Announcing the Double Edged AI Study (2026-2028)

Today, we're excited to formally announce the Double Edged AI Study—a comprehensive, multi-year research initiative launching January 2026 that will become the definitive resource for understanding ethical AI deployment in faith-based contexts.

Why "Double Edged"?

Like the sword described in Hebrews 4:12, artificial intelligence is "double-edged"—capable of profound good and profound harm. The same technology that could enhance ministry, expand access to theological education, and serve vulnerable populations could also enable surveillance, amplify bias, and undermine human dignity.

Our research will examine both edges of this sword with academic rigor and theological depth.

Research Questions

Over three years (2026-2028), we'll investigate:

Theological Foundations

• How do different Christian traditions understand AI in relation to the Imago Dei?
• What does it mean to be human in an age of artificial intelligence?
• Can AI systems possess moral agency, and does it matter?
• How should the Church think about AI's impact on work, purpose, and flourishing?

Ethical Frameworks

• What principles should govern AI development and deployment in faith contexts?
• How do we prevent algorithmic bias while respecting theological convictions?
• Where should the Church draw lines regarding AI capabilities?
• How do we balance innovation with appropriate safeguards?

Practical Application

• What are the legitimate use cases for AI in ministry and church administration?
• How should pastoral care integrate (or resist) AI tools?
• What governance frameworks protect vulnerable populations?
• How can churches evaluate AI vendors and technologies?

Policy Implications

• What recommendations should we make to lawmakers in the US, UK, EU, and UN?
• How do faith-informed ethics translate into secular policy language?
• What regulatory frameworks best protect human dignity while enabling innovation?

Methodology

The Double Edged AI Study will employ rigorous academic standards:

• Interdisciplinary Approach: Theologians, ethicists, technologists, and policy experts working together
• Global Perspective: Engaging diverse Christian traditions and cultural contexts
• Empirical Research: Case studies, surveys, and real-world testing
• Peer Review: Academic standards with publication in leading journals
• Stakeholder Engagement: Input from denominational leaders, policymakers, and practitioners

Partners and Backers

We're grateful to be working with leading organizations across faith, media, education, and technology:

• Gloo
• Right Now Media
• Christian Vision (CV)
• The Church of England
• Dunham and Company
• Premier
• Biola University
• Missional AI
• Biblica

Additional partnerships are being finalized.

Timeline and Deliverables

Year 1 (2026): Foundation

• Establish research team and advisory board
• Conduct landscape analysis and literature review
• Begin empirical research and case studies
• Publish preliminary white papers

Year 2 (2027): Development

• Release interim findings
• Testify before legislative bodies
• Convene stakeholder roundtables
• Draft policy frameworks

Year 3 (2028): Implementation

• Publish final comprehensive report
• Submit formal policy recommendations
• Release implementation toolkits
• Establish ongoing advisory capacity

How You Can Support

The Double Edged AI Study requires philanthropic investment to maintain independence and academic integrity. We're seeking $1.2M-$1.5M over three years to fund research personnel, travel, publication, and stakeholder engagement.

Investment opportunities are available from $50K to $500K+, with recognition and engagement benefits at each level.

Learn more about supporting this research

The Stakes

Policy decisions being made right now will determine whether AI serves human flourishing or becomes a tool of exploitation. The Church has both the theological resources and the moral authority to shape these conversations—but only if we act with urgency and excellence.

The Double Edged AI Study represents our commitment to both.

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Questions? Contact us at hello@ecclesiai.org to learn more about the study, partnership opportunities, or how your organization can participate.