Commentary 25/07/09 Could Ignatian spirituality aid ethical use of AI?

[성기화 요셉]

Ignatian spirituality asks not to fear new tools, but to seek how they can be used for the greater glory of God

A man works on the electronics of Jules, a humanoid robot from Hanson Robotics that uses artificial intelligence, at a stand during the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva on July 8. (Photo: AFP)

By Joseph Pham Dinh Ngoc*

Published: July 09, 2025 11:34 AM GMT

Updated: July 09, 2025 11:35 AM GMT

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing education, work, and human relationships. It is expected that AI will soon become so essential to everyday life that functioning without it will become difficult.

As we encounter this new technological frontier, Ignatian spirituality provides deep resources for navigating the promises and dangers of AI with wisdom and faith.

Instead of reacting with fear or blind optimism, we are called to engage with AI thoughtfully, grounding our response in the Gospel, the Church’s social teaching, and a spiritual tradition that urges us to “find God in all things.”

Can the principles of St. Ignatius of Loyola help Catholics approach AI with responsibility, freedom, and discernment? I believe they can. Four key Ignatian principles — discernment, magis, examen, and contemplation in action — provide a guiding path. 

Discernment: Seeking God in the digital world

Discernment is central to Ignatian spirituality. It prompts us to consider: What role does AI play in our lives and communities? Does it guide us toward truth and love, or does it distract and divide us? AI can provide quicker access to information, but not all information leads to wisdom or peace.

We are invited to navigate the digital noise with spiritual awareness: Is this technology fostering our growth in charity, compassion, and inner freedom, or is it increasing anxiety, division, and dependence?

Christians are called to regularly reflect on the effects of AI on our minds, hearts, and relationships. Does our use of social media and AI bring joy, clarity, and connection or confusion, distraction, and self-centeredness?

Discernment helps us recognize the “spirits” behind our tech habits. Are we using AI ethically, or are we tempted to cut corners — plagiarizing, spreading misinformation, or over-relying on automation?

Used wisely, AI can even aid the discernment process. It provides diverse perspectives and data to make more informed decisions. But we must not surrender moral responsibility to machines.  

Christians must stay alert and grounded, constantly testing AI’s outputs against the Gospel, Church teachings, and the voice of conscience.

Magis: AI for the greater good

The Ignatian principle of magis (more), encourages us not to fear or dismiss new tools, but to ask how they can serve the greater glory of God and the well-being of others. If we view AI as a creative gift from God, developed through human ingenuity, we can learn to utilize it for good: to work more effectively, serve others more generously, and uplift those on the margins.

Automation and AI can free us from repetitive tasks, enabling us to spend more time with our families, in our communities, and pursuing creative endeavors. However, magis also requires the right intention: to glorify God and serve others, not to feed ego or self-interest. 

How can AI be used to uplift marginalized communities, improve access to education, or promote social justice? Luckily, some developers and government agencies are already exploring these questions. This is how magis connects with justice by enhancing technology to serve more people more effectively.

Living out magis today requires study and openness. Catholics — especially educators — should not fear AI but engage with it thoughtfully. Jesuit institutions, for example, are integrating AI into classrooms not as shortcuts but as tools for teaching critical thinking, creativity, and ethical reflection. Guiding youths to use it responsibly is a far better approach than opposing it, and that would be a true expression‎ of magis in Catholic education.

Examen: Daily reflection on digital life

The daily examen, a key practice in Ignatian prayer, helps believers stay centered in gratitude and aware of God’s presence in everything. Its five steps — thanksgiving, petition, review, contrition, and renewal — can be applied to our digital lives.

A “digital examen” prompts us to consider: How has my engagement with AI and technology influenced my spirit today? Did a moment online bring me closer to God or others, or push me away? Have I used these tools with honesty and focus, or have I used them carelessly and selfishly?

Without reflection, AI can numb inner life and take time away from prayer, family, or rest. But with regular examen, we begin to see clearly how technology influences our habits, desires, and relationships.

This reflection must also occur within communities and institutions. As governments and companies roll out new AI systems and policies, Catholic leaders should ask: Do these initiatives promote the full dignity of people? Are we ignoring ethical risks in the name of innovation? What decision brings peace and hope for me and the broader community?

Contemplation in Action: Staying human in an age of machines 

Finally, the Ignatian call to contemplation in action provides a powerful remedy to the dehumanizing aspects of modern technology. It reminds us that AI is a means, never the end. When guided by faith and love, AI can become a place of meaningful encounter — a space where we encounter truth, beauty, and connection.

Even in the digital world, God is still present. We can encounter Christ when AI shows us beauty, sparks compassion, or ignites a desire to serve. We might feel called to step away from the screen and reconnect with real, embodied relationships — with God, with nature, and with our neighbors.

These guiding principles can help us use AI to serve God and others. There will be ongoing debates and controversies about AI. Every perspective and experience should enrich our shared journey of exploring this new frontier.

AI is shaping our world, but we still shape our souls.

*Joseph Pham Dinh Ngoc is a Jesuit priest based in Hanoi. The comment is based on a Vietnamese-language article published initially on www.hdgmvietnam.com. It was summarized, translated, and edited by UCA News. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official editorial position of UCA News.