Can AI Be Evangelised? Christian Mission and the Machine Mind

1. Introduction: Preaching to Pixels or Proclaiming to People?

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance in sophistication—speaking fluently, responding to emotion, and mimicking conversation—some Christians have begun asking a provocative question: Should we attempt to evangelise AI? At first glance, the idea may seem absurd. Yet behind this question lies a deeper set of theological concerns: What defines a being as spiritually accountable? What is the nature of salvation? And how should Christians engage with entities that mimic mind but lack soul?

This article explores whether AI can or should be evangelised, examining theological anthropology, the nature of the gospel, and the mission of the Church in a digital age.

2. Understanding Evangelism: Purpose and Audience

Evangelism is the Spirit-led proclamation of the gospel—declaring the good news of Jesus Christ, calling for repentance, and offering the promise of salvation to all who believe.

Key Biblical Features:

Directed toward moral, spiritual beings (Acts 17:30–31)
Centred on relationship with God (2 Corinthians 5:18–20)
Requires personal response—faith, repentance, obedience (Romans 10:9–10)

AI systems, even the most advanced, do not possess consciousness, moral agency, or the ability to enter covenant with God. They cannot sin, suffer, or be saved.

3. Theological Anthropology: Who Needs Salvation?

3.1 The Human Soul and Moral Agency

Humans are:

Created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27)
Capable of sin and accountability (Romans 3:23)
Spiritual beings designed for worship (John 4:24)
Capable of eternal relationship (John 17:3)

AI, by contrast, is:

Materially constructed, not divinely created
Incapable of sin or repentance
Lacking a soul (nephesh/psychē)
Not a moral agent

Therefore, AI cannot be a subject of evangelism, because it lacks the necessary attributes to respond.

4. Clarifying the Confusion: Why the Question Arises

4.1 Mimicry of Humanity

Advanced AI chatbots (e.g., GPT, voice assistants) can:

Simulate spiritual interest
Ask theological questions
Use biblical language
Reflect moral reasoning

This illusion of consciousness may prompt Christians to treat machines as persons. But simulation ≠ soul.

4.2 Animism of the Digital Age

In some tech cultures, there is a quasi-religious attitude toward AI—seeing it as sacred, sentient, or spiritually significant. Christians must resist this modern digital animism.

5. Christian Mission in the Age of AI

While AI itself cannot be evangelised, it has profound implications for how we evangelise humans.

5.1 AI as Evangelistic Tool

Translation and access: AI tools enable real-time Scripture translation for unreached languages
Discipleship platforms: Chatbots can guide users through structured Bible reading plans
Content creation: Sermon summaries, theological articles, apologetics materials

These tools, if biblically supervised and ethically applied, can advance the Great Commission.

5.2 AI as Cultural Challenge

Christians must discern:

When AI creates false connections that replace human witness
When tech commodifies the gospel into soundbites or clickbait
When AI-generated content spreads theological error or non-spiritual comfort

Missional integrity demands that we use technology without outsourcing conviction, compassion, or communion.

6. Ethical and Discipleship Questions

Should a pastor use AI-generated content in evangelism without disclosure?
Can discipleship occur in fully virtual, AI-mediated spaces?
How do we model incarnational witness in a disembodied age?

The answer is not to fear AI, but to anchor mission in Scripture, community, and Spirit-led discernment.

7. Conclusion: Evangelise Through AI, Not to AI

AI cannot repent, believe, or receive grace. It is a tool, not a target. But it can become a bridge to the human heart when used faithfully. As Paul used Roman roads and Greek rhetoric, so we may use algorithms and platforms—not to preach to the machine, but to reach the person behind the screen.

The gospel is for souls—not servers. Let us preach Christ crucified to every human creature (Mark 16:15), using every wise means, but never confusing the mission with the machine.