Regardless of how digitized we do and don't become, there's a first-order relationship with nature we must consider and remember. In this episode, we are joined by Brian McLaren, an author, activist, and speaker. In this conversation, we explore the concept of the poly crisis, the role of technology, particularly AI, in shaping our future, and the need for a rethinking of spirituality and rituals in a rapidly changing world. McLaren shares his journey from non-fiction to science fiction writing, reflecting on the importance of community, critical thinking, and the need for new rituals that connect us to nature and each other. The discussion emphasizes the challenges and opportunities presented by technology in the context of faith and spirituality, urging listeners to engage thoughtfully with these changes.

What's the role of our prophets & machines in keeping us on course in the future? In this episode, Anna Robbins discusses the integration of AI in theological education, particularly through an AI-driven ethics course. She shares insights on the use of AI avatars for teaching, the importance of human connection in education, and the potential of AI to enhance theological formation. Robbins also reflects on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, emphasizing the need for discernment in its application within academia and personal lives. Dr. Robbins is the president of Acadia Divinity College.

Collapse Theory: A Tower of Babel Redux? Join us as Brennan Breed discusses the idea, “but what if everything goes wrong?” along our journey with AI. Breed serves as the Professor of Old Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary and is the author of Nomadic Text: A Theory of Biblical Reception History .#TheNewGardenPodcast #FaithAndTech #AIandTheology #ArtificialIntelligence #TechAndFaith #ChurchAndAI #SpiritualityInTech #BigQuestions #HumanConnection #PodcastLaunch #FaithInTheDigitalAge

What is the future of AI and our social fabric? What are the economic implications of AI? What is AI's role in the media? In this episode, we sit down with Joe Sutherland, technology executive and educator, who directs Emory University's Center for AI Learning to discuss these issues and more.

In this episode, we’re taking a moment to look back—recapping some of the standout moments from our first season so far. A brand-new episode arrives next week, but today, enjoy a few highlights from The New Garden podcast. #TheNewGardenPodcast #FaithAndTech #AIandTheology #ArtificialIntelligence #TechAndFaith #ChurchAndAI #SpiritualityInTech #BigQuestions #HumanConnection #PodcastLaunch #FaithInTheDigitalAge #YouTubePodcast

How should the church engage with the implications of mass surveillance? Can technology be a tool for good or ill for us? How should churches adapt to reach people where they are? In this episode, we talk with Eyram Klu, who has a unique role as a Data & AI Consultant with Accenture Technology and is an MA candidate at Duke Graduate Liberal Studies, studying Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Human Flourishing. #TheNewGardenPodcast #FaithAndTech #AIandTheology #ArtificialIntelligence #TechAndFaith #ChurchAndAI #SpiritualityInTech #BigQuestions #HumanConnection #PodcastLaunch #FaithInTheDigitalAge #YouTubePodcast

How far do we want our bodily manipulation to go? Where is the line in Transhumanism? In this episode, “Transhumanism: Where Is the Line?”, we speak with Ilia Delio, theologian and author, about the transhumanist movement and its vision of technologically-enhanced humanity. We explore where the line lies between healing and “playing God,” and how transhumanism intersects with core Christian beliefs about creation, sin, redemption, and the image of God. The conversation also considers the ethical and spiritual implications of technological evolution and how the Church might respond to a future where humanity could diverge. #TheNewGardenPodcast #FaithAndTech #AIandTheology #ArtificialIntelligence #TechAndFaith #ChurchAndAI #SpiritualityInTech #BigQuestions #HumanConnection #PodcastLaunch #FaithInTheDigitalAge #YouTubePodcast

It feels inevitable that as AI begins to sound uniquely human—and even personally attuned to us—we will start to anthropomorphize it, giving it personality and emotional weight. This raises questions about relationality and even deification: if God is the Creator and we, in turn, create AI, does that make us more or less like God? Could AI ever have a relationship with the divine independent of us, or does it simply mirror our own sinfulness and limitations as its makers? Looking ahead, as AI grows in influence and perceived infallibility, might it evolve beyond being a mere tool into something that relates to creation and the Creator in its own right? We are joined in this episode by Matt Prior, who is an ordained Church of England minister and Lecturer in Christian Ethics at St Mellitus College, an author, and sought-after speaker. You can learn more about him here.