THE NEW GARDEN

A podcast on A.I. & Theology

Episode One:

Welcome to The New Garden

In this inaugural podcast episode of The New Garden, co-hosts Tony Sundermeier (Senior Pastor, First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta) and Brent Macon (tech entrepreneur and thought leader) introduce the central questions that will guide a season of rich conversations at the crossroads of theology and technology.

Episode Two:

Algorithmic Discipleship

From Bible-reading apps to habit-tracking software, technology can shape our spiritual practices and even nudge us toward more “Christ-like” behaviors than our natural human nature allows. But is digital discipleship the same as true spiritual formation? In this second episode of The New Garden, we talk with Rev. Canon Lorenzo Lebrija as we explore the implications of A.I. on faith formation. You can read more about Rev. Canon Lorenzo Lebrija here.

Episode Three:

The Future of Human Love and Care

How do we preserve the image of God in human-to-human love in a world of A.I. caregiving? What happens to the spiritual growth that comes through the struggle of caring for others? Could A.I. actually deepen human relationships by handling logistics and freeing us for deeper connection? We explore these questions and more in this episode, featuring guest Christine Rosen, Senior Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.  You can learn more about Christine Rosen here.

Episode Four:

How does A.I. play a role in grief, immortality, and digital resurrection?

How does A.I. play a role in grief, immortality, and digital resurrection? Where do we draw the lines and how can God help guide The Church as we navigate these new waters? Join us as we discuss these topics and more with Derek Schuurman, a noted professor, author, and engineer who is also one of the organizers of the Wisdom in the Age of AI Conference to be held at Calvin University from October 8-10, 2026.

Episode Five:

Human-Tech Symbiosis

Human–Tech Symbiosis might sound terrifying, but don’t hide under a rock—get used to it. That’s one of the takeaways from this episode featuring Bob Johansen, author, scholar, and distinguished fellow with the Institute for the Future in Silicon Valley. You can read more about  Bob here.

Episode Six:

Machines In The Image of God

It feels inevitable that as AI begins to sound uniquely human—and even personally attuned to us—we will  start to anthropomorphize it, giving it personality and emotional weight. This raises questions about relationality and even deification: if God is the Creator and we, in turn, create AI, does that make us more or less like God? Could AI ever have a relationship with the divine independent of us, or does it simply mirror our own sinfulness and limitations as its makers? Looking ahead, as AI grows in influence and perceived infallibility, might it evolve beyond being a mere tool into something that relates to creation and the Creator in its own right? We are joined in this episode by Matt Prior, who is an ordained Church of England minister and Lecturer in Christian Ethics at St Mellitus College, an author, and sought-after speaker. You can learn more about him here.

Episode Seven:

Transhumanism: Where Is the Line?

How far do we want our bodily manipulation to go? Where is the line in Transhumanism?  In this episode, “Transhumanism: Where Is the Line?”, we speak with Ilia Delio, theologian and author, about the transhumanist movement and its vision of technologically-enhanced humanity. We explore where the line lies between healing and “playing God,” and how transhumanism intersects with core Christian beliefs about creation, sin, redemption, and the image of God. The conversation also considers the ethical and spiritual implications of technological evolution and how the Church might respond to a future where humanity could diverge. Learn more about Illa Delio here.

Episode EIGHT:

Divine Data: Privacy, Omniscience, & AI

How should the church engage with the implications of mass surveillance? Can technology be a tool for good or ill for us? How should churches adapt to reach people where they are? In this episode, we talk with Eyram Klu, who has a unique role as a Data & AI Consultant with Accenture Technology and is an MA candidate at Duke Graduate Liberal Studies, studying Artificial Intelligence, Ethics, and Human Flourishing.

Episode NINE:

Mid-Season Highlights

In this episode, we’re taking a moment to look back—recapping some of the standout moments from our first season so far. A brand-new episode arrives next week, but today, enjoy a few highlights from The New Garden podcast.

Episode TEN:

AI and the Future of our Social Fabric 

What is the future of AI and our social fabric? What are the economic implications of AI? What is AI's role in the media? In this episode, we sit down with Joe Sutherland, technology executive and educator, who directs Emory University's Center for AI Learning to discuss these issues and more. You can learn more about Joe here. 

The New Garden is a podcast on technological power, promise, and peril. Technology is no longer just a set of tools. It’s a force that shapes our desires, our communities, and even our theology. The New Garden explores what it means to live faithfully at a time when humanity can rewrite genomes, simulate consciousness, and manufacture joy with the push of a button. Each of our 13 episodes will be a guided reflection on our age of Godlike power. 
This is your invitation to discern how we cultivate the new garden without becoming the serpent in it. 
Produced by First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, you can download our episodes anywhere podcasts are streaming. Have an idea? A question? You can contact us at communications@firstpresatl.org