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14 JUN 2025 · In this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know This, Too, ITEST presents a webinarentitled "Bioethics & AI as Human Flourishing: Where Catholic & Orthodox Social Teaching meet in One Christian Social Ethos" (June 14, 2025)
Dr. Constantine Psimopoulos
BIOETHICS AND AI AS HUMAN FLOURISHING: WHERE CATHOLICS AND ORTHODOX MEET IN ONE CHRISTIAN SOCIAL ETHOS
Constantine Psimopoulos is a Professor (Adj.) of Bioethics at Hellenic College https://www.hchc.edu/faculty/constantine-psimopoulos-phd/, teaching Christian Ethics and Social Ministries and is on the faculty at https://projects.iq.harvard.edu/rshm, of which he is also Senior Program Administrator, and the https://hfh.fas.harvard.edu/people/constantine-kosti-psimopoulos. He has another Academic research appointment in Global Health and Social Medicine and the Center for Bioethics at Harvard Medical School. At Harvard, he co-teaches the course Religion and Public Health and a new required module taught to all MD/PhD students. Constantine serves as the https://www.oac.gr/el/epikaira/enimerwtika-deltia/vioithiki-kai-orthodoxia-p706.html (Ecumenical Patriarchate), and as an Invited Member to the Inaugural https://www.goarch.org/-/a-report-from-the-ai-and-theology-working-group
Abstract
This presentation draws a comparison between Catholic social teaching and the Social ethos of the Orthodox church. Both traditions have some parallels in the way they approach AI, from a bioethical perspective that addresses social justice. The document ‘https://holycrossbookstore.com/products/forthelifeoftheworldtowardasocialethosoftheorthodoxchurch?_pos=1&_sid=4d8839ebf&_ss=r’ (F.L.O.W.) of our Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople, emphasizes that science and technology are a wonderful product of a God-given human creativity, and that “the desire for scientific knowledge flows from the same wellspring as faith’s longing to enter ever more deeply into the mystery of God.” It is an imperative to use AI for Human Flourishing. From a Christian bioethical lens, science and technology, and in particular Artificial Intelligence (AI), can serve as one concrete example of how this can be addressed.
Fr. Michael Baggot, LC
Programming with Purpose: Guiding AI through Catholic Social Teaching
Fr. Michael Baggot is Legionary of Christ, an Associate Professor of Bioethics at the https://www.upra.org/ateneo/docenti/michael-baggot/, and an Invited Professor of Theology at the https://angelicum.it/teologia/professor/baggot-michael/ (the Angelicum) and the https://catholic.tech/academics/faculty/michael-baggot (CatholicTech). He also serves as a professor for the Joint Diploma in https://www.upra.org/offerta-formativa/facolta/teologia/joint-diploma-in-leadership-service-through-virtues/ and the https://catholicworldview.com/staff/ summer program. In addition, Fr. Michael is a Research Scholar at the https://www.unescobiochair.org/ and a member of the Scholarly Advisory Board for Magisterium AI. He is also a fellow of the https://dornsife.usc.edu/iacs/gid/ at the Institute for Advanced Catholic Studies at the University of Southern California.
Abstract
As an expert in humanity, the Catholic Church is deeply interested in the AI technologies that are shaping family life, education, medicine, religious practice, and other key aspects of social life. The presentation draws on the social doctrine of the Catholic Church to highlight the virtues and social structures most conducive to using AI tools to promote human flourishing. It gives special attention to the influence of AI companion systems on the loneliness epidemic and the quest for social connections. The conference also examines the significance of ecumenical dialogue, interreligious dialogue, and dialogue with secular traditions in addressing the perennial philosophical questions that emerging technologies raise.
https://faithscience.org/bioethics-and-ai/
Transcribed
6 APR 2025 · In this webinar entitled AI and Sin: Medieval Robots and the Theology of Technology, hosted by the Institute for Theological Encounter with Science and Technology, Dr. Chris Reilly and Dr. Jordan Joseph Wales offer their insights into the promises and challenges of Artificial Intelligence. (April 5, 2025)
Christopher M. Reilly, ThD
AI and Sin: How Today’s Technology Motivates Evil
Christopher M. Reilly writes and speaks in regard to a Christian response to advanced technology, and he has written numerous articles on bioethics and moral theology and philosophy. Chris holds a doctor of theology degree and three masters degrees in philosophy, theology, and public affairs. He resides in the greater Washington, DC region. His website is https://christophermreilly.com/. Chris is Associate Director of ITEST.
Abstract
Artificial intelligence technology (AI) motivates persons’ engagement in sin. With this startling argument drawn from Catholic theology and technological insight, Christopher M. Reilly, Th.D. takes on both critics and proponents of AI who see it as essentially a neutral tool that can be used with good or bad intentions. More specifically, Reilly demonstrates that AI strongly encourages the vice of instrumental rationality, which in turn leads the developers, producers, and users of AI and its machines toward acedia, one of the “seven deadly sins.”
Jordan Joseph Wales, PhD
Response: Medieval Robots and the Theology of Technology
Jordan Wales is the Kuczmarski Professor of Theology at Hillsdale College. With degrees in engineering, cognitive science, and theology, his scholarship focuses on early Christianity as well as contemporary theological questions relating to artificial intelligence. He is a member of the AI Research Group for the Holy See’s Centre for Digital Culture, under the Dicastery for Culture and Education; a fellow of the Centre for Humanity and the Common Good; and a fellow of the International Society for Science and Religion.
Abstract
Medieval theologians and storytellers grappled with humankind’s tendency to confine our aims to what a technology can represent rather than to situate that technology within the wider horizon of the human journey to God. Responding to Dr. Reilly, I draw on legends of robots that illustrate a theological approach to AI as a perilous but also potent instrument mediating between human volition and our natural and social environment. In their diverging outcomes, these texts suggest paths toward a more humane positioning of AI within our lives.
Webinar resources
Chris Reilly’s Resources
Radio interview on Relevant Radio, Trending with Timmerie: https://www.spreaker.com/episode/ai-reason-acedia--64575876
Book – AI and Sin: How Today’s Technologies Motivate Evil: https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/aiandsin
Chris Reilly’s website: https://christophermreilly.com/
Chapter – “Seven Christian Principles for Thriving with Artificial Intelligence”: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5e3ada1a6a2e8d6a131d1dcd/t/66bb63fdcdba62679b200277/1723556861413/Artificial+Intelligence-1.pdf
Jordan Wales’ Resources
“What Will a Future with Androids among Us Look Like”: https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/what-will-a-future-with-androids-among-us-look-like/
“The Image and the Idol: A Theological Reflection on AI Bias”: https://churchlifejournal.nd.edu/articles/the-image-and-the-idol-a-theological-reflection-on-ai-bias/
“Encountering Artificial Intelligence: Ethical and Anthropological Investigations”: https://jmt.scholasticahq.com/article/91230-encountering-artificial-intelligence-ethical-and-anthropological-investigations
Transcribed
28 MAR 2025 · Fr. Christopher Seith deepens his conversation with Fr. Mark about the role of social media and the importance of silence from technology and other such distractions in our lives. (January 13, 2025)
Transcribed
28 MAR 2025 · Fr. Christopher Seith joins Father Mark to talk about his book, Rekindling Wonder, and the immense importance of and benefits from stepping away from screen time in daily life. (January 6, 2025)
Transcribed
25 FEB 2025 · In this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know This, Too, Sr. Carla Mae Streeter, OP, interviews Sister Ilia Delio, OSF, a Franciscan sister with a background in science and theology. Sr. Ilia discussed her journey from neurobiology to historical theology, emphasizing the integration of science and religion. She highlighted the need for a dynamic understanding of Christology and the role of figures like Francis of Assisi, Bonaventure, and Teilhard de Chardin in bridging science and faith. Sr. Ilia advocated for a shift from traditional doctrines to a more evolutionary and integrative approach, stressing the importance of revisiting core theological concepts in light of modern scientific insights. She also emphasized the need for a robust religious education that includes both science and faith to address contemporary challenges.
Transcribed
23 FEB 2025 · Bob Kurland's Slide Links
In all protein functions, parts of the proteins bind loosely to other parts of the protein and thus form appropriate structures that are essential to their function. This is shown very nicely in this TED YouTube video, by Professor Ken Dill https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zm-3kovWpNQ Here is another nice YouTube video showing protein flexibility https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZ2aY5lxEGE
Webinar Title
The Anthropic Principle: “Are We Special?”--Did God make our “Goldilocks Universe” for man?
Abstract
The universe in which we live and came to be is not ordinary, but unusual. As the Church Lady in Saturday Night Live of old would say, “Now, isn’t that special!” Or is it? Some scientists would agree with Roger Penrose – that if it weren’t special, we wouldn’t be here to remark on it. Many other scientists and philosophers would agree with Thomas Nagel that an explanation giving only the result is not an explanation. (And, of course, if it is special, then there is the implicit conclusion that this is so because of a Creating Intelligence, which we Catholics recognize as the Trinitarian God.) In my presentation I will discuss some of the so-called “anthropic coincidences” necessary for carbon-based life. Although some examples from cosmology and particle physics will be included, I’m going to focus on the wonderful parts of chemistry and molecular biology, processes that point to the hand of a Creating Intelligence. And of course the prophets of the Old Testament and saints of the early Church knew this all along, without the benefit of science.
Dr. Robert Kurland, a convert to Catholicism in 1995, is a retired physicist who has applied magnetic resonance to problems of biological interest in his research (web search: “Kurland-McGarvey Equation”). Dr. Kurland is a graduate of Caltech (BS, 1951, “with honor”) and Harvard (PhD, 1956). His scientific career at Carnegie-Mellon, SUNY/AB, Cleveland Clinic, Geisinger Medical Center, has focused on biological applications of magnetic resonance, including MRI. Since his conversion to Catholicism, he has tried to spread the message that there’s no war between Catholic teaching and science.
Respondent:
William M. Briggs, PhD Against the Anthropic Principle Dr. William M. Briggs, the Statistician to the Stars, has a background in statistics, philosophy, meteorology, and cryptography. Born in Detroit, he left the city when it was at its peak, which some might jokingly suggest led to its decline. Briggs holds a PhD in Mathematical Sciences and an MS in Atmospheric Physics, and has served in various roles including professor, consultant, and statistician. He is known for his work in probability and statistics, as well as his cultural commentary on various social and scientific issues.
Transcribed
31 JAN 2025 · In this episode of Jesus 911, Jesse Romero interviews Joseph Freymann on his book Summa Apologetics (January 30, 2025)
Summa Apologetica is for adults and mature teens. It is specifically designed for a year-long course in Catholic Apologetics at the late high-school or early-college level. The book contains 160 questions and answers on Catholicism, Christianity, and faith in general. There are six categories: Natural Apologetics, Christian Apologetics, Catholic Apologetics, Historical Apologetics, Moral Apologetics and General Questions. The book is based on the philosophy and theology of St. Thomas Aquinas, as well as magisterial documents and the writings of authors whose views are consistent with sound Catholic theology. In each answer, scriptural verses appear in bold print for quick reference. The study questions at the end of each chapter are helpful for classroom discussions, quizzes and tests. This textbook has a digital companion, available in the App Store and the Google Play Store. It is a mobile app called Appologetics, written by the same author and containing the same content, a helpful pocket resource for convenience and quick reference.
https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/summa-apologetica/
Transcribed
26 JAN 2025 · In this episode of I Thought You'd Like to Know This, Too, Dr. Angelyn Arden interviews Chai Mahfood on her book Damnatio Memoriae (January 25, 2025)
After confronting unspeakable paranormal entities and narrowly escaping with his life, a young man faces the challenges of survival in the aftermath.
https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/damnatio-memoriae/
Transcribed
12 JAN 2025 · The goal of Rich May's workbook entitled Addressing Moral Confusion is to help our youth to receive catechetical instruction without getting bogged down by the mindset of the world today, thereby enabling them to be more open to the truth of the Gospel of Christ and His Church. It uniquely addresses these challenges, drawing from The Catechism of the Catholic Church, as well as great theologians and philosophers including C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, Fulton Sheen, St. John Cardinal Newman and others knowledgeable in moral psychology and human behavior.Age group: High school and young adults especially those already enrolled in institutions of higher learning. Not all of them may be practicing Christians. It should be of interest to all teachers including those that are currently working with younger age groups. Parents will also benefit from the material and convey basic themes … example, Session One: “Should you believe everything you hear?
https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/addressingmoralconfusion/
Transcribed
6 DEC 2024 · In this episode of the Catholic Link podcast. Fr. Conrad Murphy, host of the https://catholic-link.org/podcast/habemus-papam-the-most-unfortunate-of-the-popes-the-sack-of-rome-the-split-with-england-and-a-waffling-indecisive-pope/ podcast, joins Fr. Rob and Fr. George to discuss his new book https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DJJH99RN/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER&psc=1. This new book is the product of Fr. Murphy’s podcast project. Over the course of six years, Fr. Murphy created short podcast biographies for each pope in chronological order. This book compiles some of the best stories he learned and how we grow closer to Christ in light of these stories. These stories include a pope’s statement on whether Christians can wear pants.
In the late 9th Century, Pope Nicholas I was asked if Christians were permitted to wear pants. His response was both amusing and wise, extolling the questioners to virtue and spiritual growth. Why Christians Can Wear Pants is a collection of unique stories from Papal History, which, like the example provided by Pope Nicholas, teach us lessons about the spiritual life.
https://enroutebooksandmedia.com/whychristianscanwearpants/
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