A Values-Based Discernment Framework for Christians Navigating Technology & AI

Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we work, communicate, make decisions, and experience the world. For many Christians, these changes raise deep questions:

• How do we remain faithful in a time of rapid technological change?

• How do we discern wisely when new tools influence our thoughts, relationships, and spiritual lives?

• How do we help our congregations — especially youth — understand AI through the lens of Christian values?

The Soulgorithm is a values-based discernment process rooted in Christian wisdom, spiritual formation, and peacebuilding practice.

It is not a set of rules or positions. It is a guided pathway for thoughtful, faithful engagement.

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What Is the Soulgorithm?

At its heart, the Soulgorithm helps Christians:

1. Clarify their core values in a technological context

2. Recognize where AI aligns with or challenges those values

3. Reflect on Scripture and tradition-based guidance

4. Discern faithful, practical responses for themselves, their families, and their communities

The Soulgorithm is built on years of values-based formation, covenantal pluralism, and peacebuilding work used in diverse Christian communities.

It creates a safe, reflective space for Christians to explore technology without fear or polarization.

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Why Values?

Christian discernment has always begun with the heart — with love, truth, humility, justice, and respect for human dignity.

These values are universal across Christian traditions and give us a stable foundation for navigating an unstable technological landscape.

In Soulgorithm workshops, participants are invited to:

• Define love, truthfulness, and respect in their own words

• Reflect on how they’ve seen these values upheld or violated in their experiences with AI and digital tools

• Explore how these values shape faithful use of technology

This process reconnects Christians to their spiritual identity and gives them confidence to approach AI with clarity and courage

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Christian Guidance on Technology

Across Christian traditions — evangelical, Catholic, Orthodox, mainline, global — thoughtful guidance on technology is emerging.

A few examples include:

• Concordia University Wisconsin’s Biblical AI Guidelines

Emphasizing wisdom, truth, stewardship, care for the vulnerable, and guarding one’s heart.

• The Vatican’s “Antiqua et Nova” (2025): On Human Dignity in the Age of AI

Emphasizing moral agency, relationality, truth, care for creation, and rejecting dehumanizing uses of technology.

• World Council of Churches reflections on digital justice

Emphasizing human rights, accountability, and equitable access.
Participants are invited to consult guidance from their own tradition — as well as Scripture, prayer, and pastoral counsel — while engaging the Soulgorithm.

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The Soulgorithm Discernment Path

Soulgorithm offers a structured, values-based approach to Christian discernment in an age shaped by artificial intelligence. Participants begin by reflecting on the hopes, concerns, and questions that arise as technology intersects with faith, community, and daily life.

From this foundation, the process centers on traditional as well as participants own core Christian commitments. Through guided reflection and dialogue, participants clarify how these values shape their moral imagination and how they can serve as a lens for evaluating digital tools and AI systems.

Soulgorithm then invites Christians to draw from Scripture, prayer, and their own denominational traditions, identifying teachings that inform faithful engagement with technology. These spiritual insights are held alongside contemporary examples and research that illuminate both the opportunities and challenges AI presents for Christian life.

The process concludes with practical discernment: participants consider how to uphold their values while using technology, and how to guide their families, congregations, or ministries with integrity and wisdom.

The Soulgorithm strengthens Christian leaders and communities by fostering clarity, confidence, and grounded decision-making in a rapidly changing technological landscape.

A companion workbook is available for groups participating in workshops.

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Why This Process Works

Because it is:

• Values-based — rooted in enduring Christian commitments

• Theologically grounded — Scripture and tradition inform reflection

• Relational — participants listen, learn, and discern together

• Non-polarizing — avoids fear-based or adversarial approaches

• Practical — helps people make real decisions for real life

• Empowering — Christians leave with clarity, confidence, and hope

Most importantly, the Soulgorithm helps Christians see AI not through headlines or anxiety, but through the lens of faith, wisdom, and discipleship.

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Bring the Soulgorithm to Your Church or Community

If you believe your congregation, school, or organization would benefit from a thoughtful, values-centered conversation about AI and faith, I would welcome a conversation.

Soulgorithm workshops are available for:

• Churches and denominations

• Christian schools and colleges

• Retreats and leadership gatherings

• Nonprofits and mission organizations

• Small groups and faith communities

To explore hosting a Soulgorithm workshop, please contact Marian at: marian@faithwise.ai