Cohort of CCA’s study consultation searches Imago Dei and Health and Healing Ministry amidst AI developments

Cyberjaya, Malaysia: On the third day of the CCA study consultation in Cyberjaya, deliberations opened with a theological reflection on ‘Artificial Intelligence and Imago Dei,’ followed by a panel discussion session focusing on “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Challenges to the Health and Healing Ministry”.

Dr Judy Berinai, Dean of Studies at the Sabah Theological Seminary, Malaysia, who led the biblical theological reflection, explored how rapid developments in Artificial Intelligence are reshaping human life. She posed a profound question: “Sooner or later, machines may invade human dignity of human beings who are created in the image of God (Imago Dei). This begs the question - Does humanity, created in the image of God, embody a dignity that transcends the likeness of intelligent machines?”

Rooted in the biblical foundation of Genesis 1:26-27, the reflection emphasised that humanity is set apart by God, entrusted with dignity and vocation. Traditional interpretations of the Imago Dei from substantive (reason and creativity), relational (communion), and functional (stewardship) were revisited in light of AI’s growing capabilities.

“Artificial Intelligence may mimic human reasoning or even simulate empathy, but it cannot embody the divine breath of life; AI may generate art, but it does not worship. It may speak, but it does not pray. It remains a creation of human hands and cannot share in the Spirit of God,” added Dr Berinai, an Anglican theologian.

Dr Berinai’s reflection affirmed that “human uniqueness lies not in intelligence alone but in relationality, love, and covenant with God and neighbour. She noted that AI, though a remarkable human achievement, cannot enter into communion, forgiveness, or the hope of resurrection.

 “AI may serve human flourishing, but it can never replace the divine breath that gives life. Our calling is to approach AI with wisdom, justice, and humility – resisting idolatry and bearing witness that Christ is the image of the invisible God”, concluded Dr Berinai. 

The theological reflection session was followed by a panel discussion on “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Challenges to the Health and Healing Ministry”. Thematic presentations were delivered by two medical practitioners: Dr Jimmy Agung Pambudi, Director of Paramarta Cardiovascular Hospital in Bandung, Indonesia, and Dr Anna Alisha Mathews Simon, a Malaysia-based medical professional and Vice-Moderator of the Christian Conference of Asia. The session was moderated by Dr Selin Abraham, Chief Consultant Physician and member of the Commission on Health and Healing of the World Council of Churches (WCC).

Dr Anna Alisha Mathews Simon began her presentation by noting that “AI is revolutionising healthcare delivery with speed, accuracy, and efficiency, but healing is more than just cure”.

Speaking from the Malaysian context, she highlighted how AI is already being applied in diagnostics, predictive treatment, and patient engagement through chatbots and reminders. Examples included KPJ Healthcare Berhad’s AI chatbot, which serves patients across 30 hospitals, and SpaceGut, Malaysia’s first AI-powered at-home gut microbiome testing kit.

Despite many technological advancements, Dr Simon warned of ethical and clinical concerns such as bias, privacy risks, accountability, and over-reliance on machines. She also pointed to societal challenges like unequal access in rural areas and fears of job displacement.

She stressed that the way forward requires developing ethical guidelines around fairness and inclusivity, ensuring digital equity, and safeguarding human compassion at the centre of care. “AI is a powerful tool, but not a substitute for humanity. True healing requires both technology and touch,” concluded Dr Simon.

Dr Jimmy Agung Pambudi explained how AI is rapidly reshaping healthcare delivery across Indonesia and offering new tools to improve diagnosis, treatment, and hospital management. 

“AI enables doctors to diagnose better and faster, but beyond clinical care, AI is also transforming hospital operations, from automating patient scheduling and electronic records to predicting medical supply needs”, added Dr Pambudi.

Speaking from a Christian perspective, Dr Pambudi emphasised that “the best technology is the one that protects human dignity.” He urged healthcare practitioners, church leaders, and policymakers to ensure AI serves people rather than replaces them.

“Let us use AI with wisdom, love, and responsibility, to bring healing and hope to those who need it most,” Dr Pambudi concluded.

Moderator Dr Selin Abraham recalled her medical school experiences, sharing what her teachers had told her: “The practice of medicine is both an art and a science; it is not a trade but a calling, where your heart will be exercised equally with your head.”

Reflecting on the present, Dr Abraham added, “Sitting here now, after 25 years, and hearing that AI and medicine are at the intersections, one of the most profound questions that comes to mind is whether there will still be a role for heart and head to be exercised together, when technology is becoming so overpowering”.

“In the midst of the possibilities that AI can offer in health and healing ministry, this question challenges all of us in the medical profession, and reminds us about our human role, rather than the mechanised world of health services without human touch”, added Dr Selin Abraham in her closing remarks.

For photos from the morning sessions of Day 3 of the international consultation, please click here.