Artificial Intelligence and Theological Education: Ethical Implications for Spiritual Formation and Leadership Development
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in theological education poses significant ethical challenges that threaten the core values of spiritual formation and leadership development. This paper aimed to explore the ethical implications of AI in shaping future spiritual leaders, emphasizing the need for a human-centered approach. Employing Virtue Ethics as the theoretical framework, the study examined how virtues essential for ethical leadership are cultivated through personal mentorship rather than AI-driven instruction. Utilizing an analytical research design, the methodology includes a qualitative analysis of secondary literature, revealing critical findings: AI may depersonalize spiritual formation, inadequately address moral guidance in leadership training, and risk promoting a technocratic approach to leadership. The study concludes with recommendations for theological institutions to preserve human mentorship, incorporate ethical training for AI usage, develop hybrid models of leadership training, and conduct ongoing ethical evaluations of AI tools. This balanced approach aims to enhance the educational experience while maintaining the integrity of theological education.
Keywords: artificial, development, education, ethical, formation, implications, intelligence, leadership, spiritual, theological