The New Garden
Can God be found in the algorithm? How far should our powers with A.I. extend, and how should the church respond? What does artificial intelligence mean for human connection and the way we love? These questions drive The New Garden, a podcast at the crossroads of theology and technology. Each week, co-hosts Tony Sundermeier, Senior Pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, and Brent Macon, Atlanta-based tech entrepreneur and thought leader, sit down with theologians, academics, and innovators to wrestle with the spiritual and ethical implications of A.I. In this first episode, we begin by setting the stage with the central issues and questions that The New Garden will unpack in future episodes. New episodes drop every Thursday on all major podcast platforms, with video versions available on YouTube and at firstpresatl.org. #TheNewGardenPodcast #FaithAndTech #AIandTheology #ArtificialIntelligence #TechAndFaith #ChurchAndAI #SpiritualityInTech #BigQuestions #HumanConnection #PodcastLaunch #FaithInTheDigitalAge #YouTubePodcast
Episodes
14 episodes
The New Garden S1E14: A Future with Christ and Technology
What is the role of faith in a technological world, and how does artificial intelligence shape our spiritual formation? How should the church respond to rapid technological change? In this episode, we explore these questions and more through th...
S1E13: Enduring Principles for the Digital Age
Regardless of how digitized we do and don't become, there's a first-order relationship with nature we must consider and remember. In this episode, we are joined by Brian McLaren, an author, activist, and speaker. In this conversation, we explor...
S1E12: Prophets In The Machine
What's the role of our prophets & machines in keeping us on course in the future? In this episode, Anna Robbins discusses the integration of AI in theological education, particularly through an AI-driven ethics course. She shares insi...
S1E11: Collapse Theory: A Tower of Babel Redux?
Collapse Theory: A Tower of Babel Redux? Join us as Brennan Breed discusses the idea, “but what if everything goes wrong?” along our journey with AI. Breed serves as the Professor of Old Testament at Princeton Theological Seminary and ...
S1E10: AI and the Future of our Social Fabric
What is the future of AI and our social fabric? What are the economic implications of AI? What is AI's role in the media? In this episode, we sit down with Joe Sutherland, technology executive and educator, who directs Emory University's Center...
S1E9: Midseason Highlights
In this episode, we’re taking a moment to look back—recapping some of the standout moments from our first season so far. A brand-new episode arrives next week, but today, enjoy a few highlights from The New Garden podcast. #TheNewGarde...
S1E8: Divine Data: Privacy, Omniscience, & AI
How should the church engage with the implications of mass surveillance? Can technology be a tool for good or ill for us? How should churches adapt to reach people where they are? In this episode, we talk with Eyram Klu, who has a unique role a...
S1E7: Transhumanism: Where Is the Line?
How far do we want our bodily manipulation to go? Where is the line in Transhumanism? In this episode, “Transhumanism: Where Is the Line?”, we speak with Ilia Delio, theologian and author, about the transhumanist movement and its vision o...
S1E6: Machines In The Image of God
It feels inevitable that as AI begins to sound uniquely human—and even personally attuned to us—we will start to anthropomorphize it, giving it personality and emotional weight. This raises questions about relationality and even deificati...
S1E5: Human-Tech Symbiosis
Human–Tech Symbiosis might sound terrifying, but don’t hide under a rock—get used to it. That’s one of the takeaways from this episode featuring Bob Johansen, author, scholar, and distinguished fellow with the Institute for the Future in Silico...
S1E4: How does A.I. play a role in grief, immortality, and digital resurrection?
How does A.I. play a role in grief, immortality, and digital resurrection? Where do we draw the lines and how can God help guide The Church as we navigate these new waters? Join us as we discuss these topics and more with Derek Schuurman, a not...
S1E3: The Future of Human Love and Care
How do we preserve the image of God in human-to-human love in a world of A.I. caregiving? What happens to the spiritual growth that comes through the struggle of caring for others? Could A.I. actually deepen human relationships by handling logi...
S1E2: Algorithmic Discipleship
From Bible-reading apps to habit-tracking software, technology can shape our spiritual practices and even nudge us toward more “Christ-like” behaviors than our natural human nature allows. But is digital discipleship the same as true spiritual ...
S1E1: The New Garden: An Introduction to Theology and A.I.
Can God be found in the algorithm? How far should our powers with A.I. extend, and how should the church respond? What does artificial intelligence mean for human connection and the way we love? These questions drive The New Garden, a podcast a...