If you’ve tried to call a big box retailer in recent months, or a utility company, internet provider, airline, or really anybody outside your immediate circles, chances are good you never spoke to a person. You just pushed a lot of buttons on your phone and went down different rabbit holes listening to a person. Actually, it wasn’t a person you heard speaking but, more likely, a technologically-generated voice. Welcome to the world of artificial intelligence.

How will AI affect (or some would say infect) the future of the church? It’s hard to know. But Melissa Florer-Bixler, a Voices columnists for the Century, has discovered the serious limits of AI when it comes to generating a sermon that is lovingly, ably, and carefully prepared (“A pulpit without a context,” July 2024).

I can tell you this much: The writing content within The Christian Century will never lean on AI. Our editors want articles, essays, and reviews that are lovingly, ably, and carefully prepared—qualities AI cannot provide.

If you’re interested in supporting this AI-free vision of journalism in a world that is careening toward all-things-automated, how about partnering with us? This autumn, the Century has a goal of adding at least 50 new supporters—individuals who have never donated to the work of The Christian Century before. Please consider this commitment at any level, especially if supporting quality journalism is new to you. We’d be most grateful. And, for those of you already committed to supporting what we do, huge thanks! Please continue to partner with us in this important work.

Joining the team of supporters today is as easy as clicking the DONATE NOW button below and stepping up.
 
Gratefully yours,