Artificial Intelligence and Adventism: Opportunities, Ethical Tensions, And Theological Examination

Abstract

The rapid expansion of artificial intelligence (AI) raises profound theological ethical, anthropological, and missiological questions for faith-based communities, particularly concerning human dignity, moral responsibility, and the future orientation of their mission. While the intersection of AI and religion has received increasing scholarly attention, the perspectives of particular faith traditions such as the Seventh-day Adventist Church remain comparatively underrepresented within the current academic discourse. This article addresses that gap by offering a conceptual and theological analysis of AI within Adventist framework. Drawing on a narrative review of the literature on AI and religion, an examination of official publications of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and a normative theological approach grounded in its core values, this article analyzes both the opportunities and the ethical tensions generated by AI across the domains of education, healthcare, mission, and administration. It proposes an original eight-criterion discernment framework adapted to the Adventist core beliefs, and formulates strategic recommendations for Adventist institutions. The study argues that the governance of AI must remain anchored in the character of God and the canonical affirmation of humanity as bearers of the divine image, ensuring that all technological practices uphold truth, justice, and compassion. Moreover, within the cosmic conflict framework, AI may be understood as a new arena in which the tensions between truth and deception, freedom and coercion, and human moral responsibility and technological automation are increasingly played out, thereby calling users to engage its use with wisdom, faithfulness, and a Christ-centered perspective.