Harvard Divinity School: Religion, Ethics, and Human Connection in the age of AI

Posted on November 10, 2026 by michelleclarke2015

Beyond What AI Can Do: Religion, Ethics, and Human Connection

HDS professor David Lamberth examines the values shaping artificial intelligence and what responsible leadership demands in a time of rapid technological change.

October 26, 2026

Jonathan Beasley

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become the subject of intense public debate. While some people are excited by what it can do, others are concerned about its effects on jobs and communities, as well as the growing power of the companies developing it.

These concerns raise questions that go beyond the technology itself. Who should shape the future of AI? How can people benefit from these tools without losing important skills or weakening human relationships? And what responsibilities do organizations, governments, and individuals have as AI becomes more widely used?

In this episode of Harvard Religion Beat, David Lamberth, HDS Professor of Philosophy and Theology, discusses the ethical questions surrounding AI, what these systems may overlook about how people think and make meaning, and how individuals and organizations can make more thoughtful decisions about using them. He also previews Leading Ethically in the Age AI, a three-day HDS executive seminar he will co-lead in January 2027 that will draw on religious, philosophical, and humanistic perspectives to help participants make responsible decisions about AI.

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https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/soundcloud%253Atracks%253A2426212038&color=%23ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=true&show_comments=false&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&show_teaser=falseHarvard Divinity School · Beyond What AI Can Do: Religion, Ethics, and Human Connection

Banner photo of David Lamberth by Kristie Welsh. 50/50 card photo by Justin Knight.

Faculty Insight

David Lamberth

“How do we make this a plus in our lives and not take away the parts that are most valuable to us—as humans, as individuals, as people in relationship with one another, as members of communities?”—David Lamberth, Professor of Philosophy and Theology

HDS Professor David Lamberth

Episode Transcriptexpand_more

Show Notes

Produced and hosted by Jonathan Beasley
Edited by Tyler Sprouse
Logo art direction by Kristie Welsh

HDS executive seminar: Leading Ethically in the Age of AI
Harvard Divinity Bulletin essay: “Meaning Making, Bodies, and AI“

Intro/Outro music: “Shape Of Hope”; Publishers: Abbey Road Masters; Universal Production Music
Ad break music: “Atmospheres”; Publishers: Aurora; Universal Production Music

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HDS Launches Artificial Intelligence, Religion, and Ethics Initiativearrow_circle_rightExecutive Seminar: Leading Ethically in the Age of AI | January 11-13, 2027arrow_circle_right

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About michelleclarke2015

Life event that changes all: Horse riding accident in Zimbabwe in 1993, a fractured skull et al including bipolar anxiety, chronic fatigue …. co-morbidities (Nietzche 'He who has the reason why can deal with any how' details my health history from 1993 to date). 17th 2017 August operation for breast cancer (no indications just an appointment came from BreastCheck through the Post). Trinity College Dublin Business Economics and Social Studies (but no degree) 1997-2003; UCD 1997/1998 night classes) essays, projects, writings. Trinity Horizon Programme 1997/98 (Centre for Women Studies Trinity College Dublin/St. Patrick's Foundation (Professor McKeon) EU Horizon funded: research study of 15 women (I was one of this group and it became the cornerstone of my journey to now 2017) over 9 mth period diagnosed with depression and their reintegration into society, with special emphasis on work, arts, further education; Notes from time at Trinity Horizon Project 1997/98; Articles written for Irishhealth.com 2003/2004; St Patricks Foundation monthly lecture notes for a specific period in time; Selection of Poetry including poems written by people I know; Quotations 1998-2017; other writings mainly with theme of social justice under the heading Citizen Journalism Ireland. Letters written to friends about life in Zimbabwe; Family history including Michael Comyn KC, my grandfather, my grandmother's family, the O'Donnellan ffrench Blake-Forsters; Moral wrong: An acrimonious divorce but the real injustice was the Catholic Church granting an annulment – you can read it and make your own judgment, I have mine. Topics I have written about include annual Brain Awareness week, Mashonaland Irish Associataion in Zimbabwe, Suicide (a life sentence to those left behind); Nostalgia: Tara Hill, Co. Meath.
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