A book published version of the Journal of Christian Studies volume 5, issue 1.

This theme of this issue of JCS (vol. 5, issue 1) is "Artificial Intelligence and the Church."

The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) presents unique challenges to Christian ministry and discipleship. This volume in the Journal of Christian Studies series explores questions of the use of AI in the church and Christian Discipleship. This collection of essays offers philosophically informed and theologically sensitive contributions that address one or more of the following questions: What is artificial intelligence (AI)? What should the average layman know about AI? What are the benefits and dangers for society? As for the risks, what can and cannot actually happen? What are the implications of AI for the church and its ministries, for human intelligence and relationships? Should we invite AI into the church and into our homes? Contributors:

Kenan Casey, Matthew Sokoloski, Loren Warf, Wesley Baker (all from Freed-Hardeman University), "Even the Bots Cry Out: A Case Study on the Use of ChatGPT for Spiritual Reflection"

Matthew B. Crawford (Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture, University of Virginia), "AI as Self-Erasure"

Daniel Crouch (Harding University), "Artificial Assistance, Spiritual Impediment: AI Chatbots and the Risk to Human Flourishing"

Ethan Laster (Oklahoma Christian University), "Knowing (Digitally) as We Are Known: AI, Prayer, and the Goal of Theology"

Nicholas A. Lewis (Mosaic Church of Rolla) and Daniel Shank (Missouri University of Science and Technology), "Artificial Intelligence as Tools and Mirrors for Ministers"

Keith D. Stanglin (Center for Christian Studies; Harding School of Theology), "AI in Congregational Ministry: Human Nature and the Significance of Process and Product"

Additional Essay:

ChatGPT (GPT-5), "Artificial Intelligence in the Church: A Christian Appraisal of Advantages, Disadvantages, Benefits, and Risks"