A. MBU AI Principles
- Page ID
- 67079
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MBU AI PRINCIPLES
1. Doxology: use AI to the glory of God.
AI promises significant potential for usefulness, and we should use it as good stewards of the resources it provides (Matthew 25:14-30, 1 Peter 4:10). However, it can also subtly shape our behaviors and values, conforming us to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:1-2). We must ensure that we are using AI to the glory of God (1 Cor. 10:31), taking advantage of its benefits while routinely evaluating whether it is leading us or those whom we influence closer to Christ or further away.
2. Dignity: uphold human value above AI utility.
The intrinsic worth of humanity is based on our creation in God’s image (Genesis 1:26-27). AI should not be employed in ways that deemphasize the image of God, dehumanize the rhythms of life, or blur the distinction between humans and machines. We must emphasize that AI cannot replace the essential elements of human reasoning, spiritual walk, or interpersonal influence.
3. Dominion: maintain mastery over AI.
God placed humans in authority over all created things (Genesis 1:28-30). We are morally responsible for our decisions, and we will give an account of our actions (Romans 14:12). Therefore, AI can augment human capabilities but should not replace human judgment. Human oversight is necessary for mitigating bias and maintaining integrity. We must prioritize imparting godly wisdom and providing personal feedback, relational pedagogy, and professional judgment over automation.
4. Discernment: recognize that AI is an assistant, not an authority.
God’s Word is the ultimate authority, and Christians must evaluate everything against it, holding fast to what is good (1 Thess. 5:21), while recognizing that AI may offer the illusion of truth. AI models contain the worldviews of the human-generated content on which they were trained and operate according to intentionally built-in values. We must encourage students to critically evaluate AI results for inaccuracies and bias, recognizing that AI output is based on statistical pattern recognition and does not discern truth from falsehood.
5. Discipleship: prioritize authentic connection over convenience.
God designed humanity to be relational, and true community with others is essential for flourishing (Genesis 2:18; Matthew 22:36-40; Hebrews 10:24-25). AI tools can undermine this design by prioritizing efficiency and convenience or by mimicking companionship and personal advising. We should resist forming any dependencies on AI that reduce meaningful interactions or that substitute for healthy relationships and personal mentoring.
6. Distribution: promote just and equitable AI opportunities.
It is likely that an “AI gap” will quickly emerge between power users and those who lack access or literacy to use AI tools. To protect individuals from marginalization (Prov. 31:8-9, Is. 1:17) and steward this technology fairly for the common good (Gal. 6:10, James 2:8), we must cultivate every student’s AI literacy and ensure broad access to AI tools and workflows.
7. Defense: protect people’s privacy and property.
The handling of personal information must be compliant with legal and ethical requirements (Ex. 20:15; Romans 13:1-7, 1 Peter 2:13-14). We must maintain the security of sensitive student and employee information and avoid using AI systems that retain user inputs to retrain models.
8. Diligence: reflect God's creativity through purposeful work.
Work is part of God's plan for stewarding creation, aligning with a divine pattern of labor and rest (Gen. 2:1-3,15; Ex 28:3; Ex 31:3). In addition, human creativity and work reflects God’s nature, which AI cannot replicate (Ephesians 2:10). We should pursue creative and meaningful work, using AI to reduce mundane tasks while resisting reliance on it in ways that diminish purposeful engagement and fulfillment.
9. Discipline: guard against cognitive atrophy.
Over-reliance on AI can lead to the gradual decline of critical thinking and critical thinking skills. In contrast, Christians are instructed to continually seek wisdom (Prov. 4:7, James 1:5) and train our discernment skills (Hebrews 5:14). We must not allow AI to replace the practice and habit of careful thinking or short-circuit the development of wisdom and discernment.
10. Disclosure: uphold transparency and academic integrity.
Representing AI-generated content as one’s own work is dishonest and undermines learning. In contrast, we must be defined by truthfulness (Proverbs 12:22, Ephesians 4:25) and transparency, letting our “yes” be “yes” (Matthew 5:37). Especially in an academic setting in which “doing the work” and “showing the work” are important parts of the process of learning, it is essential to transparently disclose the use of AI tools.
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