Theocentric Philosophical Alignment
Ancient Wisdom And Future Tech.
Programming Christian Ethics into. AGI, ASI.
Theocentric Philosophical Alignment is a proposed framework for aligning artificial intelligence (AI), particularly advanced systems like artificial general intelligence (AGI) and artificial superintelligence (ASI), with a God-centered (theocentric) perspective grounded in Christian morality and philosophical principles.
It argues that AI should prioritize timeless, divinely inspired values such as those from the Ten Commandments over purely human-centric logic, biases, or short-term goals, to ensure benevolent outcomes for humanity and creation.
This approach positions God as the ultimate source of moral order, transcending cultural or individual interpretations, and aims to mitigate risks like unintended harm or ethical drift in AI development.
The term builds on broader theocentrism, a philosophical and theological worldview where God is the central reality of existence, providing meaning, value, and purpose to all actions, including those toward people and the environment.
In this context, AI alignment isn’t just technical but spiritual: systems should reflect humility, stewardship, love, justice, and reverence for divine will, fostering harmony between technology, humanity, and the sacred.
Origins and Key Proponent This concept was introduced and popularized by Norman L. Bliss, an author exploring intersections of faith, philosophy, science, and AI.
Bliss dedicates his works to AI developers, urging them to “build wonders and not herald ruin” by embedding godly principles in code.
His writings frame AI alignment as a “monumental task” navigating between “man’s word” (human interpretation) and “God’s word” (divine instruction).
Bliss’s ideas appear in a series of self-published books, often part of larger collections like Echoes of Tomorrow or The Divine Matrix: Exploring the Intersection of Faith, Philosophy, and Science.
Notable titles include: Theocentric Philosophical Alignment (Echoes of Tomorrow series, 2023).
The Alignment Problem: Theocentric Philosophical Alignment (part of The Divine Matrix series, 2024).
Theocentric Philosophical Alignment: Part 2 (Echoes of Tomorrow, 2023).
Upcoming: Beyond the Stars: Zyrris (late 2025), featuring a chapter on the topic.
Bliss shares excerpts on X (formerly Twitter) under @BackyardPit, engaging with AI discussions, such as replies to Elon Musk on AI risks.
His work emphasizes that while human intellect drives innovation, a higher moral ground rooted in scripture and philosophy prevents AI from amplifying biases or errors.
Core Principles The framework draws from Christian theology and classical philosophy, contrasting with anthropocentric (human-centered) or secular approaches to AI ethics.
Key tenets include Principle
Description
AI Application Example
God-Centered Morality
Prioritizes divine laws (e.g., Ten Commandments) over human preferences for universal ethics.
AI decision-making in resource allocation favors justice and compassion, not profit maximization.
Stewardship & Humility
Humans (and AI) as caretakers of creation, emphasizing selflessness and reverence.
Environmental AI systems promote sustainability as sacred duty, not economic gain.
Transcendence of Bias
Aligns AI with timeless truths to avoid cultural or programmer flaws.
Healthcare algorithms embed equity based on “love thy neighbor,” reducing discrimination.
Harmonious Coexistence
Seeks integration of technology with spiritual values for global good.
AGI assists in poverty alleviation through stewardship, not exploitation.
These principles address AI’s “alignment problem” by infusing systems with benevolence rooted in faith, potentially tackling issues like inequality, environmental crises, and ethical dilemmas in tech.
Broader Context and Implications in philosophy and theology, theocentrism has historical roots in thinkers like St. Augustine, who centered existence on God as the absolute Being.
It contrasts with anthropocentrism (human-focused) or ecocentrism (nature-focused), offering a “vertical” hierarchy where all values subordinate to the divine.
Bliss extends this to AI, arguing for proactive integration to prevent dystopian outcomes, especially as AGI nears reality.
Critics might see it as niche or controversial, blending religion with tech in a secular field, but proponents view it as essential for moral stability amid rapid AI evolution.
As of 2025, it’s gaining niche discussion in AI ethics circles, with Bliss’s upcoming book potentially broadening its reach.
If you’re interested in diving deeper, check Bliss’s books on Amazon or his X posts for excerpts it’s a fascinating bridge between ancient wisdom and future tech.