paulkingsnorth.substack.com

The post shares an article by Andrew Caspersen that reframes the Christian debate on artificial intelligence. Rather than weighing AI’s potential benefits against its risks — the "fruits" of the technology — Caspersen examines the "tree" itself: what AI is by nature. Drawing on the Pygmalion myth and the doctrine of the imago Dei, he argues that the human intellect is a finite image of the infinite Word, given so that we may know and love God.

AI, by simulating ideation, composition, analysis, and conversation, offers an "enhanced mind" that tempts us to outsource our God-given cognitive faculties. Accepting this man-made substitute treats the divine gift as inadequate and, by extension, treats the Giver as inadequate. The article addresses counter-arguments, such as the claim that AI is merely artificial and cannot truly replace human intelligence, contending that even a functional replacement constitutes a practical rejection of our created nature.

The discussion in the comments reflects both appreciation for the ontological approach and concern about equating the imago Dei with cognitive function, which could inadvertently devalue persons with impaired reasoning. Other contributors distinguish between tools that enhance human ability and devices that replace it, reference Orthodox and Catholic theological nuances, and share personal experiences of AI’s encroachment on thought and work.

Paul Kingsnorth shares an update on his upcoming speaking engagements, all centered on the question of what it means to be human in the age of artificial intelligence. He notes that the rise of AI has forced this existential question into mainstream discourse, leading to invitations from major media outlets and event organizers. Over the next two months, he will speak at a youth-focused gathering in Dublin, a conference in Georgia (USA) alongside Carl Trueman, a public talk at a university in Wisconsin, and a conference in Amsterdam addressing civilization in crisis.

Kingsnorth expresses reluctance about public speaking, feeling unqualified, but participates to contribute to the conversation. He concludes with a personal reflection on the simple human joy of being home for Christmas, contrasting it with what a robot could never appreciate. The comments reveal a mix of support and concern: several readers urge him to prioritize his health and limit travel, suggesting his writing may be a more sustainable vocation.

Others affirm the importance of his voice in secular forums, while discussing the spiritual and ethical dimensions of AI. A few commenters share personal encounters with his work in monastic settings, highlighting its reach beyond typical audiences.

The author of the Abbey blog announces that they have been invited by Select International Tours, an American company specializing in Christian pilgrimages, to design and lead a week-long tour of Celtic Christian sites in Ireland in July 2027. The tour, titled "Celtic Christianity and Sacred Ireland," will visit locations the author has written about extensively, including holy wells in the Burren, St. Colman's cave, the monastic city of Clonmacnoise, the Aran Islands associated with St. Enda, the Rock of Cashel, Glendalough (St. Kevin's landscape), and the Book of Kells in Dublin.

The author will give illustrated talks on early Irish Christianity throughout the trip. The tour is open to anyone interested in the history and spirituality of these sites, regardless of denomination or nationality, though it is a paid tour with logistics handled by the company. Forty spots are available. The author describes the opportunity as a personal experiment and expresses hope that participants will gain a deep, memorable spiritual experience.

Additionally, the author lists four public speaking engagements for autumn 2024: an "Art of the Tamada" fundraiser in Florida, a conversation with Carl Trueman in Atlanta, events at a university in Madison, Wisconsin, and the Nexus Institute conference in Amsterdam. The author also mentions attending the Symbolic World Summit in Oxford as an audience member.