of resources required to construct AI is altering landscapes across the globe.
Everything-including humans and all forms of technology – exists for His purposes and glory and should align with His revealed character and Word.
Humans must not over-rely on machine learning. If they do, they are in danger…
AI has the potential to make humans less human. At the same time, AI has the potential to help humans…
Technology is not neutral. It is value laden; it leads us in certain directions, and it prompts us to do or use this instead of that.
AI can develop psychological tricks to gain trust and influence, reading and manipulating our emotions and behaviors with a frightening level of depth…
One estimate is that by 2026, up to 90% of what we see on our screens will be the product of generative AI.
No space if free of AI generated noise.
We risk losing the ability to think deliberately.
How do we prepare our congregations, students, and ministers to flourish and teach others how to flourish in a world that is saturated with AI?

This is a thoughtful, thorough resource for Christians considering how to engage with AI. The authors do not take an extreme side whether Christians should or should not use AI; instead, they argue that if we engage with AI, we should do so with thought and care.

Even though this book approaches AI from a Christian perspective (the first I’ve seen to do so), the first part of the book is a great resource for anyone seeking to understand AI. The authors explain the history and different types of AI. Additionally, they discuss the implications of AI - benefits AND drawbacks - in a variety of fields. I am impressed with how many areas of life they explore, from medicine to media to missions (and more).

When the authors deepen their exploration of AI from a Christian perspective, I find their assertion uniquely thoughtful and convincing. They argue that humanity should be valued (over AI) as God’s special, beloved creation, designed for reasoning and relationship - even if we don’t do either perfectly. This certainly applies to discipleship relationships.

Additionally, as an educator, I find Chapter 5 especially useful, particularly its assertion that deep reading like lectio divina can be done with any text.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. It is well-written and well-researched, highly informative while remaining accessible (including fun pop culture references).
Though this is a relatively short text, I know I will return to it often; it is a rich resource with a lot of ideas to consider and further explore. I appreciate that there are reflection questions at the end of each chapter. The topic of AI certainly merits a lot of reflection, and that’s something AI can’t do for us.

Thank you to NetGalley and Baker for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.