Spark Directory

Will AI Steal Your Soul?

Host Tina Yeager sits down with Dr. Drew Dickens, an expert in theological anthropology and founder of the Encountering Peace app and podcast. Together, they tackle the captivating and sometimes unnerving question: "Will AI Steal Your Soul?"

In an age where technology and artificial intelligence are evolving rapidly, Tina and Dr. Dickens address Christian perspectives ranging from hopeful embrace to genuine fear—and everything in between. They unpack what truly distinguishes humanity from machines, examining our unique spiritual dimension, creativity, and self-awareness, while exploring the allure and dangers of allowing digital innovations to shape our faith journeys.

Listen in as Dr. Dickens shares practical advice on using AI responsibly, warns against the spiritual "sloth" that can emerge from overreliance on technology, and offers tools and meditations to help ground listeners in their relationship with God. Whether you’re curious, cautious, or overwhelmed by the digital tide, this episode is packed with wisdom, encouragement, and actionable insights to help you flourish in your spiritual life—even in a tech-driven world.

Episode highlights:

✨ AI, Faith & Fear: Dr. Dickens explores why many Christians find themselves oscillating between embracing, fearing, and being overwhelmed by the rapid pace of AI's evolution. He encourages us to step back and examine technology objectively, rather than being led only by emotion or popular culture.

✨ What Makes Us Human? The discussion dives deep into the essential qualities that separate humans from machines—our God-given ability to create and our unique self-awareness. Dr. Dickens highlights the difference between true spiritual interaction and the imitation of it by artificial intelligence.

✨ The Spiritual Cost of Convenience: Are digital tools making us spiritually lazy? Research reveals we’re losing some ability to think critically and, spiritually, we risk letting AI stand in for genuine reflection, prayer, and relationship with God.

✨ Using AI Wisely in Your Faith Walk: Both Tina and Dr. Dickens agree: technology itself isn’t evil, but we must check ourselves. Are we using AI to support our faith journey—or to avoid the hard but rewarding work of carrying our cross each day?

✨ Practical Spiritual Habits: Intentionality is key. Dr. Dickens reminds us to carve out time for prayer, community, and “unplugged” connection—acts fundamental to flourishing in faith despite our increasingly busy, tech-filled lives.

Resources Mentioned:

• Encountering Peace App & Podcast: Experience guided Christian meditations designed to help you reconnect with stillness and the Spirit. Free resources, daily devotionals, and support for your spiritual muscles await at encounteringpeace.com.

• New Podcast: AI and Spirituality: Stay updated on how spiritual practice intersects with the latest tech changes. Search “AI and Spirituality” wherever you get your podcasts!

Final Thought: As Dr. Dickens shares, beware of “acedia”—the subtle spiritual laziness that can creep in when we hand off our deepest work to technology. Each day, choose to lean in and do the good, sometimes difficult, work of nurturing your soul.

We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant.

To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/

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How do we recover from workplace hurt?

Welcome to Flourish-Meant! In today’s episode, host Tina Yeager is joined by Meryl Herr, owner of the Good Works Group and an expert in helping marketplace leaders navigate the intersection of faith and work. Together, they’re tackling a topic we can all relate to—workplace hurt. Whether it’s major events like being laid off or the everyday frustrations and disappointments that chip away at our well-being, Meryl shares her insights on how to recognize, process, and heal from these wounds.

Through stories, practical steps, and a faith-driven perspective, Meryl discusses the importance of separating our work from our identity, knowing when it’s time to leave a toxic environment, and building the support systems we need to flourish. If you’ve ever felt lost, hurt, or stuck because of your job, you’re not alone—and this episode offers hope, advice, and encouragement to help you rebound and find resilience in your career journey. Tune in for thoughtful conversation, actionable tips, and a reminder that healing and purpose are possible after work hurt.

Here are a few highlights from our conversation:

Types of Workplace Hurt Meryl breaks workplace pain into disappointments, disillusionments, and devastations. Disappointments can be small (like a broken printer!), but devastations, like being laid off or publicly shamed, run deep.

Decoupling Your Identity from Your Job It’s easy to tie our self-worth to our job titles, but as Meryl shares, your core gifts and callings persist, regardless of your current role. Who you are transcends what you do.

Recognizing When It’s Time to Move On Not every workplace pain means you should quit. However, if your workplace consistently erodes your wellbeing, health, and sense of safety, it may be time to consider a change. If that's not possible right now, Meryl suggests "job crafting"—finding ways to shape your current role for more fulfillment.

Steps for Healing from Work Hurt Start by acknowledging your hurt—don’t just sweep it under the rug! Share it with a trusted friend, counselor, or even through prayer. Practicing lament (naming the pain in God’s presence while clinging to hope) can be deeply healing.

The Power of Forgiveness and Community Moving on from work hurt requires intentional forgiveness—sometimes with professional support. It’s also crucial to build relationships outside of work, so you’re never isolated if transition becomes necessary.

You’re Not Alone Meryl reminds us: “Other people have experienced workplace hurt. You’re not alone. But you have to deal with the pain—don’t ignore it. And finally, remember that God sees you, cares for you, and heals.”

Want More Resources? Connect with Meryl Herr at merylherr.com, sign up for her newsletter, or check out When Work Hurts on the InterVarsity Press website (free excerpt available!). If you’d like to anonymously share your own story of work hurt to help others, email Meryl at [email protected].

✨ No matter your work story, hope and healing are possible. Thank you for letting us journey alongside you.

We're thrilled to accompany you on this journey of faith, growth, and transformation. As always, we appreciate your support! Please subscribe and share this episode. We can't wait for you to join us for future episodes of Flourish-Meant.

To book Tina as a speaker, connect with her life coaching services, and more, visit her website: https://tinayeager.com/

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