The Superiority of Human-Created Sacred Art Over AI-Generated Images: A Reflection by Catholic Artists

In the age-old battle between man and machine, a new front has opened up in the world of art. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to advance, it is now encroaching on the territory of human artists, particularly in the realm of sacred art. While AI-generated images may have a certain appeal, they lack the depth, intention, and theological understanding that human artists bring to their work.

Renowned sacred artists such as Gwyneth Thompson-Briggs, Kathleen Carr, and Daniel Mitsui have all weighed in on this issue, highlighting the importance of human creativity, sacrifice, and love in the creation of true art. They emphasize that AI-generated images may lack theological symbolism, anatomical accuracy, and a true understanding of Christian iconography.

Moreover, the spiritual dimension of art, the intention to draw the faithful into prayer, contemplation, and reverence, is something that AI can never replicate. As Father Joshua Caswell points out, real art is a profound offering to God, a sacrificial act that AI can never achieve.

In the end, the consensus is clear: AI may be able to generate images, but it can never create true art. The human touch, the intention, the theological understanding, and the love that artists bring to their work are irreplaceable. As Benedict XVI once said, art and the saints are the greatest apologetic for our faith, and it is through the works of beauty created by human hands that the faithful encounter God and are drawn into his presence.