By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Robert Bortins

What happens when the most powerful technology of our age meets the ancient belief that every human bears the image of God? Isaac Willauer, a Classical Conversations graduate now steering corporate engagement at Boyer Research, says the answer lies in how we choose to use the tool.

The AI Advantage—and Its Moral Hazard

Willauer warns that artificial intelligence acts as a “force multiplier” for law enforcement. “If you have an unjust law that is applied with an AI that can process data very quickly, you will have more injustice because the AI will catch more lawbreaking,” he explains. The speed and scale of AI can magnify both good and bad, making the ethical framework behind its deployment crucial.

He ties this to the biblical doctrine of Imago Dei, stating, “God made the Imago Dei permanent because he loves us. And he has made it invulnerable to anything that AI can create, anything that any technology can create, anything that the steam engine created several centuries ago.” For Willauer, no technology can replace the divine imprint on humanity.

Corporate Shareholder Activism as a Moral Lever

Beyond law enforcement, Willauer discusses how shareholders can wield influence on corporate policies that intersect with Christian values. He cites a recent proposal on Home Depot’s proxy ballot asking the company to assess the risk of covering transgender surgery for minors. “If you own Home Depot shares, if your foundation owned Home Depot shares, if your nonprofit owned Home Depot shares, how do you vote on it?” he asks, highlighting the responsibility that comes with investment decisions.

Willauer frames voting rights as a “property right” that can be used to advocate for values, saying, “I’m going to lean in. I’m going to use a voting right to actually advocate for my values and advocate for the businesses that I own pieces of to actually do business.” This approach aligns financial stewardship with moral conviction.

AI in the Fight Against Online Harm

The conversation shifts to practical applications of AI, such as combating predatory behavior in online gaming platforms like Roblox. Willauer notes that AI’s capacity to process massive data sets makes it an effective tool for identifying and stopping abuse, reinforcing his view that technology, when properly directed, can serve the common good.

He stresses that tools themselves lack moral agency: “Tools are important. Tools enhance our moral orientation… If you’re using an AI for something and it stops being, and it reorients the work morally, you can stop that.” The responsibility, he says, rests with the human operators.

The Geopolitical Dimension: Data Centers and National Competitiveness

Willauer briefly touches on the broader strategic landscape, referencing President Trump’s recent remarks about data‑center investment. He warns of a potential arms race with China, noting rumors that Chinese actors are behind much of the data‑center propaganda. “If we don’t invest in data centers, we’re all going to be poor and backwards,” he paraphrases the president’s tweet, underscoring the economic stakes of technological leadership.

He also mentions Mark Zuckerberg’s 25‑page AI policy, pointing out concerns about centralization and the need for diverse, decentralized innovation to keep America competitive.

Faith, Attention, and the Future of AI

Concluding the discussion, Willauer reflects on the intangible resources of time and attention. “God gave us minds that are capable of unbelievable things, especially paired with modern tools,” he says, urging listeners to treat their focus as a valuable asset, comparable to the billions spent by tech giants to capture it.

He admits uncertainty about AI’s trajectory, noting, “I don’t know what AI is going to do in two years, right? Who can? No one, really.” Yet he remains optimistic that the combination of divine purpose and human ingenuity will shape a future where technology amplifies, rather than diminishes, the Imago Dei.

In a world where AI’s capabilities grow daily, Willauer’s message is clear: Christians need not fear the technology itself, but must remain vigilant custodians of the moral framework that guides its use.

The full episode of Refining Rhetoric with Robert Bortins is available on OBBM Network TV.