Paul Hoffman | AI, the Imago Dei, and the Fight for Our Humanity

Is artificial intelligence just a tool — or are we slowly making it a partner in how we think, relate, and even worship? In this episode of Thinking Christian, I sit down with Dr. Paul Hoffman — pastor, theologian, and co-author of AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep — to talk about what it means to be human in an age of accelerating technology. We explore the Imago Dei through the lens of AI, the theology of embodiment, and the very real dangers of offloading our spiritual and intellectual efforts to machines. We also talk about how hearth habits, practical theology, and the intentional formation of Christian communities can help counteract the disintegration of relational and spiritual life in the digital age. This is not a dystopian tech rant or a techno-optimist’s dream. It’s a pastoral, theological, and deeply human conversation about what we’re becoming — and how we might recover a more grounded, God-centered way of living. Links: AI Shepherds and Electric Sheep book Follow Dr. Hoffman: @pastorhoffman77 (X), @pastorhoffman (Instagram/Facebook) 👀 Subscribe, review, and share this one — it’s a conversation for anyone wondering how to follow Christ in the age of ChatGPT. 🔗 Learn more about Useful to God: www.usefultogod.com 📢 Stay Connected & Keep Growing! If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe to Thinking Christian so you never miss an insightful conversation! For more resources to help you grow in faith and deepen your walk with Christ, visit Useful to God—where you'll find books, courses, podcasts, and more to equip you for faithful Christian living. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.