Imago Dei and Artificial Creation: An Old Testament Theology of Humanity from Genesis 1: 26–27 and Psalm 8 for Sustainable Development

Abstract

As artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnological systems increasingly reshape human experience, social relationships, and institutional structures, faith communities are called to articulate robust theological frameworks that affirm human dignity and guide ethical innovation. While contemporary AI ethics often prioritize efficiency, autonomy, and technological advancement, they frequently overlook the deeper insights of theological anthropology, particularly the Old Testament’s vision of personhood grounded in covenant, vocation, and divine image-bearing. This study addressed that gap by examining how the biblical concept of imago Dei can inform ethical discernment and theological reflection in the age of machine intelligence. The research focused on Genesis 1:26–27 and Psalm 8, employing historical-critical and canonical approaches to trace their original meaning and ongoing theological trajectory. Genesis 1 was interpreted as a foundational theological text that defines human identity through divine image-bearing, relational stewardship, and moral vocation under God’s sovereignty. Psalm 8 was analyzed as a poetic and liturgical affirmation of humanity’s covenantal dignity and delegated authority within creation. Together, these texts construct a biblical anthropology emphasizing relational dependence on God and moral responsibility toward creation. Engaging these biblical perspectives with contemporary debates on AI and biotechnology, the study explored their ethical relevance to justice, equity, and sustainability, particularly in light of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3, 9, 10, and 16). The research argues that the Old Testament offers a distinct theological vision of humanity defined not by technological capacity but by divine calling and relational accountability. This vision provides practical ethical tools, stewardship, justice, and communal responsibility that can guide churches, scholars, and policymakers in assessing the use and moral boundaries of AI and biotechnology. Incorporating African contextual theology, the study applies biblical anthropology to concerns of technological inequality, cultural autonomy, and sustainable human flourishing. Ultimately, it proposes a faith-rooted ethical framework for navigating the theological and moral implications of artificial creation.