Abraham Kuyper (1837–1920), the Dutch theologian, philosopher, and statesman, is renowned for his comprehensive vision of Christian engagement in the world, especially in the realms of politics, education, and culture. As one of the founding tenants of Dutch Neo-Calvinism, Kuyper’s theology emphasises the sovereignty of God over every aspect of life and the notion that all spheres of society – such as government, family, and science – operate under God’s authority. Though Kuyper’s years much precede the rise of modern technological advancements like artificial intelligence (AI), his theological principles and philosophical framework offer profound insights into how we might approach the challenges and opportunities presented by contemporary technology.

Kuyper’s Doctrine of Common Grace and Technology

A central aspect of Kuyper’s thought that can be applied to the technological age is his doctrine of common grace. Kuyper articulated this idea as God’s grace sustaining the world even after the Fall, allowing human culture and society to flourish despite sin. Common grace, in Kuyper’s framework, explains why people of faith and of no faith make good and beneficial contributions to society. It provides a theological foundation for the development of technology, science and other socioeconomic advancements.

Technological progress, including AI, is understood as a manifestation of common grace. The ability of humanity to create and innovate is a reflection of God’s sustaining grace in the world. In his major work, On Business and Economics, Kuyper writes:

To work every day that God gives us, to accomplish something that makes up for the length of that day, indeed, to do work so well that when we retire at night the result of the day’s work is finished and ready—that is a divine ordinance. It applies to human beings not just after the fall but also before it. To work and to be busy is our high calling as human beings (page 376).

 For Kuyper, the use of human reason, creativity, and ingenuity – faculties given by God to all people – are a demonstration of humanity’s mandate to steward the earth (Genesis 1:28). He viewed work as calling of the highest order. The development of technology can thus be seen as part of the God-given task of dominion over creation. Kuyper would likely view AI as a further step in humanity’s ongoing mandate, where human ingenuity, enabled by God’s common grace, continues to shape and direct the created order.

However, Kuyper also recognized that while common grace permits societal development, sin profoundly distorts human endeavour. This dual reality of grace and sin means that technology, like all human inventions, can be used for both evil and good. AI holds the potential for great benefit – improving healthcare, augmenting human labour, enhancing decision-making processes – but also presents significant ethical challenges, including privacy concerns, job displacement, misinformation, and the potential for dehumanisation.

Having lived in the shadow of the Industrial Revolution and amidst the period of widespread electrification, Kuyper became all too familiar with the repercussions of rapid technological change. He spoke vociferously against the commodification of human capital and had stern words for unscrupulous employers:

The incredible revolution wrought by the improved application of steam power and machine production… has freed capital almost completely from its earlier dependence on manual labour. […] The magical operation of iron machines has unfortunately led the capitalist to regard his employees as nothing but machines of flesh that can be retired or scrapped when they break down or have worn out. […] You [employers] shall honour the workingman as a human being, of one blood with you; to degrade him to a mere tool is to treat your own flesh as a stranger (see Mal 2:10). The worker, too, must be able to live as a person created in the image of God. He must be able to fulfil his calling as husband and father. He too has a soul to care for, and therefore he must be able to serve his God just as well as you (for more on this see Erin Holmberg’s article).

The Imago Dei, Sphere Sovereignty, and the Ethical Use of AI

 Kuyper calls for a discerning approach to technology, recognizing both its God-given potential and the inherent risks posed by human sinfulness. At the heart of Kuyper’s anthropology is the belief in the imago Dei – the doctrine that human beings are made in the image of God. This belief undergirds Kuyper’s view of human dignity and responsibility in the world. From this perspective, the ethical use of AI must be grounded in a robust understanding of what it means to be human.

AI, for all its benefits, raises profound questions about human identity and dignity. The automation of tasks traditionally performed by humans, the replication of decision-making processes, and the potential for creating AI that mimics human behaviour challenge our understanding of human uniqueness. Kuyper’s assertion of the imago Dei affirms that human beings are distinct from machines, endowed with moral responsibility, creative capacity, and relationality. Technology, in this view, must serve humanity, not replace or diminish it.

Another key element of Kuyper’s thought is his doctrine of sphere sovereignty. Kuyper proposed that different areas of life – such as education, politics, science, and religion – are distinct spheres, each with its own God-given authority and autonomy. No single sphere, not even the church or government, should dominate the others; each operates according to its own principles and is directly accountable to God.

When applied to AI and technological innovation, sphere sovereignty provides a framework for understanding the limits and responsibilities of technology in society. A Kuyperian approach would caution against excessive forms of influence that overreach into other spheres. For example, AI should not be used to violate personal privacy (an issue in the sphere of human dignity and ethics), nor should it lead to an erosion of political accountability by automating decisions that require human judgment and responsibility.

For Kuyper, the use of AI must be regulated by ethical considerations that prioritize the dignity of human beings. This includes ensuring that AI technologies do not dehumanize individuals by treating them as mere data points or reducing human interactions to automated processes. Instead, AI should be used to enhance human capabilities and alleviate suffering, reflecting the biblical mandate to love one’s neighbour. The goal of technological innovation, according to Kuyper, should be the flourishing of human life in a way that reflects God’s original purpose for creation.

A Kuyperian Vision for AI in the 21st Century

Abraham Kuyper’s theological insights provide a rich framework for thinking through the ethical and social implications of technological advancement. His doctrines of common grace, sphere sovereignty, and the importance of the Imago Dei offer valuable principles for navigating the complex issues raised by AI today.

First, AI can be seen as a product of human ingenuity, a gift of common grace that contributes to our socioeconomic development. Second, Kuyper’s doctrine of sphere sovereignty offers a useful approach to thinking about AI boundaries and ensuring that technology does not usurp the role of human responsibility in areas like justice, politics, and ethics. Finally, AI must remain subservient to human dignity, recognising that humans, made in the image of God, hold unique status and responsibility within creation.

In embracing Kuyper’s vision, Christians are called to engage thoughtfully with AI, recognising both its potential for human flourishing as well as the dangers of misuse. Kuyper’s legacy offers a valuable and theologically grounded approach to the opportunities and challenges of the technological age.

Andrei E. Rogobete is Associate Director at the Centre for Enterprise, Markets & Ethics. For more information about Andrei please click here.