Is artificial intelligence deepening our spiritual lives, or quietly replacing faith with something else? In this thought-provoking episode of Seek Go Create, host Tim Winders sits down with Dr. Drew Dickens—a theologian and expert on AI’s impact on spirituality—to explore where faith, technology, and discernment collide. With engaging stories, deep questions, and real-world examples, they discuss the risks, rewards, and ethical implications of AI for Christian leaders and everyday believers. If you’ve been curious—or even cautious—about how technology is shaping your faith journey, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

"We are all neck deep in AI right now. Should we be afraid of it? We should be discerning." - Dr. Drew Dickens

Access all show and episode resources HERE

About Our Guest:

Dr. Drew Dickens is a distinguished theologian and expert on the intersection of artificial intelligence and spirituality. With a doctorate in theological anthropology, Dr. Dickens has conducted groundbreaking research on how technology shapes our connection with God. His professional background includes leading roles in both business and ministry, and he has written extensively about the crossroads of theology and technology. Known for his insightful perspectives, Dr. Dickens helps faith-driven leaders navigate the risks and rewards AI brings to their spiritual and everyday lives. He is also the author of "Whispers of the Spirit," a 40-day guide to intimate prayer, and hosts podcasts including AI and Spirituality and Encountering Peace.

Reasons to Listen:

1. Explore the intersection of faith and technology as Dr. Drew Dickens, a theologian with a doctorate in theological anthropology, unpacks how AI is already shaping—and challenging—our spirituality and daily lives.
2. Gain thought-provoking insights on why AI is not just "the next technology trend," but a powerful force impacting everything from church practices to our personal sense of meaning, with real-world examples and historical perspective.
3. Discover practical guidance for Christians and faith-driven leaders on discernment, spiritual sloth, and how to stay grounded in a distracting, AI-driven world—plus learn about groundbreaking research on how our beliefs about end times affect our response to new technology.

Episode Resources & Action Steps:

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

1. Dr. Drew Dickens’ Website: Find links to Dr. Dickens' book, his podcasts (including "AI and Spirituality" and "Encountering Peace"), and additional content or resources.
2. Book: "Whispers of the Spirit" by Dr. Drew Dickens: A 40-day guide to intimate prayer, incorporating contemplative practices and spiritual exercises. Available on Amazon, at Bucky’s, and other booksellers.
3. Podcast: AI and Spirituality with Dr. Drew Dickens: Dr. Dickens’ show discussing the intersection of artificial intelligence and faith, featuring conversations on ethics, usage in church contexts, and the spiritual impact of new technologies.

Action Steps from This Episode:

1. Practice Discernment with Technology: Approach AI and other emerging technologies with mindfulness and discernment, rather than fear or blind adoption. Evaluate how much technology you’re using daily and consider its effect on your spiritual life.
2. Set Aside Time for Contemplative Prayer: Try implementing a daily or weekly period to step away from screens and “touch grass”—engage with meditative or contemplative prayer practices like those described in "Whispers of the Spirit." This helps nurture a healthy spiritual foundation in an age of distraction.
3. Educate Yourself & Your Community: Visit Dr. Dickens’ website or listen to his podcasts to learn more about AI, theology, and how technology shapes faith. Share resources and start conversations within your church or peer groups about how to best approach new technologies in a faith-driven manner.

Key Lessons:

1. Discernment is Essential with AI -Dr. Drew Dickens encourages listeners not to approach artificial intelligence with fear, but with discernment. As AI continues to grow and impact every part of our lives, being mindful and engaged rather than reactionary or dismissive is crucial for faith-driven leaders.
2. Technology Isn’t New to Our Spiritual Journey - The conversation highlights that technological tools—from casting lots in the Old Testament to the advent of the printing press—have always played a role in how people engage with God. The current intersection of AI and spirituality is just the latest chapter in this ongoing relationship.
3. AI Magnifies What’s Within Us - Dr. Dickens and Tim Winders point out that technology, including AI, often amplifies the character and intentions of its user. With a healthy soul and strong foundation, AI can serve as a powerful tool for learning, productivity, and spiritual exploration.
4. Beware of Spiritual Sloth in the Age of Efficiency - While AI can streamline tasks and provide powerful insights, it’s important not to let technology take over practices meant to be challenging or reflective. Dr. Dickens introduces the idea of “acedia,” or spiritual sloth, warning against using AI as a shortcut for the messy, sometimes difficult, work of spiritual growth.
5. The Church Needs to Engage Proactively with AI - Both host and guest lament the current silence or pushback from many in the Christian community regarding AI. Rather than being reactionary or fearful, the church should actively engage, learn, and help shape the conversation around faith and technology to guide believers wisely in this new era.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 Introduction: The Rise of AI

00:42 Meet Dr. Drew Dickens

01:45 Personal Journey and Faith

04:30 Theological Anthropology Explained

05:24 AI and Spirituality

08:15 Seminary Experiences

14:34 Balancing Faith and Technology

29:39 The Future of AI and Its Implications

33:13 AI in Everyday Life

33:36 Concerns and Ethical Considerations

35:11 Personal Experiences with AI

46:28 AI as a Tool or More?

58:49 Eschatology and AI

01:00:47 Final Thoughts and Resources

Resources for Leaders from Tim Winders & SGC:

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