Science & Tech
Pope, once a victim of AI-generated imagery, calls for treaty to regulate artificial intelligence
By Nicole Winfield — December 14, 2023
ROME (AP) — Francis added his voice to increasing calls for binding, global regulation of AI in his annual message for the World Day of Peace, which the Catholic Church celebrates each Jan. 1.
A TikTok Jesus promises divine blessings and many worldly comforts
By Brandon Dean — November 16, 2023
(The Conversation) — A scholar of American religion explains how a new phenomenon of Jesus images on TikTok is tapping into the prosperity gospel, a Christian belief that God will reward faith with this-worldly comforts.
From ancient Jewish texts to androids to AI, a just-right sequence of numbers or letters turns matter into meaning
By Rhona Trauvitch — November 10, 2023
(The Conversation) — Advanced artificial intelligence is new, but a similar idea has been around for hundreds of years: the power of a just-right sequence of numbers, letters or elements to animate matter.
Did Pope Francis just add to the church’s teaching on animals?
By Charles C. Camosy — October 12, 2023
(RNS) — The short answer: His 'Laudate Deum' gives us more hope, even if it lacks specifics.
The real threat of AI isn’t what you think
By Charles C. Camosy — September 29, 2023
(RNS) — AI has the capacity to undermine our understanding of the human person.
Biotech’s repugnant new advance is worthy of everyone’s critical attention
By Charles C. Camosy and Joe Vukov — September 18, 2023
(RNS) — Scientists have swapped human reproduction for a different process entirely.
In the desert above the Dead Sea, evidence of Jewish rebels’ capture of Roman weaponry
By Michele Chabin — September 8, 2023
JERUSALEM (RNS) — The 1,900-year-old swords are in perfect condition, thanks to the arid climate of the Judean Desert.
Artificial intelligence program poised to shake up Catholic education, doctrine
By Claire Giangravé — August 24, 2023
(RNS) — Magisterium AI uses artificial intelligence technology to provide information for users on everything relating to Catholic doctrine, teachings and Canon law.
Navigating the intersection between AI, automation and religion – 3 essential reads
By Meher Bhatia — August 23, 2023
(The Conversation) — The merging of technology and faith is sparking a transformative shift in redefining spirituality and religious practices.
Halal nail polish raises complex discussions among Muslim consumers
By Fiona André — August 11, 2023
(RNS) — The halal cosmetic market is growing rapidly, but many customers remain skeptical.
New AI app lets users ‘text with’ Jesus and other biblical figures
By Fiona André — August 7, 2023
(RNS) — The app replicates an instant messaging platform, allowing users to chat with ChatGPT impersonations of biblical figures, including the apostles, the prophets, Ruth, Job, Lot and more.
Richard Dawkins has abandoned science to justify his transphobia
By Hemant Mehta — August 1, 2023
(RNS) — It’s jarring to see the world’s most famous atheist use his massive platform to downplay or deny trans identities.
A chatbot willing to take on questions of all kinds – from the serious to the comical – is the latest representation of Jesus for the AI age
By Joseph L. Kimmel — August 1, 2023
(The Conversation) — As a chatbot, dressed in a hooded brown-and-white robe, Jesus is available 24/7 to answer any and all questions on his Twitch channel, ‘ask_jesus.’
Meet the Christian creators designing chatbots ‘with a biblical worldview’
By Fiona André — July 20, 2023
(RNS) — Since its launch in November 2022 by the research laboratory OpenAI, the chatbot spurred excitement among Christians, forcing leadership to reckon with this technology and adapting their habits.
East Palestine church hosts chemical exposure study in wake of train disaster
By Kathryn Post — July 20, 2023
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (RNS) — ‘In the Lord’s prayer, we ask that his will be done on earth as in heaven. So how can we make the situation better?’ asked Erin Haynes, who is leading the study.
