This story addresses the sensitive topic of suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please reach out to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Many individuals have concerns about the potential risks posed by artificial intelligence, given the countless uncertainties surrounding it. This apprehension prompted the Senate to hold hearings with Intelligence and Defense officials to examine the potential impact of AI on national security. However, Scott Beck, the founder and CEO of Gloo in Boulder, Colorado, holds a different view. He believes that AI is merely a tool that, when properly utilized, has the potential to enhance human well-being, aligning with God's intentions. According to Beck, "We don't think God was taken by surprise with AI. He wasn't surprised by the printing press, TV, or the internet. " Gloo, a technology platform, established the "AI & the Church" initiative based on algorithms. Beck explains that the initiative aims to unlock the power of God's grace, mercy, love, justice, compassion, and care. This initiative extends beyond churches to include various ministries such as campus, relationship, marriage, financial, vocational recovery, behavioral health, and suicide prevention ministries. For instance, if someone encounters difficulties in their marriage and seeks online assistance, the AI algorithm could direct them to faith-based marriage counselors instead of divorce lawyers. The objective is to strengthen marriages and heal relationships, aligning with the purpose of the Church established by Jesus Christ. Another example involves a depressed teenager seeking advice on living or dying. Within moments, the same teenager receives a phone call from a pastor in a nearby church, offering a listening ear and a discussion about life. Beck envisions creating these transformative connections through Gloo. Over 38, 000 churches have already joined the "AI & the Church" initiative, with an additional 100 joining daily. Pastor Eric Parks from Forest City Church in Illinois was one of the first to sign up. Parks emphasizes his belief that God wants humans to thrive, finding fulfillment in a relationship with Him.

AI cannot create this relationship according to his theological beliefs, but it can provide tools that facilitate flourishing. Parks is impressed by AI's ability to analyze his sermons and generate ten discussion questions for small groups in a short time. He expresses hope in AI's potential to support individuals struggling with emotional issues, including those contemplating suicide. He reflects on the occasions where he presided over the funerals of young individuals and laments the missed signs of their struggles. Mental health professionals highlight hindsight clues observed by friends and family of suicide victims. Beck, however, suggests that AI can identify these clues days or even weeks in advance. Upon detecting keywords related to suicide or expressions of despair in messages, AI can swiftly direct individuals to suicide prevention ministries, relationship ministries, or local churches. Parks acknowledges the exponential increase in survival rates of individuals facing mental health crises if they receive timely assistance through AI-guided pathways. Nevertheless, some individuals argue that AI's darker side is already overshadowing its potential for good, particularly in opposition to faith and human flourishing. David Curry, CEO of Global Christian Relief, cautions against AI's capacity to draw conclusions from case studies and assumptions, highlighting China's use of AI facial recognition technology to target religious minorities, particularly Christians. These individuals are perceived as a threat due to prioritizing loyalty to God over political allegiance. Curry explains that AI enables the regime to identify socially undesirable individuals and subject them to various restrictions, such as limited access to housing, the internet, and other rights. Conversely, Beck maintains that AI's danger stems from the individuals who program it and provide it with vast amounts of information to learn from. With 40 years of business experience and success in leading companies like Blockbuster Video, Boston Market, and Einstein Bagels, Beck strives to apply his knowledge to benefit faith-based organizations through the "AI & the Church" initiative. This initiative aims to provide smaller churches with access to information and resources, allowing them to replicate the accomplishments of larger mega-churches. Additionally, Beck hopes that the broader population, especially younger individuals disengaging from organized religion, can rediscover the loving embrace of a caring God with the help of AI. Ultimately, AI itself has no moral stance, but its application depends on the values held by humans.