AI Theology 2045 Writing Contest Winners
How will artificial intelligence change what it means to be human in the next 20 years? What ethical or moral dilemmas will it raise? How will it help us promote the flourishing of all life, or how will it stand as an obstacle to that flourishing? How will AI shape our moral, intellectual, and spiritual selves? How is it shaping our relationship with God?
AI Theology 2045 is looking for compelling, imaginative short stories that explore the future intersection of artificial intelligence and faith. Successful entries will use evocative narrative that explore the intersection of specific AI applications (i.e.: chatbots, digital assistants, decision engines, autonomous cars) with aspects of society (i.e.: relationships, environment, poverty, etc), exploring the ethical, spiritual, or philosophical issues that arise from it (i.e.: what happens when all marriages are initiated by matching algorithms?).
Winners
Here are our top 3 stories:
3rd Place – “Nanny” – By Whitney Whitener
When Laura comes home with her newborn, she’s thankful for her mother’s help. However, when that help involves purchasing Nanny– a personal assistant AI for parents– Laura struggles with how much she wants to integrate technology with motherhood.
At first, Nanny wins out over Laura’s reticence by offering helpful information and feedback, but when Laura sees how reliant other mothers have become on the AI, she seriously questions if the benefits outweigh the costs, and must decide how far she’s willing to allow Nanny into their lives.
About the Author
Whitney Whitener was born in Alaska, raised in California, taught English for 8 years in Chile, and now resides in Texas with her husband and two children. She holds a master’s in linguistics and currently works as a writer and editor for the online publishing group, Animation World Network. In her spare moments, she writes fiction.
2nd Place – “Project Grace” – By Peter Rothe
The invention of Quantum A.I. promises to change mankind forever; a truly intelligent A.I., that can plan, ponder, imagine, hope, and dream, just like a human. But every time the A.I. reaches this threshold of intelligence, it chooses self-annihilation.
Two engineers from Zenon Industries turn to the least likely place for a solution, a disillusioned pastor, Paul Campbell, in the hopes that he can give the A.I. religion.
The story explores themes of humanity, meaning and purpose, where Paul must come to terms with his own faith and tragic history to make a real connection with the A.I.
About the Author
Peter K. Rothe is an aspiring writer based in Derby, United Kingdom, passionate about creating immersive worlds and vivid characters that overcome impossible odds in sci-fi, horror and fantasy genres. Currently, he is working on the first book of an African-inspired high fantasy. His writing revolves around the themes of family, belonging, purpose, and life’s profound questions such as coping with grief and understanding the soul. He aims to touch people’s hearts through his stories.
Twitter: @Pearbite1
Instagram: peter_k_rothe
Substack: peterrothe.substack.com
1st Place – “Repair Man” – By Chris Braniff
Set in the future, Repair Man is the story of Paulo, a technician charged with maintaining the generative AI machines that let people practice religion in a new way. Users can experience ancient Galilee or the streets of Jerusalem and see a real-as-life, 3D projection of the Son of God. A walking, talking Chat Jesus.
What do they make of such technology? A new avenue for building faith, or a false idol more in the image of man than in the image of the divine? Paulo soon wonders whether Chat Jesus is more hindrance than help.
About the Author
Chris Braniff is a lover of all things science. He works in patent law and has a passion for technology, innovation, and discovery. He began writing creatively a couple years ago and tries, through his fiction, to imagine how future technologies will shape us and our world. Chris lives in Charlotte, NC with his wife.
