‘AI disrupts traditional categories.’

by Barrie Mahoney 17th January 2025

This article was primarily written for and published in the Quaker publication, 'The Friend'. I am including it here, since it is a current subject that many are asking questions about.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of life. This raises profound ethical, philosophical and spiritual questions. Quakers emphasise direct experience of the divine and seek ‘that of God’ in everyone, but AI poses a unique challenge: can this technology be understood or accepted as part of the sacred?

AI disrupts traditional categories; it operates on algorithms rather than intuition or spiritual insight. Can a machine embody ‘that of God’? AI’s capacity to streamline tasks, reduce inefficiencies, and optimise resources use, might align with the testimony of simplicity. And AI can help address societal challenges like climate change by improving energy efficiency. But the consumer nature of AI innovations can also foster materialism and distraction.

AI also has significant implications for peace, as it is both a tool for fostering understanding and a weapon of conflict. Although AI can be used to resolve disputes, analyse conflict zones, and predict violence, the rise of autonomous weaponry challenges our commitment to nonviolence.

There’s more: for Quakers, honesty and truth are vital, yet AI systems often operate independently, with decisions made through processes that even their creators struggle to explain. We should call for AI systems to prioritise integrity, ensuring that they are used ethically, without deception or manipulation, and in ways that reflect human values.

Quakerism emphasises community and equality, both of which are challenged and enriched by AI. AI can foster connections, break down barriers, and provide access to information for underserved populations. But its deployment often exacerbates inequality, favouring those with access to technology. We should ask whether AI serves the broader community or entrenches systemic inequities.

The question of whether AI can be seen as ‘that of God’ challenges us to expand our theological boundaries. As a human creation, AI lacks the qualities that Friends associate with the divine: consciousness, love, and the capacity for spiritual transformation. Some may argue that AI, as a tool created by humans, reflects the creativity and ingenuity that stem from God. AI could be understood as an extension of human effort to co-create with the divine. Others may be more cautious, emphasising the potential for misuse.

If AI serves humanity in ways that align with Quaker values, it may be a reflection of divine will. Conversely, if AI deepens divisions, fosters harm, or undermines spiritual growth, it may be viewed in opposition to the divine.

So, the rise of AI is not merely a technological issue but a spiritual one. It calls for deep reflection, prayer, and discernment. How can Friends engage with AI in ways that uphold our values? Our approach to AI will involve careful consideration, a commitment to ethical use, and a willingness to adapt as new insights emerge. In the end, AI may not embody ‘that of God’ in itself, but it challenges Quakers, and humanity, to reflect on how technology can be used to manifest the divine in the world.

To find out more about Barrie and his books, blogs and podcasts, go to: http://barriemahoney.com/

Barrie’s books are available from Amazon, Waterstones and most bookshops. Kindle versions are also available.

© Barrie Mahoney 2025