Campus-wide AI Initiative
Cedarville University is the first evangelical Christian university to implement artificial intelligence (AI) campus-wide, integrating ChatGPT Edu from OpenAI into academics, student life, and campus operations.
By equipping students, faculty, and staff with access to today's most advanced AI tools — including custom GPTs, data analytics, document summarization, and web browsing — Cedarville is enhancing learning, improving productivity, and preparing individuals for a rapidly changing world.
This initiative empowers our entire community — students, faculty, and staff — to collaborate and thoughtfully and faithfully engage AI together across learning, work, and service. Grounded in Cedarville’s mission, it reflects our commitment to lead with both innovation and biblical integrity.
As AI reshapes education and productivity, Cedarville is equipping individuals to use these tools with wisdom, discernment, and truth. Through guided access, training, and an ethics-first approach, our use of AI is intentionally Christ-centered — preparing the next generation of Christian leaders and professionals to engage technology with confidence and conviction.
Cedarville and AI in the News
Stay up to date on how Cedarville’s campus-wide AI initiative is making headlines. Explore press releases, media coverage, and stories highlighting our leadership in Christ-centered AI integration.
Cedarville University Announces Campus-Wide AI Initiative with ChatGPT Edu
Watch the August 11, 2025, press conference recording, where President Dr. Thomas White introduced Cedarville University’s Campus-wide AI Initiative.
First Christian University Campus-Wide AI Initiative
Theology Meets AI: Guiding Principles at Cedarville
These biblical principles will guide our launch into a campus-wide AI solution. We humbly recognize that we will learn and grow through this process and may need to revise our articulation of these positions in the future.
We seek wisdom from above (James 1:5; 3:13–18). We lean not on our own understanding (Prov. 3:5–6), recognizing that technology is not the savior and is created by humans affected by the fall (Gen. 3). We ask the Spirit to guide us to truth (John 16:13) as we seek first the Kingdom of God (Matt. 6:33). Jesus is the ultimate answer to humanity’s greatest problems — not AI.
We Worship the One True God
- God alone deserves worship, and He desires to be worshipped by his people (Deut. 6:4–5; John 4:23–4; 1 Pet. 2:9). No human invention — including AI — can replace true worship. Genuine discipleship does not have shortcuts but requires perseverance through trials that deepen our faith (James 1:2–4). Our hearts must be transformed by the Spirit as we immerse ourselves in Scripture, prayer, and community.
- We seek wisdom from above (James 1:5; 3:13–18), trust God over our own understanding (Prov. 3:5–6), and recognize that technology is a tool — not our Savior. Jesus Christ is the ultimate answer to humanity's deepest needs, not AI.
- Core Value: Love for God
We Value People
- People are created in God’s image, bearing immortal souls and eternal destinies (Gen. 1:26–27; Matt. 22:39). AI must never diminish the worth of human beings or replace human relationships because God designed us for community.
- We recognize AI raises important questions about what it means to be human, and we commit to answering those with biblical fidelity. AI is a tool to serve human flourishing, never a substitute for moral responsibility or genuine connection.
- Core Value: Love for Others
We Promote Truth and Embody Integrity
- Our use of AI reflects our commitment to truth and integrity (Eph. 4:25). We reject plagiarism, deception, or misuse (Prov. 19:1), including deepfakes and academic dishonesty. We demonstrate transparency and pursue accuracy while taking responsibility for AI’s outcomes, understanding its limitations (Rom. 14:12).
- Core Value: Integrity in Conduct
We Demonstrate Faithful Stewardship
- God calls us to steward all resources wisely — including technology (Gen. 2:15; Col. 3:23). We must not allow AI to weaken our intellectual development, critical thinking, or personal growth. We embrace the goodness of work and reject laziness (Gen. 2:15–19; Prov. 6:6–11; Eph. 4:28).
- We use AI to advance learning, alleviate suffering, and enhance the common good while resisting wasteful, exploitative, or harmful applications.
- Core Value: Excellence in Effort
We Engage With Biblical Discernment
- All areas of life are arenas for Gospel witness (Col. 3:17). We use AI with love, justice, and humility (Micah 6:8), advocating for society’s most vulnerable (Prov. 31:8–9).
- Our engagement reflects a distinctively Christian voice — marked by the fruit of the Spirit, challenging falsehood, promoting hope, and pointing to Christ (Gal 5:22–24). We practice discernment in evaluating AI applications. Just because something can be done doesn't mean it should (1 Cor. 10:23).
- For the Word of God and the Testimony of Jesus Christ.
We Walk in Wisdom and Humility
- AI is a product of finite human wisdom, which is fallible. We must not place ultimate trust in AI or ourselves (Prov. 3:5–6). Because technology shapes our habits and decision-making processes, we intentionally cultivate virtue alongside skill (Rom. 12:2; Gal. 5:22–23). Like any tool, AI can reflect either godly or sinful intentions, so we humble ourselves before the Lord and strive to use technology in ways that please Him.
- Micah 6:8, "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"