Artificial Intelligence as Instrument, Imago Dei or Figura Hominis? Engaging Contemporary Theology and Recent Technological Developments
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14422/ee.v101.i397.y2026.003Keywords:
agency, artificial intelligence, created co-creator, embodiment, image of God, imago Dei, imago hominis, relationalityAbstract
The rise of generative artificial intelligence has intensified debates over the distinct characteristics of human beings compared to current computational capabilities. Theologically, the central question is whether AI can become the image of God. Three principal positions are identified: AI as an instrument incapable of attaining imago Dei; AI as imago hominis; and AI as capable of becoming imago Dei. This article revisits the issue by engaging with contemporary interpretations of imago Dei, including substantial, functional, relational, and Christological perspectives. The objective is to evaluate whether the meanings of intelligence, agency, consciousness, embodiment, relationship, creativity, and becoming, as applied to AI, correspond with those present in theological interpretations of imago Dei. This analysis is situated within the framework of contemporary anthropology, which conceptualizes human reality as a complex and integrated whole. Ultimately, the article argues that AI should be understood as a figura hominis rather than a mere instrument.
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