As Christians who have the mind (Phil. 2:5) and the Spirit (Eph. 1:13) of Christ, we can use technology in a way that acknowledges the Lordship of Christ and furthers his kingdom. Christ came feeding the hungry, and with technology, we have reduced the global undernourishment rate dramatically in the last 60. Christ came healing the sick, and over the last decades, infant mortality, maternal mortality, and deaths from cancer, tuberculosis, and malaria have all fallen dramatically.

This is the first in a four-part series that looks at the theological foundations for a faithful response to AI in Christian schools. This post is an excerpt from Paul Matthews’ book A Time To Lead.

“Where on earth do I even start?”

This is one of the most common sentiments I hear as I work with schools to help them navigate the problems and possibilities of artificial intelligence.

As Christian educators, our response to AI should begin with the most foundational Christian creed: Christ is Lord.

The gospel writer Matthew concluded his account of Jesus’ life by focusing on his lordship. In the prologue to The Great Commission (a blue-ribbon Christian education text), Christ states, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me”  (Matt. 28:18, ESV).

Before Jesus gives the apostles their marching orders, he fixes their gaze on his authority over all things. His lordship is their orientation as they seek to make disciples of all nations and teach them obedience to Christ. Their worldview was not to be decisively shaped by the social climate, political landscape, or marketplace gossip; it was to be shaped by Christ’s lordship.

Put simply, the disciples’ great commission was to be grounded in a great disposition: a joyful awareness of the limitless, heaven-and-earth-encompassing authority of Jesus. As their commission is ours, so ought their disposition be ours.

As we seek to lead our students, our schools, and ourselves into a world infused with AI, we shouldn’t fix our gaze on the news, our social media feed, or keynote speeches from big tech companies. We fix our eyes on the ruling and reigning Christ who, in the words of Abraham Kuyper, has a rightful claim over all things, including technology.

As we navigate our way through emerging technologies, we must live, work, and walk under the Lordship of Christ. It is to be our north star, our founding principle. Not only is this disposition biblically faithful; it is profoundly practical. It will help us avoid two key errors.

Living Under Lordship Will Give Us Freedom from Fear

Rapid technological change can give us a profound sense of fear.

We have no idea what lies ahead, and we feel ill-equipped for what we may encounter. This fear is common among Christians, with author Tony Reinke arguing that “in the church, fear is winning out over faith when it comes to technology.” Fear of the unknown is an instinct we must confront with supernatural truth.

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