DISCUSSION GUIDE: MENTAL HEALTH IN THE AGE OF AI

OVERVIEW

This sermon explores how artificial intelligence is impacting our mental health and spiritual well-being. It challenges us to consider not just what AI can do for us, but who we are becoming as we navigate a world where technology can increasingly replace human effort and learning.

ICEBREAKER (5-10 minutes)

Technology Tradeoffs: Share one technology that has made your life easier but also taken something valuable away from you. (For example: smartphones make communication easier but can reduce face-to-face interaction.)

SCRIPTURE READING (5 minutes)

Romans 3:5-8 (NIV) "But if our unrighteousness brings out God's righteousness more clearly, what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.) Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world? Someone might argue, 'If my falsehood enhances God's truthfulness and so increases his glory, why am I still condemned as a sinner?' Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—'Let us do evil that good may result'? Their condemnation is just!"

Colossians 3:23-24 (NIV) "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (30-45 minutes)

TECHNOLOGY AND HUMANITY (10-15 minutes)

1. The sermon mentioned a robot that could do household chores. How do you respond to the quote: "I want AI to do my laundry and dishes so that I can do art and writing, not for AI to do my art and writing so that I can do my laundry and dishes"?

2. The sermon suggests that some mundane tasks like "making the bed" and "doing the dishes" can have spiritual significance. How have you experienced growth through ordinary routines or responsibilities?

   [Leader Tip: If discussion stalls, ask: "Has anyone ever found that a simple routine like walking, cooking, or cleaning became a time of prayer or reflection?"]

3. In what ways might our reliance on AI tools affect our sense of accomplishment and personal growth?

MENTAL HEALTH NEEDS (10-15 minutes)

4. According to the sermon, Johann Hari suggests four innate human needs for mental health: autonomy, intimacy, belonging, and mastery. Which of these do you find most challenging to fulfill in today's technological world?

5. The sermon mentioned that AI is "depriving us of psychological oxygen." What examples have you seen of technology either enhancing or diminishing these four basic needs?

   [Leader Tip: You might need to remind the group of the four needs: autonomy (making meaningful choices), intimacy (feeling seen and known), belonging (feeling wanted), and mastery (developing meaningful skills).]

6. How might our faith communities help restore the "psychological oxygen" that technology sometimes depletes?

PURPOSE VS. PRODUCTIVITY (10-15 minutes)

7. Reflect on the quote from Dr. Drew Dickens: "We've confused productivity with purpose. AI forces us to untangle the two." How do you distinguish between being productive and living purposefully?

8. In Romans 3, Paul argues that the ends don't justify the means. How does this biblical principle apply to our use of technology?

   [Leader Tip: This question connects to deeper ethical issues. Help the group consider how we might be tempted to use technology in ways that are expedient but not necessarily formative or faithful.]

9. The sermon concludes by asking: "What's more important? Where AI is helping us to go or who we're becoming along the way?" How would you answer this question in your own life?

PERSONAL APPLICATION (10-15 minutes)

Take a few minutes to reflect individually on these questions before sharing with the group:

1. Which of the four psychological needs (autonomy, intimacy, belonging, mastery) do you need to intentionally nurture in your life right now?

2. What is one area where you might be overvaluing efficiency or results at the expense of personal growth or spiritual formation?

3. How might you use technology more intentionally this week to enhance rather than diminish your mental and spiritual health?

PRAYER FOCUS (5-10 minutes)

• Pray for wisdom in navigating technology in ways that honor God and nurture our souls
• Pray for those struggling with mental health challenges, especially in isolation
• Pray for discernment about where we need to embrace effort and process rather than just results
• Pray that our church community would be a place where people find true connection and belonging

OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE

TECHNOLOGY AND SPIRITUAL FORMATION (10-15 minutes)

1. Tish Harrison Warren writes about the importance of "quiet, repetitive, and ordinary" spiritual disciplines. In what ways might technology be making us less capable of engaging in these types of practices?

2. The sermon references people turning to AI like Chat GPT with suicidal thoughts. What responsibilities do you think Christians have in creating genuine communities where people in crisis can find real help?

3. Read Ecclesiastes 2:24-25: "A person can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in their own toil. This too, I see, is from the hand of God, for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?" How might this passage inform our attitude toward work, effort, and the use of technology?

THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE

Choose one daily task or activity that you usually rush through or avoid. This week, approach it mindfully as a spiritual practice. As you engage in this ordinary activity, pray, reflect, or simply be fully present. Notice how slowing down and being intentional affects your sense of purpose and connection with God.

[Leader Note: This topic may bring up mental health concerns among group members. Be prepared to direct anyone who seems to be struggling toward professional resources. Remember that small groups provide support but are not a substitute for professional mental health care when needed.]