Tag: AI

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Understanding Transhumanism With Help From Tolkien, Lewis, and Ancient Literature

Sam Altman talks about uploading his brain to the cloud. Elon Musks says humans should merge biological intelligence with digital intelligence. Peter Thiel isn’t sure if the human race should continue without that kind of human-tech merger. What do these tech leaders have in common? Transhumanism—the idea that humans should be able to change, or even eradicate, their physical bodies by merging with technology.

This may sound sci-fi, but the core tenets of transhumanism aren’t actually new. In fact, humans have been moving toward this idea for a long time. Some even predicted it.

In this episode, Liberty discusses how ancient and classic literature and thinkers of the past, including J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, can help us understand transhumanism and the “brave new world” we find ourselves in.

More Resources:

Do You Want to Live Forever? A Tolkienian Critique of Transhumanism by Julie Miller

Do You Want to Live Forever?

The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis

Christians Reading Classics by Nadya Williams

https://zondervanacademic.com/products/christians-reading-classics

Inside the alarming cyborg future ‘transhumanists’ Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, and Sam Altman are already preparing for

https://nypost.com/2026/04/15/tech/inside-the-alarming-cyborg-future-transhumanists-elon-musk-peter-thiel-and-sam-altman-are-preparing-for

How Ben Sasse is Living Now That He’s Dying

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Humanoid Robot Teachers? No Thanks

First Lady Melania Trump recently asked Americans to imagine a humanoid robot tutor named “Plato.” Meanwhile, many schools are already incorporating AI into the classroom, in some cases eliminating human teachers altogether. Can AI help solve America’s education problems? Or should we draw a line and protect the classroom from AI encroachment?

In this episode, Liberty offers three reasons why AI doesn’t belong in education. First, from a Christian perspective, education is discipleship, and AI can’t disciple. Second, education requires relationship, which research confirms, and AI can’t truly relate. Third, studies are already showing evidence of cognitive decline in AI users, and education technology has, in general, been a large failure.

Learn more about these arguments in the full episode, where Liberty also shares some practical tips for parents to make sure their kids are truly learning to think in the age of AI. Dig in deeper by checking out the resources below, cited in the episode.

More Resources:

Ed Tech is Profitable. It is Also Mostly Useless. (The Economist) https://www.economist.com/united-states/2026/01/22/ed-tech-is-profitable-it-is-also-mostly-useless?utm_campaign=shared_article

Investment in AI is Exploding (Reuters)

https://www.reuters.com/graphics/USA-ECONOMY/AI-INVESTMENT/gkvlqbgxkpb/

There’s a Good Reason You Can’t Concentrate (The New York Times)

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/27/opinion/technology-mental-fitness-cognitive.html?unlocked_article_code=1.ZFA._SqR.AQ0f5SxBmABw&smid=url-shar

Does AI Belong in the Classroom? Emily Harrison on the Know Why Podcast

https://youtu.be/NbSWxQKU7RQ?si=dxhJsR3OAnfO81-k

Dear Christian Parent (Emily Harrison on Substack) https://dearchristianparent.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search

First Fish Chronicles (Emily Cherkin on Substack) https://firstfish.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips

The Anxious Generation https://www.anxiousgeneration.com/

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Entertainment in 20 Years: Choose Your Own Adventure?

Why That’s Not a Great Idea

A recent story in The Wall Street Journal includes predictions that in 20 years, AI-augmented entertainment will be so customizable that people can watch the same show and choose their own endings—or even entire plot paths—via “unobstrusive” devices like contact lenses or BCIs. 

While this prediction may sound futuristic or outlandish to some, it’s consistent with a trend we’re already seeing: the perception of art as entertainment, a matter of personal taste rather than formation of character.  Does it matter that our culture largely views art this way? Yes, and in this episode, Liberty shares reasons why. 

If you care about art, our understanding of humanity, the formation of moral character, and the preservation of a culture’s “collective memories,” listen to this episode and comment with your thoughts about where the entertainment industry is headed. 

More Resources:  What Entertainment Might Look Like in 20 Years https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/ente…

Christians Reading Classics by Nadya Williams https://zondervanacademic.com/product…

On Reading Well by Karen Swallow Prior https://bakerpublishinggroup.com/prod…

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What Christians Should Know About Chatbots, Big Tech, and the Bible

Interview With Doug Smith

Should Christians use chatbots like ChatGPT, Claude, and Grok? Is AI simply a neutral tool that humans can use for either good or evil? How does the book of Genesis offer clarity to the AI conversation? 

Kicking off Know Why’s 2026 season is Doug Smith, longtime software engineer, lifelong student of the Bible, and author of [Un]Intentional: How Screens Are Secretly Shaping Your Desires and How You Can Break Free, and the forthcoming [Un]Intelligence: The Lies Behind Today’s AI and the Truths You Need to Thrive. In this deep-dive interview, Doug helps us think through the following topics: 

  • What epistemology means and how it helps us understand AI
  • How large language models (LLMs) fundamentally differ from other search engines
  • Whether the “neutral tool” trope applies to AI
  • Why Big Tech founders use spiritual terms to talk about AI
  • And much more. 

Listen to this fascinating conversation for a unique perspective on AI and chatbots that is thoroughly informed by a biblical worldview and relevant for every human being. 

More Resources: 

It’s Time To Be More Intentional With Your Life Than Big Tech.

https://www.estherlightcapmeek.com

How People Are Really Using AI (Harvard Business Review)

Empire of AI by Karen Hao

That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis

How Bad Are AI Delusions? We Asked the People Treating Them (The New York Times)

Against the Machine by Paul Kingsnorth

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Best of 2025: Biblical Reliability, AI, Charlie Kirk, Trad Wives, and More

It’s time for Know Why Podcast’s annual “Best Of” Episode! In 2025, most popular episodes among Know Why listeners and viewers included…

“Is the Bible Reliable?” With Josh Barnes    • Is the Bible Reliable? Josh Barnes on the …  

“Does AI ‘Perfection’ Harm Our Souls?” With Philip Bunn    • Does AI ‘Perfection’ Harm Our Souls? Phili…  

“What Should Christians Think About the ‘Charlie Kirk Effect?'”    • What Should Christians Think About the ‘Ch…  

“Neither Trans nor Tradwife: Understanding True Femininity” with Rachel Schroder    • Neither Trans Nor Tradwife: Understanding …  

“Is it Ok to be Mediocre?”    • Is It Ok To Be Mediocre? Summer Series 2025  

These top 5 most popular episodes are a great representation of the kinds of topics and series Know Why has covered in 2025. If you’ve enjoyed the Know Why Podcast or found any episode helpful or informative, send us an email, and let us know what you’d like to see the Know Why Podcast cover in 2026.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Is “Follow Your Passion” A Lie?

Book Review: You Have a Calling by Karen Swallow Prior (Summer Series 2025)

Are you trying to find your calling in life? Are you just trying to find a job? Either way, it can be a frustrating time.

The job market is changing. AI is threatening many collar jobs. A bachelor’s degree isn’t the ticket to success it once was. Meanwhile, culturally accepted wisdom about passion, vocation, and job satisfaction isn’t always rooted in the truth—about happiness, about God, or even about ourselves.

Thankfully, Karen Swallow Prior offers wisdom and clarity in her new book, You Have a Calling: Finding Your Vocation in the True, Good, and Beautiful. In this episode, Liberty shares some key takeaways from the book, tying them into previous series on the Know Why Podcast.

More Resources:

You Have a Calling by Karen Swallow Prior

Know About Thriving At Work, a Know Why Podcast Series

What Gen Z’s Work Priorities Reveal About Human Needs, Longing, and Purpose (Know Why Podcast, Summer Series 2025)

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God’s Goodness, Foundations of Humanity, and AI

Recap and Preview

Liberty recaps this season’s two series, Know Why God is Good and Know About AI. Then, she previews what viewers can expect from the Know Why Podcast over the summer and in the months ahead.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, review, and share!

More Resources:

Know Why God is Good series

Know About AI series

Contact Liberty

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Can Government Protect Families in the Age of AI?

Interview with Michael Toscano and Jared Hayden

President Donald Trump has pledged to “solidify our position as the global leader in AI and secure a brighter future for all Americans.”

“It is the policy of the United States to sustain and enhance America’s global AI dominance in order to promote human flourishing, economic competitiveness, and national security,” an Executive Order from January 2025 states.

But how will enhanced “global AI dominance” affect the American family? Drastically and negatively, if we’re not careful. That’s what Michael Toscano and Jared Hayden of the Institute for Family Studies argue. But there is hope if government officials are willing to incorporate family-focused safeguards in their AI policies and investments.

Michael and Jared join this episode of the Know Why Podcast to discuss their public comment submitted to the Trump administration, which details “5 Recommendations for the White House’s AI Action Plan.”

More Resources:

Report Brief: Protecting the Family in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Institute for Family Studies

A Future For the Family

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Will AI Boost or Kill Human Connection?

Quick Question With Liberty

Some AI enthusiasts argue that artificial intelligence will usher in a new age of human thriving, even sparking a renaissance of deeper and more meaningful human connection. Others argue that AI chatbots can offer social benefits, providing a “friend” to those in need.

Are these optimistic takes on AI’s potential impact valid? Or are they the result of delusion? Liberty considers these arguments in light of existing evidence on how AI is already impacting humans, and discusses why we have the need for relationship at all.

More Resources:

AI Will Change What it is to be Human. Are We Ready?

Your Chatbot Won’t Cry if You Die? 

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Does AI Threaten Social Connection?

Quick Question With Liberty

A recent Teen Vogue article explores common ways college students are using ChatGPT. The anecdotes in the article align with other reporting on common uses for AI, leading Liberty to explore three trends…

  • Using AI to replace or assist in interpersonal conversations
  • Using AI to replace brainstorming solutions for difficult situations
  • Using AI in place of or in addition to a therapist for mental health purposes.

Are there valid aspects to these uses, or just risks? Liberty discusses the alleged pros and potential cons of each trend, with a focus on how each use of AI impacts social connections and responsibilities in our individualistic society. 

More Resources: 

How Are Students Using ChatGPT? For Therapy, Breakups, and Even Texting Friends (Teen Vogue)

When There’s No School Counselor, There’s a Bot (The Wall Street Journal)

Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation: The U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community (2023)

Can Localism Ease Partisanship (And Even Anxiety?) Know About Political Engagement: Interview With Dr. Mark T. Mitchell (Episode 51)

How Will Chatbots Affect My Soul? Know About Healthy Tech Habits: Interview With Kate Lucky (Part 1) (Episode 26)

Should Chatbots Scare Me? Know About Healthy Tech Habits: Interview With Kate Lucky (Part 2) (Episode 27)