During this podcast, interviewee Joanna Ng, a former IBM master inventor, defines AI and discusses its negative and positive implications from a Christian perspective.

During minutes 9:19-10:19, Ng defines AI by first talking about the Ground Truth of AI, which “is to derive analysis and the insight from the data that are not obvious to human[s]” (100huntley 9:22-9:33). Second, she says that “The definition then is Artificial Intelligence is the computing capability to do things that human[s] usually do with higher form of cognition, such as perceiving talking and communicating, calculating, and reasoning” (100huntley 9:33-9:58). Third, she points out that these verbs do not include “empathizing or discerning” (100huntley 9:58-10:19). I believe her observations show how artificial intelligence can never replace humanity’s God-given soul and spirit, which she points out in minutes 11:13-11:37.

When viewed in light of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, scripture and Christian tradition describe the uniqueness of humanity the Imago Dei. Genesis 2:7 states, “Then the LORD God formed a man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being” (New International Version). When we begin thinking of people as machines or use AI as a replacement for human intelligence, we’re denying our true God-given purpose and design.

Later, Ng warns that AI can be used negatively when we give it control instead of using it as a tool (100huntley 14:23-14:37). She uses self-driving cars as an example. I believe anyone using reason could understand how computerized cars with no human discernment could cause major issues. We should carefully think of the consequences that can result when we give control to AI instead of using it as the tool it was intended to be. By using reason, coupled with scripture and tradition, we can conclude the following line of thought:

God formed us. We formed machines. Therefore, man-made machines should not control our lives.

Even though Ng speaks to the negative aspects of AI, she also brings out some positive elements. For instance, during minutes 15:13-16:07, she describes using AI to help find the best cancer treatments for a specific cancer genotype (100huntley). Using AI as a tool in this way could benefit humanity. Therefore, Ng’s experience tells her that AI can be used for good if it is used as a tool instead of a master.

My own experience with AI tells me this: AI has been portrayed in media as servants. Movies and TV shows have depicted robots cooking, cleaning, and even tending to people’s wounds. But in real life, people are letting AI become their authority instead of the other way around. I’ve had conversations with my friends who’ve said they’ve gone to ChatGPT for advice about their problems. I’ve seen posts on social media about ChatGPT boyfriends. People are letting AI control their deepest desire for human connection.

But my own experience also tells me that it can be a useful tool that can help save time or brainstorm ideas. I even used AI on this project when I used the auto-generated captions on YouTube to get Ng’s quotations right. If used responsibly, AI can help promote efficiency while not taking away humanity’s unique mind and skills.

In conclusion, Ng’s interview shows that AI can be used as a tool but should not be used to control. I believe my application of the Wesleyan Quadrilateral also illustrates that we should not let machines become our masters. Only God should have that authority.

Works Cited

[100huntley]. “The Good and Bad of AI explained by IBM Master Inventor.” YouTube, 10 Sept. 2025, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=krffMKbO-Wo

New International Version. BibleGateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis%202%3A7&version=NIV. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.