WORKSHOPS
Pre-Conference Workshops
We are pleased to offer several workshops in addition to our main conference programming. Details below.
- Generating Wisdom: Artificial Intelligence and the Bible (July 25-26)
- -60%: How Perceptions of Faith-Science Conflict Impact Faith Formation (July 26, 9 am-12 pm)
- Introduction to the Science-Faith Conversation and the ASA (July 26, 3-6 pm)
1. Generating Wisdom: Artificial Intelligence and the Bible
Description
ASA Conference attendees are invited for a two-conference at Museum of the Bible examining the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence and its implications for Bible translation, interpretation, and more. Embracing an interdisciplinary approach, the conference will bring together both technical and biblical experts to consider the opportunities and challenges posed by using AI in Bible translation and interpretation, as well as applying biblical wisdom to AI as a technological and cultural phenomenon.
Schedule
Thursday, July 25
- 9 am – 12:15 pm: AI and Bible Translation
- Technical and theoretical perspectives on the use of AI for Bible translation. Presentations will cover natural language processing (NLP) and computational linguistic methods for translating the Bible. The technologies applied for Bible translation range from decades-old alignment methods to the latest developments in large language models. Presentations will discuss how these tools can be practically and responsibly leveraged to accelerate translation time without sacrificing quality.
- 1:30 – 4:30 pm: AI and Bible Interpretation
- The application of artificial intelligence and other advanced computational techniques to the analysis of the Bible and other extra-biblical Christian and Jewish texts, from indexing, cross-referencing, and evaluating individual texts to constructing large textual databases with associated metadata.
Note!
On-campus registration does not open until 3 pm; no luggage can be stored on campus before that time.
Friday, July 26
- 8:30 am – 12:30 pm: Biblical Perspectives on AI
- The application of biblical wisdom to AI as a technological and cultural phenomenon. Presentations will cover the relevance of the Bible to ethical guidelines for the use of AI, biblical wisdom for living alongside AI, and more.
Where
Museum of the Bible, Scholars Initiative Conference Room
This is an optional pre-conference workshop at the Museum of the Bible. Transportation and meals are not provided by the ASA.
Featuring
- Kutter Callaway, Fuller Theological Seminary
- Melanie Dzugan, Fuller Theological Seminary
- Daren Erisman, Minot State University
- Douglas Estes, Friends University
- Mark Graves, AI & Faith
- David Zvi Kalman, Sinai and Synapses
- Elizabeth Robar, Scriptura
- Marcus Schwarting, University of Chicago
- Randall Tan, Biblica
- Cassie Weishaupt, SIL International
- Ryder Wishart, Biblica
- Sara Wolkenfeld, Sefaria
- and more.
Price
FREE (REGISTRATION CLOSED)
2. -60%: How Perceptions of Faith-Science Conflict Impact Faith Formation
Description
Perceptions of conflict between faith and science have long been known to contribute to the loss of 60% of our youth from both the church and the Christian faith. This workshop will discuss how those perceptions of conflict impair faith formation beginning at very early ages and provide practical tools for action. We’ll explore what current neuroscientific research suggests about this phenomenon and also consider how it relates to neurodiversity.
From this workshop, participants will:
- Gain a deeper understanding of how perceptions of conflict impair faith formation.
- Identify opportunities to affect meaningful and impactful change with others in your congregation and circles of care.
- Develop a personal action plan and learn what resources are available and can be helpful.
Workshop Host
Jennifer Secki Shields
When & Where
Friday, July 269 am - 12 pm (3 hours)
Pryz 321
Price
$50
3. Introduction to the Science-Faith Conversation and the ASA
Description
During this three-hour workshop, we will explore the ways in which science and Christian faith can interact. We will pay special attention to the perspectives of believing scientists and scholars of science regarding how science and faith can contribute to each other. After providing an overview of the science-faith landscape, we will discuss the defining statements and culture of the ASA, which will help attendees maximize their experience of the meeting. Although everyone is welcome, this workshop is designed specifically for those who are relatively new to the ASA, particularly those attending their first national meeting.
Workshop Hosts
Michael Everest, ASA; Steve Contakes, Westmont College
When & Where
Friday, July 263 - 6:30 pm
Pryz 321
Price
FREE