Adultery and Artificial Intelligence Relationships in Christianity
Adultery in Christianity
The concept of adultery is rooted in biblical teachings and is considered a significant moral and spiritual failing. In biblical terms, adultery refers to sexual relations between a married person and someone other than their spouse [1]. The seventh commandment, "You shall not commit adultery" (Exodus 20:14), is a foundational text that prohibits such behavior.
The biblical understanding of adultery extends beyond literal sexual infidelity to include spiritual adultery, where one's devotion is diverted from God to other objects or idols. This metaphorical adultery is described in passages such as Ezekiel 23:4 and Hosea 1-3, where Israel's idolatry is likened to adultery [8]. The New Testament continues this theme, with James 4:4 addressing those who are "adulterers and adulteresses" for their spiritual unfaithfulness [2].
Christian traditions have interpreted adultery in various ways. Some see it as a breach of the marital covenant, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness in marriage [3]. Others understand it more broadly as a symbol of spiritual unfaithfulness to God. For instance, John Gill interprets James 4:4 as condemning those who set their affections on the world rather than God, likening this to adultery [6].
The biblical prohibition on adultery is not limited to the act itself but also includes the intent and desire that lead to it. Jesus expands on the commandment in Matthew 5:27-30, teaching that even lustful thoughts can be considered a form of adultery [5].
In the context of artificial intelligence (AI) relationships, the question arises whether interactions with AI entities can be considered a form of adultery. While the Bible does not directly address AI, the principles of faithfulness and devotion can be applied. If a person's interactions with an AI entity divert their emotional or relational investment away from their spouse or God, it could be argued that this constitutes a form of adultery, either literal or spiritual.
The Christian understanding of adultery emphasizes the importance of faithfulness in relationships, both human and divine. As such, it encourages believers to cultivate devotion to God and to their spouses, avoiding behaviors that could be considered adulterous [7].
The metaphorical use of adultery to describe spiritual unfaithfulness highlights the depth of God's relationship with his people. This imagery underscores the severity of turning away from God and the importance of maintaining a faithful and loving relationship with Him [4].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Adultery — Conjugal infidelity. An adulterer was a man who had illicit intercourse with a married or a betrothed woman, and such a woman was an adulteress. Intercourse between a married man and an unmarried woman was fornication. Adultery was regarded as a great social wrong, as well as a great sin. The Mosaic law (Num. 5:11-31) prescribed that the suspected wife should be tried by the ordeal of the "water of jealousy." There is, however, no recorded instance of the application of this law. In subsequent times the Rabbis made various regulations with the view of disc”
- James “James 4:4 (LITV) — Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Whoever, then, purposes to be a friend of the world is shown to be an enemy of God.”
- Exodus (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Exodus 20:14: 20:14 adultery: Here this term represents all sexual sins, among which adultery most clearly indicates breaking faith. Adulterers satisfy their sexual desires as they please, and they break faith with their spouse in so doing. Jesus expanded on this command in Matt 5:27-30.”
- Revelation (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Revelation 17:2: 17:2 Adultery with her is a biblical image for serving other gods (see, e.g., Exod 34:12-16; Judg 2:17; Hos 2). • drunk by . . . her immorality: Drunkenness in Scripture often depicts nations that indulge in wanton and immoral behavior (see Rev 18:3, 9; Jer 25:27; 51:7; Lam 4:21; Ezek 23:33).”
- Deuteronomy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Deuteronomy 5:18: 5:18 adultery: See Jesus’ comments about adultery in Matt 5:27-28.”
- James (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on James 4:4: Ye adulterers and adulteresses,.... Not who were literally such, but in a figurative and metaphorical sense: as he is an adulterer that removes his affections from his own wife, and sets them upon another woman; and she is an adulteress that loves not her husband, but places her love upon another man; so such men and women are adulterers and adulteresses, who, instead of loving God, whom they ought to love with all their hearts and souls, set their affections upon the world, and the things of it: the Vulgate Latin, Syriac, and Ethiopic versions, leave out the word "adul”
- 1 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 11:11: Yet neither sex is insulated and independent of the other in the Christian life [ALFORD]. The one needs the other in the sexual relation; and in respect to Christ ("in the Lord"), the man and the woman together (for neither can be dispensed with) realize the ideal of redeemed humanity represented by the bride, the Church.”
- Ezek (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Ezek 23:4: 23:4 Marriage is commonly used in the Bible as a symbol for the covenant relationship between God and his people (e.g., Isa 54:1-8; Eph 5:22-33). Adultery symbolizes Israel’s spiritual unfaithfulness (e.g., Hos 1–3). God makes his covenants in spite of, not because of, his people’s character (Rom 5:6-11).”