Beloved Community in an Age of Artificial Intelligence: The Wisdom of Martin Buber (Part One)

Rev. Lee Anne Washington

As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes our work, communication, and daily routines, it is reshaping not only what we do, but how—and with whom—we live our lives. This message will briefly define what AI is (and is not), explore its current and likely future roles, and consider how widespread automation may unintentionally deepen social isolation, echoing patterns many of us experienced during COVID. In a world where fewer interactions require other humans, the need for meaningful, embodied connection grows sharper. This reflection invites us to consider how intentional communities like UUCNH may become not relics of the past, but vital centers of belonging, purpose, and shared moral discernment in the years ahead.