The leader of the world’s Orthodox Christians, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, emphasized the importance of maintaining religious faith as humanity’s safeguard in the face of rapidly advancing technology and the rise of what he called “impending robotocracy.” Addressing concerns over AI’s potential impact on human dignity and social structures, he stressed that Orthodox tradition holds valuable wisdom essential for navigating a world of accelerating technological change and automation.
During an event at Athens University, the 85-year-old patriarch expressed the view that in a time of drastic change and technological advances, it is crucial to prioritize the sacredness of the human being, a belief central to their faith. While acknowledging the benefits of technological progress, Bartholomew highlighted the necessity of keeping innovation centered on human values.
These sentiments align with the shared concerns of other Christian leaders who are increasingly considering the ethical implications of AI and robotics through theological perspectives on human uniqueness, free will, and spiritual essence. The Vatican has emphasized the importance of evaluating AI applications to ensure they uphold human dignity and promote the common good, while the head of the Anglican Church has joined initiatives promoting AI ethics.
During his visit to Greece, Bartholomew, who is based in Istanbul, Turkey, emphasized the need for education that nurtures and sustains the spiritual aspect of humanity. His remarks underscore a broader trend within Christianity to grapple with the ethical challenges posed by advancing technology and to advocate for a human-centered approach to innovation.
