Faithful Intelligence: Preserving Human Agency in AI-Assisted Theological Education | REA 2026 Conference Presentation

Send us Fan MailJermaine Whiteside presents his peer-reviewed conference paper at the 2026 Religious Education Association (REA) Annual Meeting, exploring one of the most pressing questions facing theological education:How can educators responsibly integrate artificial intelligence while preserving the human relationships essential to spiritual formation?This presentation introduces the Faithful Intelligence Framework, a governance model designed to ensure that AI serves as a tool to support—not replace—the formative work of educators, mentors, pastors, and institutions. Rather than treating AI as a substitute for human discernment, the framework emphasizes transparency, accountability, theological reflection, and ethical educational practice.Through practical examples and governance principles, this presentation examines: The opportunities and risks of AI in theological education  Why human agency remains essential to spiritual formation  Ethical governance for AI-assisted learning environments  Protecting relational mentoring in ministry preparation  The Faithful Intelligence Framework as a model for responsible AI adoption Originally presented at the 2026 Religious Education Association (REA) Annual Meeting, this recording reflects ongoing research within the Faithful Intelligence Research Program at AnointedEDU.Presenter Jermaine E. Whiteside Doctoral Candidate, Liberty University School of Divinity Founder, AnointedEDUResearch Areas Artificial Intelligence in Education  Christian Leadership  Theological Education  Educational Technology  AI Ethics  Human Agency  Governance  Digital Ministry  Spiritual Formation About AnointedEDUAnointedEDU is an open-access scholarly platform dedicated to advancing research in Christian leadership, theological education, artificial intelligence, governance, ethics, and educational innovation. Through publications, conference presentations, executive education, and digital scholarship, AnointedEDU seeks to bridge rigorous academic research with practical ministry and institutional leadership.Series: REA 2026 Conference Collection Research Program: Faithful Intelligence Publisher: AnointedEDU Language: English Format: Conference Presentation / Scholarly PodcastSupport the showTogether, We Build Communities and Transform Lives🌐 Explore our projects and initiatives:IAM of America: www.iamofamerica.orgAnointed Connect Academy: www.anointedconnectedu.comReinvest Carolina Corporation: www.reinvestcarolina.org📩 Stay Connected: Follow our journey and be part of the change.