Overview

What is the relationship between artificial intelligence, robots, and theology? The connections are much closer than one might think. There is a deep spiritual longing in the world of AI and robotics. Technology is a prayer; it reveals the depth of our eschatology. Through the study of AI and robotic literature one can see a clear desire to both transcend human limitations and overcome the fallenness of human nature. The questions of ethics, power, and responsibility are not new to Christian anthropology. This book will introduce and examine some of the major ethical issues surrounding current AI and robotic technology from a theological and philosophical lens. In the study of AI and robot ethics, the Christian community has a chance to join the global efforts to build technology for good. Will we join them?

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9781666710717

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At last, a much-needed book on a neglected topic. Robotics is playing an increasingly important role in our society, and yet little has been written from an overtly Christian perspective. Robot Theology corrects that oversight in a timely and highly engaging manner. --Brent Waters, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary There is no shortage of books about robots and ethics, but until now, there has been a serious lack of books about robots and theology. This is not just a timely and brilliantly written book, it's one that brings together ancient wisdom and contemporary theology with some of the most important questions we face. As technology changes at a rapid pace, Smith offers careful and faithful insight for the road before us. --David O'Hara, Augustana University Smith makes a compelling case to take seriously the promises and perils of a robotic future--and present--through a wide-ranging and well-researched survey of philosophical, biblical, and critical perspectives. He highlights legal, ethical, and religious issues that speak to the heart of our humanness and questions about what it is to be human and, indeed, humane. --Scott Midson, University of Manchester In Robot Theology, Joshua Smith makes a compelling and convincing case for Christians of all stripes and denominations to take artificial intelligence and robots seriously as part of God's creation, and for the seemingly secular fields of AI, robots, and technology ethics to understand and appreciate how these religious traditions have framed many of the foundational ideas and fundamental values by which we make sense of and take responsibility for these remarkable human innovations. --David J. Gunkel, Northern Illinois University

At last, a much-needed book on a neglected topic. Robotics is playing an increasingly important role in our society, and yet little has been written from an overtly Christian perspective. Robot Theology corrects that oversight in a timely and highly engaging manner. --Brent Waters, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary There is no shortage of books about robots and ethics, but until now, there has been a serious lack of books about robots and theology. This is not just a timely and brilliantly written book, it's one that brings together ancient wisdom and contemporary theology with some of the most important questions we face. As technology changes at a rapid pace, Smith offers careful and faithful insight for the road before us. --David O'Hara, Augustana University Smith makes a compelling case to take seriously the promises and perils of a robotic future--and present--through a wide-ranging and well-researched survey of philosophical, biblical, and critical perspectives. He highlights legal, ethical, and religious issues that speak to the heart of our humanness and questions about what it is to be human and, indeed, humane. --Scott Midson, University of Manchester In Robot Theology, Joshua Smith makes a compelling and convincing case for Christians of all stripes and denominations to take artificial intelligence and robots seriously as part of God's creation, and for the seemingly secular fields of AI, robots, and technology ethics to understand and appreciate how these religious traditions have framed many of the foundational ideas and fundamental values by which we make sense of and take responsibility for these remarkable human innovations. --David J. Gunkel, Northern Illinois University

At last, a much-needed book on a neglected topic. Robotics is playing an increasingly important role in our society, and yet little has been written from an overtly Christian perspective. Robot Theology corrects that oversight in a timely and highly engaging manner. --Brent Waters, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary There is no shortage of books about robots and ethics, but until now, there has been a serious lack of books about robots and theology. This is not just a timely and brilliantly written book, it's one that brings together ancient wisdom and contemporary theology with some of the most important questions we face. As technology changes at a rapid pace, Smith offers careful and faithful insight for the road before us. --David O'Hara, Augustana University Smith makes a compelling case to take seriously the promises and perils of a robotic future--and present--through a wide-ranging and well-researched survey of philosophical, biblical, and critical perspectives. He highlights legal, ethical, and religious issues that speak to the heart of our humanness and questions about what it is to be human and, indeed, humane. --Scott Midson, University of Manchester In Robot Theology, Joshua Smith makes a compelling and convincing case for Christians of all stripes and denominations to take artificial intelligence and robots seriously as part of God's creation, and for the seemingly secular fields of AI, robots, and technology ethics to understand and appreciate how these religious traditions have framed many of the foundational ideas and fundamental values by which we make sense of and take responsibility for these remarkable human innovations. --David J. Gunkel, Northern Illinois University At last, a much-needed book on a neglected topic. Robotics is playing an increasingly important role in our society, and yet little has been written from an overtly Christian perspective. Robot Theology corrects that oversight in a timely and highly engaging manner. --Brent Waters, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary There is no shortage of books about robots and ethics, but until now, there has been a serious lack of books about robots and theology. This is not just a timely and brilliantly written book, it's one that brings together ancient wisdom and contemporary theology with some of the most important questions we face. As technology changes at a rapid pace, Smith offers careful and faithful insight for the road before us. --David O'Hara, Augustana University Smith makes a compelling case to take seriously the promises and perils of a robotic future--and present--through a wide-ranging and well-researched survey of philosophical, biblical, and critical perspectives. He highlights legal, ethical, and religious issues that speak to the heart of our humanness and questions about what it is to be human and, indeed, humane. --Scott Midson, University of Manchester In Robot Theology, Joshua Smith makes a compelling and convincing case for Christians of all stripes and denominations to take artificial intelligence and robots seriously as part of God's creation, and for the seemingly secular fields of AI, robots, and technology ethics to understand and appreciate how these religious traditions have framed many of the foundational ideas and fundamental values by which we make sense of and take responsibility for these remarkable human innovations. --David J. Gunkel, Northern Illinois University

Author Information

Joshua K. Smith is a pastor and theologian researching AI and robot ethics from a Christian perspective. He is the author of Robotic Persons: Our Future with Social Robots (2021).

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