Doctoral Student Explores AI for Adventist Research and Ministry

When artificial intelligence (AI) surged into public consciousness in 2023, Eric Louw had already begun experimenting with AI image generation. Text-generation models soon followed, revealing possibilities that seemed almost limitless. 

“The potential uses were immense,” Louw said. “But they were often limited by a user’s creativity or a lack of understanding about how generative AI works.” 

Louw’s interest grew out of his work at the intersection of theology, history, and technology. Having formerly pastored in Texas, United States, he is now an Adventist studies doctoral student at the Seventh-day Theological Seminary at Andrews University, where he researches hamartiology, the branch of Christian systematic theology that studies sin. 

As he explored generative AI, Louw noticed that people sometimes asked models to perform tasks for which they had not been trained. When the results fell short, they concluded that the excitement surrounding the technology had been exaggerated. 

At the same time, AI-generated images and written content were beginning to fill online marketplaces. Some relatively simple ideas were generating thousands of sales. Louw began searching for other Christians who were interested in AI and wanted to explore practical applications together. 

That search led him to create Advent AI Lab, an online community in which people can experiment, network, and share ways AI is transforming their work. 

Louw also began compiling the ways he and his wife had found AI helpful. The list has grown to about 100 applications. He created AdventAILab.com as a resource page to help users identify tools suited to their particular needs, such as preparing sermons, teaching classes, and developing evangelistic resources. 

The online community now has more than 5,400 members and continues to grow. Participants share updates about AI, introduce new tools, and take part in creative image-generation challenges. Many members use the images they create in sermons, classrooms, and other ministry settings. 

“My hope is that people will see what is possible and realize that the learning curve is not as steep as they might assume,” Louw said. “I want them to be inspired to find new ways to use AI to benefit their lives and their ministry to others.” 

He also emphasizes that AI should support human development rather than weaken it. 

“The best uses of AI do not replace learning and growth,” he said. “They enhance those processes.” 

That principle shapes how Louw uses AI in his doctoral research. Much of his time is spent studying Adventist history and tracing theological ideas across historical sources. He is particularly interested in tools that can independently search for details, locate overlooked websites, and assist with complex research tasks. 

Programs such as ChatGPT Codex, Gemini Antigravity, and Alter help him uncover material he might otherwise miss. He also uses tools such as NotebookLM and Devonthink MCP to search sources he provides. These programs can identify relevant ideas and direct him to specific sentences or paragraphs. 

Louw has found them especially helpful after traditional searches have been exhausted or when he needs to discover new terminology for further research. 

Using AI as a writing-critique tool offers another promising application. They can help identify blind spots and point out areas in which academic writing needs improvement, something Louw values as he continues his doctoral work. 

For him, the technology is most valuable when it deepens the work already taking place. 

“AI can help researchers ask better questions, discover new connections, and improve how they communicate their ideas,” he said. “It works best when it strengthens the thinking process rather than taking its place.” 

This version is based on the story posted on Lake Union Herald.