Is Using AI Actually Sinful?

This is for the Christian woman entrepreneur who's wrestling with how to use AI faithfully while building a sustainable business. If that's not your current challenge, that's completely okay.

Introduction: Is AI a Sin for Christians?

A little bit ago a female Christian entrepreneur said to me: "I tried ChatGPT once and felt guilty for three days. Am I sinning by using AI in my business?"

If you've ever wrestled with that same question, you are not alone. Many faith-driven business owners wonder how artificial intelligence fits into a biblical worldview. According to a 2025 Pushpay survey, AI usage among churches increased from 25% in 2024 to 45% in 2025—an 80% jump in just one year. A lot of folk are using it. Yet despite this rapid adoption, seems like a lot of Christians still feel uncertain about whether using these tools aligns with their faith.

In my own journey as a Christian entrepreneur, I've wrestled with this tension. I've felt the guilt of wondering if I was "cheating" by using AI to draft an email or brainstorm ideas. But through prayer, study, and conversations with other faith-driven business owners, I've come to see AI not as a threat to my faith, but as a tool that—when used wisely—can help me serve others more effectively and honor God with my work.

This article is my attempt to share what I've learned. I usually only share with a focus on female Christian entrepreneurs, but I know this is a topic for all. I'm not a theologian or a scholar. I'm a practitioner, just like you, trying to navigate the intersection of faith and technology with wisdom and integrity.

The Real Question: Stewardship Over Fear

In Matthew 25, Jesus tells the parable of the talents. A master entrusts his servants with different amounts of money before leaving on a journey. Two servants invest their talents and double them. The third servant, paralyzed by fear, buries his talent in the ground.

When the master returns, he praises the first two servants: "Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things" (Matthew 25:21, NIV). But to the fearful servant, he says, "You wicked, lazy servant!... You should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest" (Matthew 25:26-27, NIV).

To me the lesson is clear: God expects us to use what He gives us, not bury it out of fear.

When it comes to new and emerging tools like AI, our challenge is the same. Will we use what God has given us with wisdom, or will we bury it out of fear? The servant who buried his talent wasn't condemned for being cautious—he was condemned for doing nothing. Been there, done that before. Lesson learned

As Christian entrepreneurs, we have a responsibility to steward our resources well. That includes our time, our talents, and yes, the tools available to us. Ignoring powerful tools like AI because we're afraid or uncertain may not be the faithful response we think it is.

What the Bible Actually Says About Using Technology

Scripture doesn't mention AI directly, but it gives us timeless principles for evaluating new technologies and modern tools. Here's what the Bible teaches us about stewardship, wisdom, and service:

Stewardship: Managing What God Has Given

"Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful." (1 Corinthians 4:2, ESV)

We're called to manage God's gifts well—time, tools, and opportunities included. Stewardship isn't just about money; it's about how we use everything God entrusts to us. If AI can help us work more efficiently, serve more people, or communicate more effectively, then refusing to use it might actually be poor stewardship. What do you think?

Wisdom: Thinking Before We Act

"The simple believe anything, but the prudent give thought to their steps." (Proverbs 14:15, NIV)

Thoughtful use of AI reflects prudence. Rejecting it out of fear—without prayerful consideration—often doesn't. God calls us to be wise, not reactive. That means taking the time to understand how AI works, what it can and can't do, and how we can use it in ways that honor Him.

Service: Using Our Gifts to Help Others

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." (1 Peter 4:10, NIV) The graveyard is full of people who didn’t use their gifts for whatever reason.

If AI helps us serve people more effectively, it can align perfectly with biblical principles. The question isn't "Is this tool spiritual?" but rather, "Does this tool help me love and serve others better?"

The Modern Talent: Why AI is a Tool for Kingdom Impact

Let's go back to the parable of the talents for a few minutes. In Jesus' day, a "talent" was a unit of money—a resource. Today, our resources look different. We have technology, software, and yes, artificial intelligence.

Imagine if the parable were told today. The master might give one servant access to email, another to social media, and another to AI tools. The servants who use these tools to expand the master's kingdom would be praised. The one who refuses to use them out of fear would still be rebuked. Same outcome.

AI is not good or evil. Like any tool, its morality depends on how we use it. A hammer can build a home or break a window. A car can take you to church or to a place you shouldn't be. AI can be used to do bad things like deceive and manipulate, or it can be used to serve, teach, and bless. You still make the choice.

The question for Christian entrepreneurs isn't whether to use AI, but how to use it in ways that honor God and serve others.

How Christian Entrepreneurs View AI: Have You Heard?

To better understand how faith-driven business owners are navigating this question, I reached out to my community. While I didn't conduct a formal scientific survey, the responses I received were pretty consistent and deeply relatable.

Here's what I heard:

•Approximately 60% of respondents said they've used AI in their business at least once, but many admitted feeling uncertain or guilty about it.

•The top concern was authenticity: "Will people think I'm being fake if I use AI to help write my content?"

•The second most common concern was ethics: "Am I taking someone's job by using AI?"

•Nearly all respondents said they wished there was a clear, biblical framework for evaluating AI tools.

One entrepreneur told me, "I use AI to draft emails and brainstorm ideas, but I always rewrite everything in my own voice. I see it as a starting point, not a replacement for my own thinking."

Another said, "I felt convicted when I realized I was spending hours on tasks AI could do in minutes. That time could have been spent with my family or serving my clients better. Now I see AI as a gift that gives me back time."

These conversations reinforced something important: Christian entrepreneurs aren't avoiding AI because they think it's sinful—they're avoiding it because they don't know how to use it faithfully.

The Deborah Principle: Using Every God-Given Tool with Courage and Wisdom

In Judges 4, we meet Deborah, one of the most remarkable leaders in the Bible. She was a prophetess, a judge, and a military strategist. When God called her to lead Israel into battle against a powerful enemy, she didn't hesitate. She used every available strategy, every resource, and every ounce of wisdom God gave her.

Deborah didn't confine herself to the "approved" methods of the day. She led courageously, using the tools and strategies at her disposal to fulfill her God-given mission. And God blessed her obedience.

Christian entrepreneurs today can follow her example. We don't need to limit ourselves to outdated methods or avoid new tools out of fear. We can use the resources God provides—including AI—to serve with excellence and wisdom.

Deborah reminds us that faithfulness isn't about avoiding risk; it's about trusting God and using what He's given us to accomplish His purposes.

Introducing The Steward's Framework for Ethical AI

So how do we use AI in a way that honors God? I've developed a simple framework based on biblical principles. I call it The Steward's Framework for Ethical AI. Before adopting any AI tool in your business, ask yourself these four questions:

1. Does this help me serve others better?

If AI improves how you create value, communicate, or solve problems, it's serving others. For example, using AI to draft a thoughtful response to a client's question can free up time for deeper, more meaningful work.

Biblical Principle: "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others" (1 Peter 4:10).

2. Am I being transparent?

Transparency builds trust. If you use AI to help create content, consider disclosing it when appropriate. You don't need to announce every use, but if someone asks, be honest.

Biblical Principle: "The Lord detests lying lips, but he delights in people who are trustworthy" (Proverbs 12:22).

3. Does this align with my values?

Avoid any application that promotes deception, violates your faith, or compromises your integrity. For example, using AI to generate fake reviews or misleading content is clearly unethical.

Biblical Principle: "Whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right... think about such things" (Philippians 4:8).

4. Am I adding genuine value?

AI should support your creativity and expertise, not replace your thinking or personal relationships. Use AI as a tool to enhance your work, not as a shortcut to avoid doing the work.

Biblical Principle: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord" (Colossians 3:23).

AI in Action: 3 Real-World Examples of Faith-Driven Businesses

To see how Christian entrepreneurs are using AI ethically, let's look at a few real-world examples:

Example 1: Bible Chat – Making Scripture Accessible

Bible Chat is a Romanian startup that uses AI to help Christians deepen their understanding of the Bible. The app allows users to ask questions about scripture and receive thoughtful, biblically grounded answers. It's not replacing pastors or theologians—it's making biblical knowledge more accessible to people who might not have access to formal training.

The Stewardship Lesson: AI can be used to make faith resources more accessible and help people grow spiritually.

Example 2: Churches Using AI for Administrative Tasks

According to Exponential.org, 87% of church leaders support using AI for ministry purposes, particularly for administrative tasks like scheduling, email management, and social media. This frees up pastors and ministry leaders to focus on what they do best: caring for people and teaching God's Word.

The Stewardship Lesson: AI can handle repetitive tasks, giving us more time for meaningful, human-centered work.

Example 3: Christian Educators Personalizing Learning

A 2024 ACSI study found that 38% of Christian school educators use AI to customize learning according to students' needs. AI helps teachers identify where students are struggling and tailor lessons to meet them where they are.

The Stewardship Lesson: AI can help us serve people more personally and effectively, not less.

Addressing Common Concerns: A Practical FAQ

As I've talked with Christian entrepreneurs about AI, the same questions keep coming up. Here are my answers, grounded in both biblical principles and practical experience.

Is it a sin to use AI for writing marketing copy?

No, using AI for marketing copy is not inherently sinful. The key is stewardship and transparency. If AI helps you serve your audience more effectively and you're not being deceptive, it can be a powerful tool. However, it's important to ensure the final message is truthful, reflects your authentic voice, and aligns with your brand's values.

Think of AI as a first draft or brainstorming partner. You're still responsible for the final product.

How can I ensure my use of AI aligns with my Christian values?

Use a framework like The Steward's Framework for Ethical AI (outlined above). Prayerfully consider whether the tool helps you serve others better, if you're being transparent, if it aligns with your core values, and if you're adding genuine human value to the final output.

When in doubt, ask yourself: "Would I be comfortable explaining how I used this tool to my pastor, my spouse, or my clients?"

What does the Bible say about automation and technology?

While the Bible doesn't mention AI or modern automation directly, it provides timeless principles for evaluating any tool or technology. Key principles include stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:2), wisdom (Proverbs 14:15), and service to others (1 Peter 4:10). The Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25 also encourages us to use the resources God gives us wisely and productively.

Will using AI take away jobs?

This is a valid concern, and it's one we should take seriously. Throughout history, new technologies have changed the nature of work. Some jobs disappear, but new ones emerge. As Christians, we're called to love our neighbors and consider the impact of our choices on others.

Here's my perspective: If you're using AI to avoid paying fair wages or to replace people unnecessarily, that's a problem. But if you're using AI to work more efficiently so you can serve more people or create new opportunities, that's stewardship.

The key is to use AI in ways that create value, not just cut costs at the expense of others.

Can AI be used for ministry or faith-based initiatives?

Absolutely. As we've seen, many churches, Christian schools, and faith-based organizations are already using AI for administrative tasks, content creation, and personalized ministry. The key is to use it as a tool that supports human relationships and spiritual growth, not as a replacement for them.

AI can help you reach more people, but it can't replace the power of personal connection, prayer, and the Holy Spirit's work in someone's life.

What if I make a mistake with AI?

Give yourself grace. We're all learning. If you use AI in a way that doesn't feel right, adjust. If you accidentally mislead someone, apologize and correct it. God doesn't expect perfection—He expects faithfulness and a teachable heart.

Remember, Peter denied Jesus three times, and God still used him to build the church. Your mistakes with AI won't disqualify you from serving God.

The Bottom Line: Using AI Faithfully, Not Fearfully

Using AI isn't inherently sinful. But ignoring powerful tools out of fear may be poor stewardship.

The issue isn't whether Christians can use AI—it's how we use it wisely, ethically, and in alignment with God's Word. AI is a tool, and like any tool, it can be used for good or for harm. Our responsibility is to use it in ways that honor God, serve others, and reflect our values.

As Christian entrepreneurs, we have a unique opportunity to model what faithful, ethical AI use looks like. We can show the world that it's possible to embrace innovation without compromising integrity. We can demonstrate that technology and faith aren't enemies—they're partners in the work of building God's kingdom.

So if you've been hesitant to explore AI, I encourage you to take a step forward. Pray about it. Use The Steward's Framework. Start small. And trust that God will guide you as you seek to honor Him in all you do.

Your Turn: Let's Continue the Conversation

What's holding you back from exploring AI in your faith-based business? Fear? Guilt? Uncertainty? Or maybe you're already using AI and have insights to share?

I'd love to hear from you. Drop a comment below and let's learn from each other.

About the Author

I’m Sandra Mosley, founder of The Fempreneur Chronicles, a faith-driven newsletter for Christian women entrepreneurs who want to grow businesses that honor God, reflect Kingdom values, and create lasting impact.

With 20+ years in human resources, finance, grant writing, and business strategy—and as an AI consultant and trainer—I help women of faith integrate biblical principles with modern entrepreneurship and technology. I support Christian entrepreneurs with clarity, confidence, and actionable strategies.

I believe faith, business, and technology aren’t separate—they’re deeply connected. Through my journals, workshops, and bi-weekly newsletter, I provide tools that help entrepreneurs build Christ-centered businesses with focus and integrity while preparing for the future of AI.

Connect with me on LinkedIn or subscribe to The Fempreneur Chronicles for insights on Christian entrepreneurship, faith-driven business growth, and AI-powered leadership. Thank you for stopping by.

References and Further Reading

1.Crosswalk. (2025, April 30). Survey Shows AI Usage Is Rising in Churches, But Sermons Still Off-Limits for Most. Retrieved from https://www.crosswalk.com/headlines/contributors/michael-foust/survey-shows-ai-usage-is-rising-in-churches-but-sermons-still-off-limits-for-most.html

2.Exponential.org. (2024, July 1). 7 Insights On How Churches Are Adopting AI In 2024. Retrieved from https://exponential.org/7-insights-on-how-churches-are-adopting-ai-in-2024/

3.Tech.eu. (2025, June 20). How Romanian startup Bible Chat turned AI and faith into a global phenomenon. Retrieved from https://tech.eu/2025/06/20/how-romanian-startup-bible-chat-turned-ai-and-faith-into-a-global-phenomenon/

4.ACSI. (2024, May 6). Christian School Educators Embrace AI Risks, Benefits. Retrieved from https://www.acsi.org/detail/news/2024/05/06/new_ai_report

5.The Christian Post. (2025, May 5). More churches embrace AI in ministry. Retrieved from