Date

8-20-2026

Department

Rawlings School of Divinity

Degree

Master of Arts in Biblical Studies (MA)

Chair

Dawn Lewis Sutherland

Keywords

AI, artificial intelligence, dominion, covenant, Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, leadership, moral agency, relationships, marriage, language, work, Spirit

Disciplines

Anthropology | Religious Thought, Theology and Philosophy of Religion

Abstract

Theologians and religious bodies attest to the rising influence of artificial intelligence (AI) in governments, the economy, and the lives of the people of God. Through the covenant with Adam, God gave humans the blessing of dominion and capabilities unique to creation to till the earth. Today, humans retain the image of God but AI increasingly displaces human functions with coordinated agency. Using Hebrew language exegesis of passages from Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus, this study compares capabilities gifted to humans with the scope of current and near future AI models. It incorporates direct artifact analysis of a large-language model as well as peer-reviewed technical literature. Human capabilities addressed include designing and making artifacts, creating language and naming, forming relationships, moral action, and leadership. Pastorally, how might individuals and communities of faith harness AI while retaining the blessing of the functional exercise of dominion in the Spirit and in human freedom?

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