인공지능과 기독교 영성: 기회, 도전, 그리고 방향 제시

Abstract

This study analyzes the theological significance of artificial intelligence from an Old Testament perspective and proposes guidelines for the responsible use of AI in the church. As AI technology rapidly advances, unprecedented theological challenges have emerged for Christian ministry, including pastoral counseling, sermon preparation, Bible study, and theological education. However, existing discussions tend to approach AI either as a mere tool to be utilized or as a threat to be rejected, representing a binary approach that lacks a comprehensive theological framework. Using a theological literature review methodology, this research examines three key dimensions of Old Testament theology. First, creation doctrine (Genesis 1-2, 11) establishes the ontological position of AI: while AI development can be affirmed as an expression of the cultural mandate given to humans created in God's image (imago Dei), the Tower of Babel narrative warns against technological hubris. Second, wisdom literature (Proverbs, Ecclesiastes) distinguishes between the information AI provides and true biblical wisdom: authentic wisdom begins with "the fear of the LORD" (Proverbs 9:10), which cannot be programmed into algorithms. Third, the golden calf incident (Exodus 32) warns against "conceptual idolatry"—attributing to AI the attributes that belong only to God, such as wisdom, understanding, and spiritual guidance. The findings reveal that AI presents both significant opportunities and inherent limitations for the church. AI can democratize access to biblical resources, accelerate Bible translation, support personalized spiritual formation, and extend pastoral care. However, AI threatens the relational essence of Christian spirituality through its inability to provide embodied presence, poses risks of theological distortion and hallucination, raises privacy concerns regarding intimate spiritual data, and may create new forms of spiritual inequality through the digital divide. Based on this analysis, the study proposes practical directions for the church: developing biblical understanding of AI's strengths and limitations, cultivating Word-centered spiritual discernment, recognizing AI's supplementary role in pastoral ministry, and integrating AI literacy with critical thinking in theological education. The core thesis maintains that AI, while useful as a tool for the cultural mandate within creation order, cannot replace true wisdom that begins with the fear of the LORD, and becomes a conceptual idol when mistaken as the ultimate source of wisdom. The church must exercise theological discernment rather than mere technical utility when engaging with AI technology.