Is AI helping us flourish as humans—or quietly unraveling the very things that make us human in the first place? In this episode of the Ephesiology Podcast, ethicist and cultural commentator Dr. C. Ben Mitchell joins Michael and Andrew for a deeply reflective conversation on artificial intelligence, ethics, embodiment, and what it means to bear God’s image in a tech-saturated world. From ChatGPT’s hallucinations to the slow erosion of human creativity and attention, this discussion cuts through hype and fear to ask the essential question: just because we can, should we? If you’re navigating the promise and peril of digital tools in life, church, or mission, this episode is your invitation to slow down and think more deeply.
Show Notes
In this compelling episode, ethicist Dr. C. Ben Mitchell discusses the ethical and theological dimensions of artificial intelligence. With warmth and wisdom, Dr. Mitchell helps listeners navigate the practical and philosophical challenges posed by AI, including:
- The levels of AI development—from autocomplete to generative models and emotional mimicry
- Real-world applications and moral dilemmas facing Christians in the workplace
- The theological cost of efficiency and technological adoption
- Why embodiment and limitation are gifts, not glitches
- Practical ways to resist digital fragmentation and remain deeply human
Dr. Mitchell weaves together ethics, theology, and cultural engagement with clarity and conviction. Whether you’re an educator, ministry leader, student, or parent, this episode offers a sobering and hopeful vision of what it means to live faithfully with emerging technologies.
Key Quotes
“We are tempted to live a disembodied life. And we have to remember: our finitude is not a curse. It’s a gift.”— Dr. C. Ben Mitchell
“Efficiency is not how we measure love. It’s not how we measure relationships.” — Dr. C. Ben Mitchell
“Just because we can, doesn’t mean we should. We need criteria for adoption—not just fascination with innovation.” — Andrew Johnson
“AI doesn’t think. It mimics. And that matters in how we understand truth and reality.” — Dr. C. Ben Mitchell
“Christian faith calls us to form our technologies around our values, not let them form us.” — Michael T. Cooper
Resources Mentioned:
- How to Break Up With Your Phone by Catherine Price
- Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
- You’re Only Human by Kelly Kapic
- Are We All Cyborgs Now? by Robin Phillips and Joshua Pauling
- Masterclasses in Theology & Mission: masterclasses.ephesiology.com
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- Follow Andrew Johnson @thediscfan.bsky.social
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Our Podcasters
Michael is the missiologist in residence with East West where he focuses on equipping and empowering church leaders in evangelism, discipleship, leadership, and catalyzing church planting movements in the most difficult to reach places on the planet. He is the author of Ephesiology: The Study of the Ephesian Movement as well as many other books and academic articles. He has lectured at universities around the world and serves as affiliate faculty at Kairos University where he facilitates the degree programs in partnership with Ephesiology Master Classes.
Andrew is a proud husband, father and pastor who desires all to know the one true King. He is honored to serve at West Village Church in Victoria, BC. Previously, he’s ministered in Houston, Chicago, Indy, Flagstaff and Tempe in a variety of church contexts. Andrew has a BA in Christian Ministry from Trinity International University and an MA from Phoenix Seminary. He is currently a Doctor of Ministry student at Kairos University and is the co-host of the Ephesiology Podcast. When not at work, he’s an avid disc golfing, vinyl playing, Spider-Man following/collecting fellow. Go Pacers.
Matt Till has woven together roles as pastor, professor, podcaster, and Emmy Award–winning writer and producer. With over 25 years in ministry—including church planting, higher education and administration, and co-hosting the Ephesiology podcast—he has dedicated his life to engaging people and communities with compassion, justice, and inclusion. Today, as Senior Director for Social Justice and Community Engagement at TelosGO, Matt continues that calling. He and his wife are raising three children in South Florida, where he can often be found reading on the beach, sipping Cuban coffee, or savoring lechón asado with yuca con mojo.
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