Can Robots go to Heaven? Artificial Intelligence & Moral Standing in Christian Ethics
This Master of Arts thesis examines the intersections of artificial intelligence, Christian ethics, and philosophical perspectives on human ontology and moral standing. It compares theological anthropocentrism and property-based arguments against secular Neo-Darwinian and physicalist frameworks regarding machine intelligence. The author analyzes whether artificial intelligence can replicate human cognitive faculties, achieve consciousness, or merit equal moral and religious status.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
Researchers, scholars, and students interested in the intersection of artificial intelligence, philosophy of mind, and Christian theological ethics.
What the document contains
The document explores Christian and secular philosophical arguments regarding the nature of intelligence, human ontology, soul versus computational mind, and the ethical implications for granting moral standing to artificial intelligence.
It does not provide specific technical regulations, legal frameworks, or policy mechanisms for governing the deployment of artificial intelligence systems.
- Theological perspectives that condition human superiority on discrete rational properties are more vulnerable to falsification by artificial intelligence than holistic or relational views.
- Secular physicalist and Neo-Darwinian frameworks treat human intelligence as an evolutionary and computational product, making strong AI and superintelligence theoretically possible.
- Mainstream evangelical statements and dualist theologians reject the attribution of equal moral status, souls, or worth to artificial intelligence.
- Some theological frameworks, such as those emphasizing agape love, the 'man-as-shepherd' role, or theocentric perspectives, leave room for non-anthropocentric ethics.
- Secular utilitarian and relational approaches to AI ethics debate whether machines can experience suffering or enter into meaningful social relationships that warrant moral standing.
· Introduction · Intelligence from a Christian POV · Beyond Intelligence · Secular Intelligence · AI, Ethics, & Moral Standing · Conclusion
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
0/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
Introduction
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
1/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
Throughout human history, people of different genders, races, religions, physical abilities (the list can go on and on) have been subjected to oppression under the assumption that these groups are less-than-human.
Conclusion
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Dignity
3/5Respect for the inherent worth of persons
We deny that any part of creation, including any form of technology, should ever be used to usurp or subvert the dominion and stewardship which has been entrusted solely to humanity by God; nor should technology be assigned a level of human identity, worth, dignity, or moral agency.
AI, Ethics, & Moral Standing
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
0/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
Introduction
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
0/5Protection of personal data and private life
Introduction
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
0/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Introduction
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
0/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
Introduction
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
0/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
Introduction
screening score · 2026-10-23