Religious coalition calls for balance, cautious application of AI systems

As part of efforts to ensure humanity is not threatened by technological advancement, religious leaders in Nigeria have called for greater engagement in shaping the ethical development of artificial intelligence (AI), warning that unchecked AI advancements could undermine human dignity and faith.

They made the call at a press conference organised by the Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence organised by the Christian Council of Nigeria, Institute of Church and Society, Ibadan (CCN-ICS) in collaboration with Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) with support from the Future of Life Institute (FLI), which was held at the Institute of Church and Society in Samonda, Ibadan, last week.

Giving the keynote address, the Diocese of Agodi, Methodist Church Nigeria, Rt. Rev. S. Oluwole Onaleke, urged faith communities to actively participate in AI discourse, stressing that there is the urgent need to bridge the gap between technological advancements and religious values. 

“Artificial intelligence is shaping our world at an unprecedented pace, and we must ensure it aligns with ethical and spiritual principles,” he said.

He highlighted concerns over AI’s unpredictable nature and the risk of it being used in ways that could lead to disempowering of humans. 

“We cannot ignore the reality that AI is already making critical decisions in business, healthcare, and even military applications. Yet, there is no clear plan to prevent disasters or safeguard humanity from the risks of AI surpassing human intelligence,” he warned.

Onaleke traced the origins of AI-related concerns to science fiction, referencing Czech writer, Karel Čapek’s 1920 play, R.U.R., where robots led a rebellion against their creators. While AI has moved from fiction to reality, he argued that its ethical implications remain largely unexplored, especially within religious circles. 

“Religious leaders have a duty to engage in these conversations and ensure that technology serves humanity, not the other way around. AI’s presence is already deeply embedded in everyday life, from virtual assistants to e-commerce recommendations and even healthcare management,” he said. 

The bishop emphasised that while AI enhances efficiency, it also raises profound moral and theological questions. 

“What happens when AI mimics human intelligence to the extent that we question our own uniqueness? What does it mean to be created in the image of God if machines begin to exhibit human-like consciousness?” Onaleke asked.

He reiterated that the concept of Imago Dei—the belief that humans are created in God’s image—was a focal point of the discussion. Onaleke questioned whether machines with artificial general intelligence (AGI) could claim a form of divine likeness. 

“If we create AI with human-like reasoning, do they share in the sacred identity of humanity? And if so, where does that leave us?” he pondered, asserting that “Religious communities must also guard against AI becoming an object of worship or a tool for redefining humanity. Faith traditions are clear that putting trust in anything other than God is idolatry. AI should never replace our spiritual connection but should instead be used responsibly to enhance human life.”

Further, he warned that failing to embed ethical principles into AI development could lead to disastrous consequences. 

“The future danger is not just that men may become slaves to technology, but that we may create intelligent systems that dominate us,” Onaleke cautioned, quoting philosopher Erich Fromm.

The bishop pointed to the influence of AI in social media algorithms, which shape public opinion, religious engagement, and even charitable activities. He urged faith leaders to take an active role in ensuring AI aligns with moral values. 

“Religious institutions cannot afford to be passive. We must influence AI development before it influences us in ways we cannot control,” he said.

Nigeria, as a country where religion plays a central role, has a unique responsibility to lead in AI ethics, Onaleke argued. He called for policy measures to ensure AI serves society’s best interests while respecting religious traditions. 

“Nigeria should advocate for international frameworks that prevent AI from undermining human relationships and dignity,” he proposed.

The press conference concluded with a set of demands from the coalition. These include harnessing AI for beneficial applications in agriculture, education, and healthcare while rejecting AI systems that can disempower workers or manipulate faith communities. 

The bishop also called for caution in applying AI to religious practices, warning that hasty implementation could dehumanise worship or mislead believers.

“Artificial intelligence is not inherently good or evil—it depends on how we use it. If guided by wisdom and faith, AI can be a tool for human flourishing. But if left unchecked, it could challenge the very essence of what it means to be human,” Onaleke concluded.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE