We are in the Age of Artificial Intelligence whether we like it or not.

Benedictine spirituality reminds us that we are made in God’s image (Imago Dei).

Hence, we ought not evolve AI to control, dehumanize or manipulate us.

Benedictines believe every human is made in the Imago Dei — the image of God.

Therefore, any use or development of AI must preserve human dignity, not diminish or displace it. AI must never become a means of control, dehumanization, or manipulation.

Likewise, Benedictine spirituality centers on humility, respecting our relationship in God to others and our environment. Benedictine spirituality recognizes our human propensity to engage in hubris, in this instance, thinking that AI could replace us.

Work and prayer are the foundation of the Benedictine way. The Benedictine perspective, then, may view AI as a means to serve us in practical as well as spiritual ways, especially, in how to listen. Benedictines might understand AI to enhance the stable community as we all share the same air and walk on the same planet.

In short, Benedictine spirituality would focus on our use of AI to deepen our compassion for ourselves and other members of our community (i.e., all whom we encounter). The Benedictine Way might also keep focus on not letting AI stimulation replace silence nor the gadget with the mystery.

How can AI enhance our humanity?

On a visit several years ago, outside of Johannesburg, the Cradle of Humankind opened up a new perception of humankind. A few weeks ago, another visit occurred for this writer. Truly it is an awesome experience to be in the presence of distant – way distant – cousins once or twice or more removed. To be in the presence of Mrs. Ples’s (Australopithecus africanus) skull was moving – to realize a precursor to Homo once lived her life going about her daily chores, much as we do ours today.

On the plane to South Africa, the 2023 movie Creator unfolded: Basic theme was AI vs Homo Sapiens.

AI won in that Homo Sapiens did not adapt to inevitable evolutionary change which would have allowed them to live in relative harmony with the AI simulants. Simulants were the next evolutionary adaptation of Homo Sapiens who had evolved from Sahelanthropus tchadensis (7 million years ago ape/human), Australopithecus africanus (8-2 million years ago), Paranthropus robustus (2.5-1 million years ago and a distant cousin). Homo evolved on the scene some 2.5 million years ago.

Then in May of 2025, the Roman Catholic Church elected Leo XIV who identified AI as one of the critical matters facing humanity. AI, in many respects, is running the show right now. The Industrial Revolution was a true revolution as Homo Sapiens moved from the farm to the factory and exploited the moment as the manager/worker classes came to be.

Such happenings invited Leo XIII in 1891 to compose the encyclical Rerum Novarum. Leo XIII wrote about social, economic and political issues as they related to workers’ rights. He also addressed the responsibilities of government in terms of its citizens.

According to May 26, 2023 Vítor Costa (May 26, 2023) (https://studyallday.com/rerum-novarum/), the 15 lessons may be gleaned from the encyclical dealing, herein only those lessons related to AI:

Human work must be valued and respected:

Pope Leo XIII argues that work is essential to human dignity and that it must be valued and respected. He also talks about the importance of fair pay for work.

As AI takes over the traditional concept of work, what happens to the worker?

The role of the State in protecting workers’ rights:

Leo XIII argues that it is the responsibility of the State to guarantee that workers’ rights are protected and that working conditions are fair. WRMOSB Question: How can government protect workers’ rights and conditions when there is no work?

The importance of solidarity between social classes:

The Pope argues that solidarity is essential to build a just society and that social classes must work together to achieve this goal. WRMOSB Question: How can the human exist together with AI to build a just society?

The importance of education for human development:

Leo XIII emphasizes the importance of education for human development, both for individuals and for society as a whole.

How does government/family prepare society for less work and more leisure time?

The need for a holistic approach to the social issue:

The Pope argues that the social question must be approached holistically, considering the economic, political, social, cultural, and spiritual dimensions, and that the solution to social problems requires an integrated approach.

A Prayer of Discernment in the Age of Machines

O Lord, You who spoke light into being and breathed life into clay, teach us again to listen in the noise of our own making.

In this age of clever hands and restless minds, where metal learns and thought is copied, keep us rooted in what is real, what is still, what is Yours.

Let not our works of wonder become snares of pride, nor our tools become our masters.

Teach us to use what we build to serve the common good, to uplift the weak, to honor the sacred image in every soul.

May the labor of our minds never surpass the stillness of our hearts.

May our machines serve mercy, and our codes be written in love.

Preserve in us the silence that hears Your voice.

Preserve in us the humility to not know all things.

Preserve in us the reverence for mystery.

As we walk among circuits and signals, remind us that wisdom is not in speed, but in obedience to the slow work of grace.

Let every algorithm bow before compassion.

Let every invention be sanctified by intention.

Let every mind remember: we are dust, and yet we are Yours.

Amen.