Artificial Intelligence Sexual Innovation and the Marriage Covenant: An Ethical and Theological Assessment

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a fundamental breakthrough in contemporary science. At its innovative core is the quest to simulate human intelligence processes using machines and computer systems. A topical moral discussion lies in the development of sexual robots that can perform conjugal functions. However, the Bible presents the concept of sexuality as a privilege exercised within the precincts of the same species in heterosexual relationships. Hence, according to the Scriptures, human beings can only have a sexual relationship with fellow human beings of the opposite biological gender. However, the rise in robotic technology that includes sexuality raises fundamental questions. What are the ethical implications of AI sexual innovation for marriage covenants? Towards what cause should contemporary theology and ethics relate to this innovation within AI? What is the place of sexuality in humans? Can sexuality with a human-like robot be understood as a biblical and legitimate alternative in the face of rising sexually transmitted diseases? This theoretical paper seeks to interrogate this line of AI innovation from an ethical and theological assessment.