The newsletter for chairs of theological school boards, Vol. 4, No. 9
Confronting the reality of AI
Pope Leo XIV just issued his first major encyclical, writing about artificial intelligence. In it, he drew on the long Judeo-Christian tradition that centers human dignity.
For theological educators, the news of the papal encyclical may sound familiar. Funded by Lilly Endowment Inc., the University of Notre Dame is doing incredible work providing a framework for how people of faith can understand and interact with artificial intelligence. I was privileged last year to attend a gathering in which Dr. Meghan Sullivan of Notre Dame unveiled what they call the DELTA framework.
My colleague, Matt Hufman, had a conversation with Dr. Sullivan about the framework on the Good Governance podcast that unpacks the framework. In the podcast, she discusses how A.I. is already changing humanity, and she suggests that theological schools can lead the way because the need for the type of exploration and education that theological schools can provide is necessary.
She also offers some insight into what leaders of theological schools should consider about the market for theological education and how AI may transform schools, as well as how leaders may interact with it internally. Toward the end of the discussion, she offers several key questions for schools and their leaders.
I invite you to listen to the podcast episode here and have a discussion with your board. Let us know what you think, and if you want more resources or conversation, please email us here.
Thanks for all you do in theological education,
Amy Kardash
President, In Trust Center for Theological Schools
