The rise of AI systems capable of generating realistic pornography raises ethical questions for Christians. While the Bible does not directly address AI-generated content, it provides relevant principles to guide our thinking on this issue.
The dignity and value of human beings
The Bible teaches that all people are made in God’s image and have inherent dignity and worth (Genesis 1:27). Pornography objectifies and dehumanizes people, reducing them to objects for selfish sexual gratification. AI-generated porn could further this by completely removing real people from the equation. Christians should be concerned about technology that contributes to the exploitation and degradation of human beings.
Sexual ethics
God designed sex to be expressed within the covenant of marriage between a man and a woman (Genesis 2:24, Hebrews 13:4). Pornography promotes distorted views of sex, ones that are self-centered rather than other-centered. AI porn generates content completely divorced from any human relationship or ethical constraints. This normalization of impersonal digital sex furthers the distortion of God’s design for intimate human relationships.
Heart issues
Jesus taught that sexual immorality begins in the heart before manifesting in actions (Matthew 5:27-28). Pornography fuels lustful thoughts and desires that objectify others. While AI porn does not directly exploit real people, it can still promote sinful heart attitudes if used to indulge sinful sexual cravings outside of God’s design. Christians should guard their hearts against porn’s lies, whether AI-generated or otherwise (Proverbs 4:23).
Free will and accountability
Humans are moral agents created by God with the ability to make choices. While AI systems act according to their programming without free will, humans are responsible for how they use technology. If someone uses AI to generate immoral content, they are accountable before God for that choice. Christians should carefully consider the ethical implications of AI systems.
The effects of technology
The Bible provides wisdom on how our tools and technology impact our lives and relationships. “Whoever works his land will have plenty of bread, but he who follows worthless pursuits lacks sense” (Proverbs 12:11). Does interacting with AI-generated porn reflect wise, edifying use of technology that cultivates godly virtues? Or does it represent a “worthless pursuit” that pulls us from God’s purpose? Christians should evaluate technologies like AI in light of Biblical wisdom, considering how their fruits align with God’s kingdom.
Renewing the mind
The Bible calls Christians to renew their minds and not be conformed to the patterns of this world (Romans 12:2). Our thinking should align with God’s truth rather than worldly perspectives. An important question regarding AI porn is whether it reflects and promotes a Biblically-faithful view of human dignity, sexuality, and relationships. Or does it normalize perspectives shaped by cultural trends and sensuality rather than God’s truth? Christians should filter technologies like AI through the lens of Biblical values.
Implications for human flourishing
The Bible connects righteous living with human flourishing—that which is good and enables human thriving according to God’s design (John 10:10). Does AI porn support human dignity, intimacy, and wholeness? Or does it degrade, isolate, and fractures our personhood? Christians should evaluate the fruits of technologies like AI in light of how they shape human flourishing as God designed it. Righteousness exalts a people, but sin is a reproach to any nation (Proverbs 14:34).
Stewarding technology
The Bible charges humans to exercise wise, moral stewardship over creation as God’s image-bearers (Genesis 1:26-28). With AI systems gaining more capabilities, Christians should thoughtfully steward these technologies. How can AI be used ethically to create social good versus exploit human weaknesses? Does interacting with AI porn cultivate wise stewardship? Christians should leverage emerging technologies like AI redemptively, considering ethical implications through the lens of Biblical values.
Bringing everything under Christ’s Lordship
Scripture calls all areas of life—including technology and media—to come under Christ’s authority (2 Corinthians 10:5, Colossians 1:15-20). As Christians, we are to honor God with how we use and shape emerging technologies like AI. Rather than passive consumers, we can be proactive voices speaking into AI’s ethical development and use. Christians should encourage responsible AI progress that aligns with human dignity, justice, and social flourishing as Scripture defines it.
In conclusion, while the Bible does not directly address AI-generated pornography, its ethical principles provide guidance for Christians on this issue. Scripture calls followers of Christ to steward technology redemptively, think deeply about its impacts on human dignity and relationships, and evaluate all areas of life under Christ’s Lordship.
