What Does It Mean to Be Human? Technology, AI, and the Image of God (Shane Wood)
As AI and digital technology become more embedded in our daily lives, what does it really mean to be human? Are we losing our sense of identity, community, and embodied faith?
In this episode of Thinking Christian, Dr. James Spencer sits down with Dr. Shane Wood, New Testament professor at Ozark Christian College, to explore how technology is shaping our understanding of humanity, relationships, and discipleship—and what Scripture has to say about it.
Key Discussion Points:
How has AI changed the way we relate to each other and to God?
Are we outsourcing our spiritual formation and decision-making to technology?
Why efficiency isn't always a virtue—and how technology can distort human flourishing
Does technology weaken our sense of community, or can it strengthen it?
What role does effort, embodiment, and limitation play in being truly human?
The hidden dangers of transactional relationships & the “algorithmic” mindset
The theological significance of boundaries, dependence on God, and true discipleship
Go deeper: Technology & Media
Thinking Christian is hosted by Dr. James Spencer, president of the D. L. Moody Center and author of Digital Discernment (InterVarsity Press). Each conversation reads the Bible as the final authority for life and faith, questioning the assumptions of our culture, even our Christian culture, so that we don't settle for a narrower vision than God's word offers.
Unsettling convention. Cultivating conviction.
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Resources & Links:
Explore Shane Wood’s Work – ShaneJWood.com
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In addition to being a regular contributor to Christianity.com and Washingtontimes.com, James has published multiple works, including Christian Resistance: Learnign to Defy the World and Follow Christ, Useful to God: Eight Lessons from the Life of D.L. Moody, Thinking Christian: Essays on Testimony, Accountability, and the Christian Mind, and Trajectories: A Gospel-Centered Introduction to Old Testament Theology.
James currently serves as president of the D. L. Moody Center, an adjunct instructor at Wheaton College Graduate School, and faculty member at Right On Mission.
You can find out more about James at his personal website www.jamesspencer.com.
