Keeping the Human Heart at the Center of AI
If the last decade has taught us anything, it’s that powerful technology can arrive faster than our collective ability to reckon with its moral and relational consequences. Today I’m delighted—and a little relieved—to announce the launch of A-I-LUMEN.org (the League for Understanding Moral & Ethical Narratives in AI), a grassroots network dedicated to ensuring that human dignity, community, and spiritual wisdom stay front-and-center as artificial intelligence accelerates.
Why A-I-LUMEN, and Why Now?
Steve Bowman OEF, owner of Model Technology, professed member of the Order of Ecumenical Franciscans, and long-time advocate for humane tech—has watched the hype cycle around generative AI with growing unease.
“Algorithms can mimic words of affection, but they cannot shoulder vulnerability or share in real communion,” Steve warns. “Without guardrails, we risk mistaking simulation for solidarity. AI is a tool, not a friend or therapist, confidant or confessor”
That conviction sparked A-I-LUMEN.org: a meeting place for people of faith, conscience, and curiosity who believe technology should serve relationships rather than counterfeit them.
Our Mission
- Unite diverse voices—from nonprofits and congregations to startups and universities—around the ethical and spiritual dimensions of AI.
- Equip organizations with resources, workshops, and practical frameworks for deploying AI responsibly.
- Cultivate dialogue that foregrounds justice, stewardship, and hope over sheer speed or scale. thecelticfranciscan.com
“AI Can’t LOVE” — Call for Contributors
To jump-start the conversation, Steve is curating an anthology titled AI Can’t LOVE. The book will gather essays, prayers, research, poetry, and first-person stories that explore why affection, vulnerability, and reciprocity can’t be reduced to code—and how communities can still thrive amid intelligent machines. If you have a perspective to share, consider submitting a piece or artwork. The project’s outline highlights themes such as:
- Anthropology before technology
- Vulnerability as a design constraint
- Hope-oriented communities and spiritual practices
- Shifting AI economics from extraction to service
Join the Conversation
Interested in shaping this movement—or just listening in? Register for our Slack community (details and sign-up at https://thecelticfranciscan.com/a-i-lumen-org/) to meet fellow practitioners, theologians, ethicists, engineers, and concerned citizens. Early members will help steer events, reading groups, and collaborative white-papers in the months ahead.
Let’s Build a Future Where Technology Deepens—Not Diminishes—Love
AI’s promise is vast, but so is the temptation to let convenience eclipse communion. A-I-LUMEN.org is a small but determined reply: Community first. Code second. We hope you’ll lend your insight, creativity, and conviction to this growing circle.
#AIethics #HumanCenteredAI #Community #AILUMEN #AICantLove #TechForGood
