Research, writing, and speaking on AI and Christianity
Dr. Drew Dickens
A theological anthropologist who studies how artificial intelligence is reshaping Christian spiritual formation, spiritual authority, prayer, and the relationship between humans and God.
- Doctorate, SMUDoctor of Liberal Studies, theological anthropology
- Contributing FellowAI and Faith
- Adjunct FacultyDallas Theological Seminary
- HostAI & Spirituality podcast
As heard on The Unbound Podcast with Dr. Tony Evans, Moody Radio, Dallas Theological Seminary, American Family Radio, Houston Christian University, and Grace Theological Seminary. All appearances
The question behind the work
When a believer asks a chatbot about God, who is speaking with authority? Drew's work centers on AI and spiritual authority: what happens when people trust artificial intelligence as pastor, counselor, Bible interpreter, companion, or spiritual director, and how the church can respond with discernment rather than fear.
ResearchSouthern Methodist University, 2023
Drew's doctoral dissertation, The Digital Shepherd, is one of the first sustained studies of generative AI and Christian spiritual direction. It examines how AI can reshape religious inquiry and introduces the "Digital Shepherd": the guiding role AI is beginning to play in people's spiritual lives.
Summary, findings, and citation (open access, DOI 10.5281/zenodo.22985496)
Start hereCommon questions, answered in the AI & Christianity guide
Recent essays and episodesAI & Spirituality podcast and Substack
When the Builders Are Afraid: AI Risk, the Fears of AI Developers, and Christian Hope
The Pew Is Ahead of the Pulpit: How Christians Are Already Using AI Before Their Churches Decide
The Philosophers in the Machine: AI Engineers, Consciousness, and the Questions the Church Has Held for Two Thousand Years
The Algorithm in the Assembly: How Artificial Intelligence Is Changing Christian Worship, Preaching, and Pastoral Care
Books
Whispers of the Spirit: A 40-Day Guide to Intimate Prayer (BroadStreet Publishing), and two chapters in 40 Bible Passages About AI (Friendship Press, 2026).
Practice
Drew founded Encountering Peace, a guided Christian meditation app and podcast with more than 300,000 daily listeners, and builds free AI tools for the practice of faith at Simple Faith Tools. His research is informed by what he sees in a large, practicing Christian audience every day.