A Christian’s Guide to AI: A Biblical Review of Pete Killingley’s Book
Read my full review.
Artificial intelligence is raising new questions about work, creativity, relationships, truth, and even Christian ministry. In A Christian’s Guide to AI, Pete Killingley offers 12 biblical answers to some of the questions Christians are asking about AI.
Here’s why I think this short, timely book is worth reading—especially for preachers, teachers, and Christians who want to think carefully and biblically about artificial intelligence.
The following is an edited version of the video transcript:
A Christian’s Guide to AI: A Biblical Review of Pete Killingley’s Book
I’m here today with A Christian’s Guide to AI by Pete Killingley, published by The Good Book Company. I thought this book would be worth discussing in a longer-form video rather than simply covering it in an Instagram Reel, because it deserves a little more attention to its themes and nuances.
The subtitle describes the book well: “12 Biblical Answers to the Questions We’re All Asking.”
It’s a relatively short book—you can read through it fairly quickly. It begins with an introduction answering the basic question, “What is AI?” From there, it moves into several different categories of questions:
Humanity: What makes us different from AI?
Truth: Can AI tell the truth?
Work: What should I do if AI takes my job?
Creativity: Can I use AI to make art?
Relationships: Can I have an AI friend?
And it goes on from there.
A Timely Book
One of the things I appreciate most about this book is how timely it is.
I don’t know when the idea was first pitched or when the decision was made to publish it, but AI is obviously a hot topic right now. A Christian’s Guide to AI tackles many of the questions people are asking and does so quickly, succinctly, and from a biblical perspective.
There’s a place for books that are timeless—books that can be read and appreciated regardless of when they were published. But there’s also a place for books that address the moment, particularly books dealing with current events and emerging issues.
I think both kinds of books have their place, and this book is definitely addressing the current moment.
I don’t know how long this particular book will remain relevant in its present form, because the technology is changing so quickly. But because its answers are rooted in the Bible, I think it has the potential to have lasting value.
Pete Killingley has done a great job of tackling these questions quickly while consistently looking at them through the lens of Scripture. And kudos to The Good Book Company for being willing to publish and put out a book on this topic so quickly.
Asking Questions We Might Not Have Considered
Another thing I appreciate about the book is the range of questions it raises.
Some of them are questions I hadn’t even considered asking.
For example: Should I say “please” and “thank you” to AI?
As AI becomes increasingly ubiquitous, questions about how we interact with it can have ethical ramifications—and those questions may become even more significant in the future.
I also appreciate that the book is specifically written for Christians.
Some of the questions are obviously Christian questions, particularly those dealing with humanity and truth. Others are questions that anyone might ask. For example, “What should I do if AI takes my job?” is relevant to both Christians and non-Christians.
But even when the question is universal, the answer is approached from a biblical perspective.
The discussion of work, for example, touches on the biblical understanding that God gives us work and that our identity and purpose shouldn’t simply be reduced to our employment.
AI and Preaching
I particularly appreciated the questions aimed at ministers, preachers, and teachers of God’s Word.
One question asks: Should I use AI to help write my Bible talk as a preacher and teacher of God’s Word?
I understand the pressure behind that question. If you’re a preacher, there’s a sermon or Bible talk to prepare every week. There’s a constant pressure to produce something meaningful, faithful, and clear.
But Killingley ultimately gives a very biblical and wise answer.
Can AI be used to write your talk for you?
His answer is clear: No.
The book also considers other ways AI might be used in sermon preparation. What about researching the Bible? What about coming up with illustrations? What about using AI to save time or improve a talk?
Here, the book takes a more nuanced approach. Killingley identifies this kind of use as one of the better ways to employ AI in preparing a Bible talk—and one that he uses regularly.
We need to think carefully about how we use it, what role we give it, and whether its use helps or undermines the work God has given us to do.
Discussion Questions
At the end of each chapter, the book includes discussion questions.
I think that’s particularly helpful because it helps pinpoint where the wisdom is coming from and encourages readers to continue thinking through the issues.
The questions can become the starting point for further discussion, especially as AI continues to develop and become more capable.
This book pushes the conversation forward. It isn’t merely a book about the technology as it exists today, but it encourages us to think about where these developments might lead us in the future.
Christians Should Engage AI Biblically
A Christian’s Guide to AI is a great book, and I recommend reading it—especially if you’re a preacher or teacher of God’s Word.
It could also be particularly helpful for those working in technology or for student ministers who are increasingly encountering questions about AI among students.
As AI becomes more common, Christians shouldn’t shrink away from the conversation. We should engage it deliberately and thoughtfully.
One of the endorsements in the book comes from Tim Challies, who says the book models the kind of deliberate examination and careful engagement with AI that we need.
I think deliberate engagement is key when it comes to AI.
Scripture is well equipped to help us think about these issues, especially as they continue moving to the forefront of our lives.
A Christian’s Guide to AI is a solid resource to help.
Again, the book is A Christian’s Guide to AI by Pete Killingley, published by The Good Book Company. Thank you to them for sending it my way.
I received a media copy of A Christian’s Guide to AI (Amazon) and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.