From Technophobia to Discernment | ICFAI 2025
Research Paper

From technophobia to discernment: A Christian reflection on neuralink, AI regulation, and spiritual responsibility in society

Moise Iradukunda
Protestant University of Rwanda (PUR)
Abstract

In the digital era, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and neurotechnologies such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink are reshaping the relationship between technology, health, and human capability. While these innovations present new possibilities for individuals experiencing paralysis, neurological disorders, blindness, and severe communication impairments, they have also stimulated anxiety and suspicion in various Christian communities. The central research question guiding this study is: How can Christians discern and engage emerging technologies such as Neuralink without falling into technophobia or uninformed spiritual fear? The objective of this research is to promote a theologically grounded and intellectually informed response to AI and neurotechnology within Christian contexts. The study employs a qualitative approach, integrating textual and theological analysis, literature synthesis, and reflexive interpretation. A contextual case study from rural Rwanda is examined, where misinterpretations of Revelation 13 and eschatological speculation contributed to widespread resistance to COVID-19 vaccination, school withdrawal, and fears of imminent apocalyptic events. Findings demonstrate that technophobia frequently arises not from lack of faith, but from insufficient theological formation and limited scientific literacy, which lead individuals to interpret technological advancements as spiritually dangerous. However, evidence indicates that AI and Neuralink hold meaningful potential to enhance quality of life, restore dignity, and provide healing support to vulnerable populations, values that resonate with the Christian call to compassion, caregiving, and restoration. The study recommends that Christian leaders incorporate structured technology education, sound biblical interpretation, pastoral dialogue, and community-based critical reflection into ministry practice. Such measures can equip believers to engage innovation with wisdom and discernment, fostering cooperation between faith and science rather than conflict or fear.

Keywords
Neurotechnology Artificial Intelligence Technophobia Neuralink Discernment Healing and Human Dignity