My intent is not to suggest that artificial intelligence is inherently bad; it is not. Nor am I saying we should not use the many capabilities of AI in appropriate ways to learn, to communicate, to lift and brighten lives, and to build and strengthen the Church; of course we should. We should not be afraid of or attempt to hide from AI. But the righteous possibilities of this amazing technological tool can be realized only if we are aware of and guard against its perils.
David A. Bednar
Member of the LDS Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
In a November 2024 devotional, David A. Bednar said AI is not inherently bad and should be used appropriately, but its possibilities require guarding against its perils.
Elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day SaintsNovember 3, 2024The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Context and checks
Surrounding words
Please, do not let this technology entice you to become an object. This example is but one of millions of potential perils with artificial intelligence. My intent is not to suggest that artificial intelligence is inherently bad; it is not. Nor am I saying we should not use the many capabilities of AI in appropriate ways to learn, to communicate, to lift and brighten lives, and to build and strengthen the Church; of course we should. We should not be afraid of or attempt to hide from AI. But the righteous possibilities of this amazing technological tool can be realized only if we are aware of and guard against its perils. To navigate the complex intersection of spirituality and technology, Latter-day Saints should humbly and prayerfully (1) identify gospel principles that can guide their use of artificial intelligence and (2) strive sincerely for the
What this quote does not say
- This paragraph qualifies a broader warning: elsewhere in the devotional Bednar says AI companions can erode human relationships and that overreliance on AI can weaken moral agency and the spiritual value of doing one's own work.
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