AI for Humanity Conference at Colorado Christian University
This week, Colorado Christian University (CCU) in Lakewood hosted a conference centered on the intersection of AI and Christian engagement in various sectors, including mission work, ethics, public policy, education, and discipleship.
Pat Gelsinger, the keynote speaker and executive chairman of Gloo (formerly Intel CEO), urged attendees to embrace AI, calling it a “Gutenberg moment for the church.” He emphasized that AI could be a significant tool for the Christian community, suggesting it’s necessary to utilize it “in every possible way.”
“We should leverage AI to advance our mission,” he stated, highlighting its potential to improve various aspects of ministry. For instance, Gelsinger mentioned that using AI to provide education to every child globally in their native language could significantly decrease poverty rates.
He expressed a belief that fulfilling this goal would honor Jesus Christ’s teachings.
During the conference, Gloo AI President Steele Billings and VP of Development Nick Skytland discussed the challenges posed by AI, sharing their commitment to ensuring that AI remains “faithful” and beneficial for glorifying God.
They pointed out the negative impacts of social media, such as information overload, addiction, and the spread of fake news, which could lead to the deterioration of democratic values.
Billings and Skytland cautioned that AI might worsen issues like superficial relationships, misleading religious content, and could even contribute to distrust. They warned about the risk of AI producing errors with theological implications, offering vague advice that overlooks deeply rooted doctrines. Conversely, “values-aligned AI” has the potential to enrich faith, work, and community ties.
This event was organized in partnership with CCU, while Gloo also announced an upcoming event, “Hackathon 2025,” in Boulder, Colorado, from October 8th to 10th. Participants will collaborate on developing AI solutions aimed at benefiting the church and broader faith community.
