Making Disciples in a Digital Age

With the advent of AI the digital world continues to impose itself into our lives in ways that we are mostly unprepared for. We’ve focussed on what’s possible for us more than what is good for us. Tech giants are setting the pace with very few controls by government or any other institution concerned with the welfare of people above profits and ‘progress’.

So how is technology making life better? How is it harming us? How can technology advance worship; and how does it entice us into idolatry? How is it helping humanity flourish; and how is it stealing our humanity from us?

In this message we lay a foundation for these kinds of discussions so we can help each other live as disciples of Jesus in a digital age.

Topics for Further Exploration

• Brain Development and Health

The Impact of Tech on Young Minds | Psychology Today Australia

Digital dementia in the internet generation: excessive screen time during brain development will increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias in adulthood – PubMed

• Discipleship in a Digital Age

Gen Z Churchgoers Attend More but Often Lag in Application – Lifeway Research
(Note: be discerning! Some characteristics are simply about life stages, not unique to Gen Z. Some others highlight issues Gen Z’s are growing out of but previous generations are sliding into!)

Discipleship in a Digital Age – Lausanne Movement

How Technology Can Support Your Discipleship

• Understanding and Using AI Wisely

Artificial Intelligence – Undeceptions

The Hidden Cost of AI Nobody Is Talking About! Nigel Crook vs Brian Brock

AI companions may worsen loneliness for vulnerable users | Stanford Report

AI Tools in Society: Impacts on Cognitive Offloading and the Future of Critical Thinking

David Brooks on Thriving in the AI Age