Faith and Tech: How My Catholic Faith Guides My Journey in AI

When people talk about artificial intelligence (AI), the conversation often revolves around innovation, efficiency, and transformation. But for me, there’s another layer—one that’s deeply personal and spiritual. My Catholic faith shapes how I approach AI, the decisions I make, and the values I prioritize. It’s not just about pushing boundaries in technology; it’s about doing so in a way that reflects a higher purpose.

Finding God in Daily Work

Para sa akin, every task—no matter how small—is an opportunity to find God. Whether it’s coding an automation workflow, writing a blog, or mentoring someone in Talyer AI, I remind myself that all these moments can be offered to Him. Sa dami ng ginagawa natin araw-araw, minsan nakakalimutan natin ang mas malalim na dahilan ng ating trabaho. But when you see your work as a form of prayer or service, everything becomes more meaningful.

It’s a perspective that transforms the mundane into something sacred. Even answering endless questions in Discord or hosting a free webinar for freelancers feels lighter when I frame it as an offering to God. After all, hindi naman tayo nandito sa mundo para lang magtrabaho; we’re here to fulfill a purpose greater than ourselves.

Ethical AI: A Non-Negotiable Standard

One clear example of how my faith influences my decisions in AI is in the area of ethics. I once had a client who wanted me to scrape private emails for their marketing campaign. While it was tempting to say yes (kasi let’s be real, the money was good), I knew it wasn’t right. My Catholic values reminded me that we are called to respect others’ privacy and dignity. So, I declined the project and explained why it was not ethically acceptable.

In AI, ethical dilemmas like this are common. Whether it’s about data privacy, transparency, or fairness, my faith serves as a compass. It pushes me to ask, “Is this the right thing to do? Am I respecting the people behind the data?” AI should not only be a tool for progress but also a tool for good.

Faith and Innovation: A Seamless Harmony

Some people think faith and innovation are at odds. After all, one is rooted in timeless principles, while the other is all about disruption and change. But for me, they complement each other perfectly. I even believe AI can be a tool for deepening faith. Imagine using AI to generate custom Bible quotes for inspiration or creating a personalized daily reflection based on the day’s Gospel reading. Pwede nating gamitin ang tech to bring people closer to God.

For example, I’ve used AI to help me set personal and professional goals. Recently, naisip ko, bakit hindi ko rin gamitin ang AI para mas ma-integrate ang faith sa daily life? Technology doesn’t have to pull us away from spirituality; it can guide us back to it if used thoughtfully.

Using Faith to Stay Grounded

In the fast-paced world of AI, it’s easy to get caught up in the hype. You’re always thinking about the next big project, the latest trend, or the newest tool. But my Catholic faith reminds me to slow down and reflect. One of my favorite reminders is that we are temporary travelers in this world—ang ultimate home natin is Heaven. This perspective keeps me grounded. It pushes me to make decisions that align not just with my goals but also with my values.

Attending Mass and praying regularly help me stay connected to my faith, but so does applying it in my work. Whether it’s through ethical choices or simply approaching my day with gratitude, I see my professional life as an extension of my spiritual journey.

Inspiring Others Through Faith and Tech

My hope is that this post inspires others to bring their values—and their faith—into their work. Hindi naman kailangan na sobrang malaki or revolutionary ang ginagawa natin. It’s about finding God in the ordinary tasks, offering them up, and striving to do good in every opportunity.

For those in the AI and tech space, I encourage you to think about how your work can reflect something greater. AI has so much potential to transform industries, communities, and lives. Let’s make sure we’re using it to uplift, inspire, and respect one another.

The Future of Faith in AI

In the Philippines, where faith is such a big part of our culture, I believe we have a unique opportunity to lead in ethical AI development. Imagine if our tech innovations were not just efficient but also deeply rooted in values of fairness, compassion, and respect. Communities like Talyer AI can play a big role in fostering these principles by educating more Filipinos about ethical AI and encouraging community-driven innovation.

For example, AI could help digitize parish services or make Catholic resources more accessible online. Barangays and LGUs could use automation to streamline public services while ensuring transparency and fairness. The possibilities are endless if we approach AI with the right mindset.

Final Thoughts: A Journey Worth Taking

Faith and tech don’t have to be separate worlds. They can coexist, complementing each other to create something meaningful and lasting. For me, being grounded in my Catholic faith while exploring the possibilities of AI has been an incredible journey. It’s taught me that progress isn’t just about moving forward; it’s about moving forward with purpose.

To anyone reading this, I hope you find ways to integrate your values—whether faith-based or not—into your professional life. And if you’re in the tech industry, remember that your work has the power to not only transform industries but also touch lives. Let’s make sure we’re doing it in a way that uplifts and inspires.