AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep
Leading and Teaching in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
by Sean O'Callaghan; Paul A. Hoffman
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Pub Date 18 Mar 2025 | Archive Date 1 Apr 2025
Baker Academic & Brazos Press | Baker Academic
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Description
In this accessible introduction to AI, Sean O'Callaghan and Paul Hoffman explore its social and ethical impacts for ministry and teaching. The authors shed light on the biblical vision for human flourishing--and on how AI can help or hinder that flourishing. Avoiding both alarmism and uncritical acceptance, O'Callaghan and Hoffman offer resources and practical tools for using AI in our classrooms and congregations.
AI can write a generic three-point sermon, but it cannot replace an authentic encounter between humans and the divine. In a time of cultural confusion, O'Callaghan and Hoffman encourage readers to embrace the clarity found in the gospel. The book includes a foreword by A. Trevor Sutton.
Advance Praise
“When it comes to AI, this book deletes the algorithms of both alarmist and utopian thinking. The authors combine deep insights about both theology and technology, all with a heart no machine can replicate. Whether the prospect of artificial intelligence exhilarates you or terrifies you, this book will make you think.”—Russell Moore, editor in chief, Christianity Today
“Artificial intelligence is something I never envisioned would be a universal topic in the church or in theological education. Thankfully, in this significant work O’Callaghan and Hoffman guide Christian leaders biblically, theologically, and practically on this life-altering development called AI. While we do not know what the future holds in this digital world, we do know the One who holds the future. AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep is a well-researched and pioneering book that gives us a clear road map to begin understanding and navigating this ever-changing technological age.”—Matthew D. Kim, professor of preaching and pastoral leadership, George W. Truett Endowed Chair of Preaching and Evangelism, Truett Theological Seminary, Baylor University; author of Preaching with Cultural Intelligence
“The hype surrounding AI, fueled by science fiction and film, has spread through social media and shaped our understanding of this emerging technology. While all this attention reflects the enthusiasm many people hold for AI, it has sparked fears and concerns as well. How can Christians respond to both the hype and the fear? O’Callaghan and Hoffman’s meticulous work presents us with a biblical-theological framework for addressing the challenges AI poses to communities, education, church ministry, the meaning of being human, and moral practices. This book cogently explains why AI should not be rejected outright and how it can be critically engaged and received with thanksgiving.”—Ximian Xu, Duncan Forrester Fellow, University of Edinburgh
“Working through the lens of the biblical story, O’Callaghan and Hoffman sketch a Christian approach to AI that is theologically informed, philosophically thoughtful, and yet eminently practical. A clear, wise, and timely resource, with particular relevance for educators and pastors.”—Derek C. Schuurman, professor of computer science, Calvin University
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781540968012 |
| PRICE | US$24.99 (USD) |
| PAGES | 208 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Reviewer 1168388
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.
