Being Human in the Age of AI: All Saints-by-the-Sea Hosts Two Evenings Exploring Faith, Technology, and Human Flourishing - Santa Barbara News-Press

September 2, 2026 - 04:30

The intersection of spiritual life and rapid technological change will take center stage in Montecito later this month, as All Saints-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church welcomes the public to a two-part conversation series. Led by Reverend Channing Smith, the gatherings are scheduled for the evenings of September 23 and September 30, with a focus on how artificial intelligence reshapes our understanding of human purpose and connection.

The first session on September 23 will set the groundwork, examining the core question of what it means to be human when machines can mimic creativity, empathy, and even moral reasoning. Reverend Smith plans to guide attendees through the ways AI challenges long-held beliefs about consciousness and the soul. Rather than framing technology as a threat, the discussion aims to explore how faith communities can respond with wisdom rather than fear.

The second evening on September 30 will pivot toward practical living, looking at how individuals can cultivate resilience and genuine human flourishing in an era of constant digital disruption. Topics will include maintaining meaningful relationships, finding rest in a world of endless notifications, and discerning where human contribution remains irreplaceable.

Reverend Smith, known for a thoughtful and accessible style, hopes the sessions will appeal not only to church members but to anyone wrestling with the pace of change. The events are free and open to the public, offering a rare space for unhurried reflection on questions that are both ancient and urgently new. Attendees are encouraged to bring their doubts and questions, as the format will allow for open dialogue after the initial presentation. The setting, a historic church in the heart of Montecito, provides a quiet counterpoint to the noise of the tech world, making it an ideal venue for this kind of contemplative exchange.