FAITH MATTERS
AI poses challenge to Christian tenets surrounding work and human dignity
Christianity recognizes human labour contributes to self-worth. The impact of Al is already being felt in workplaces, writes Bishop Gerard Bergie.
June 14, 2025
By Bishop Gerard Bergie
Contributing Columnist
When God created humans, we were given the ability to reason.
Intellect is a significant part of what sets us apart from animals. The level of intelligence humans have is unique.
We are hearing a great deal about artificial intelligence these days. It is an intriguing concept. There are a number of positive aspects to this technology; however, there are also negative outcomes to consider.
In January of this year, the Vatican issued a document on the relationship between AI and human intelligence entitled “Antiqua Et Nova” (old and new).
The document sites several areas of concern regarding AI — and one is how it may negatively impact the dignity of the worker.
It is a fundamental belief of the Christian faith that human work is essential for the dignity of the person. The document noted, work is “not only a means of earning one’s daily bread” but is also “an essential dimension of social life” and “a means (…) of personal growth, the building of healthy relationships, self-expression and the exchange of gifts. Work gives us a sense of shared responsibility for the development of the world and ultimately, for our life as a people.” (AN 69)
Human labour contributes to our well-being. Pope Francis was quoted in the document and said, even the term “artificial intelligence” can be confusing because there is an implied duality regarding intelligence. He stated, the very use of the word intelligence, in connection with AI, can prove misleading and risks overlooking what is most precious in the human person.
In light of this, AI should not be seen as an artificial form of human intelligence but as a product of it. (AN 35)
AI is really human intelligence. A concern raised by “Antiqua et Nova” and those in the labour movement, focuses on how AI will replace jobs currently done by humans.
A March 31, 2023, Forbes magazine article referenced a Goldman Sachs report, which showed how AI could replace the equivalent of 300 million full-time jobs in the United States in the coming years.
This reality affects the entire world and the job loss has already begun, ironically, even in the tech sector.
Forbes recently published another article entitled, “Microsoft Lays Off About 3% Of Workers As Company Adjusts for AI business,” (May 13, 2025). That is around 6,000 employees.
This should be a concern for all of us, especially our government leaders and those involved in industry. This process of automation needs to be strictly regulated so the dignity of workers, job security and the economic welfare of individuals is assured. (AN 70)
As mentioned in my last article, Pope Leo is concerned about AI. In a recent address to journalists in Rome, Pope Leo said, “I am thinking in particular of artificial intelligence, with its immense potential, which nevertheless requires responsibility and discernment in order to ensure that it can be used for the good of all, so that it can benefit all of humanity. This responsibility concerns everyone in proportion to his or her age and role in society.”
Many Christian churches celebrated Pentecost last Sunday, June 8. One of the gifts of the Holy Spirit is wisdom.
Wisdom is something that surpasses intelligence because it involves discernment and good judgment. When it comes to AI, we will need a great deal of wisdom to ensure technology complements rather than ends the working careers of many.
That would be both a wise and intelligent choice.