From November 18–19, 2025, the Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR) made history as it hosted the International Conference on Faith and Artificial Intelligence (ICFAI 2025), a groundbreaking global event that brought Christian spirituality into conversation with one of the most transformative forces of the modern era: artificial intelligence. Organized in collaboration with the Canadian Tech-Institute for Academic Research (CTIAR), the London School of Management (LSM), and the Seira Community Church (SCC), the conference centered on the theme “Navigating AI and Spiritual Discernment in the Digital Age.” It was a landmark moment that blended academic rigor, spiritual reflection, and technological insight.

The two-day gathering convened a remarkably diverse and influential delegation of participants. Attendees included university leaders, theology faculty, youth ministers, campus fellowship leaders, developers, engineers, legal professionals, policymakers, researchers, innovators, and apostolic voices shaping education and media. This mix of faith leaders and technology experts illustrated the growing urgency of understanding AI not simply as a scientific innovation but as a phenomenon deeply affecting ethics, community life, spirituality, and the future of humanity.

Throughout the conference, keynote speakers delivered powerful presentations exploring the ethical, legal, and theological dimensions of artificial intelligence. Discussions highlighted how AI is reshaping education, healthcare, climate action, communication, and governance. Speakers emphasized that AI ranks among the greatest innovations of the twenty-first century, challenging Christians to respond not with fear but with discernment, wisdom, and spiritual integrity. This message was reinforced by profound reflections shared during the sessions. One of the speakers highlighted well-known global insights to emphasize the importance of embracing AI wisely. He referenced Ginni Rometty’s famous statement: “AI will not replace humans-but people who do not use AI will be replaced by those who do.” He also drew on Sundar Pichai’s widely cited reminder: “The future of AI is not about replacing humans; it is about augmenting human capabilities.”

One of the most impactful research presentations came from a student of the Protestant University of Rwanda, titled “From Technophobia to Discernment: A Christian Reflection on Neuralink, AI Regulation, and Spiritual Responsibility.” The paper examined the transformative potential of emerging technologies like Neuralink and explored how fear-based interpretations, particularly apocalyptic readings related to the “mark of the beast”, are causing confusion within certain Christian communities. The presenter highlighted the real consequences of uninformed fear, including job resignations, student dropouts, and broad resistance to technological progress. His work called for Christians to move from technophobia to responsible discernment, emphasizing that stewardship includes engaging with innovation rather than retreating from it.

Additional research strengthened the conference’s academic depth. The paper “Faith in the Age of Artificial Intelligence: Assessing Impacts, Risks, and Future Directions” explored how AI can support theological scholarship, ministry, and pastoral care while acknowledging the risks associated with misusing or overestimating AI capabilities. Another insightful contribution, “Artificial Intelligence and the Ethics of Moral Decision-Making: Integrating Human and Spiritual Values into Legal Frameworks,” urged the integration of moral and spiritual principles into AI governance, stressing that technological progress must be anchored in respect for human dignity. These papers collectively reaffirmed that AI, as a human creation, can never replace the spiritual depth, creativity, and moral agency unique to humanity.

Several key lessons emerged from ICFAI 2025. First, participants agreed that AI cannot replace human beings; it remains a tool that must operate under human oversight and spiritual responsibility. Second, Christian communities must practice wise discernment, welcoming innovations that align with biblical truth while rejecting those that threaten human well-being or ethical integrity. Third, the conference demonstrated that faith, science, and technology are not opposing forces but interconnected dimensions of human experience. When guided by moral principles, innovation can support the mission of the church and contribute to the flourishing of society. Fourth, collaboration between researchers, innovators, policymakers, and faith leaders is essential for ensuring that AI serves the common good. Finally, the conference emphasized that fear should never define the Christian response to modern technology; instead, believers are called to meet emerging challenges with wisdom, stewardship, and hope.

In its conclusion, ICFAI 2025 stood out as far more than an academic event; it was a visionary gathering that set the stage for future global conversations on faith and artificial intelligence. Participants left Rwanda with renewed conviction that the future belongs to those who approach innovation with courage, spiritual maturity, and an unwavering commitment to ethical leadership. The conversations started at this conference will continue to shape how believers, institutions, and societies engage with artificial intelligence in the years ahead.

By Moise IRADUKUNDA

Theology student at Protestant University of Rwanda - PUR.