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The robots are coming!

No, I don’t think that AI (artificial intelligence) will cause a science fiction-type showdown between man and ‘bot. But is AI weakening man to a point where such a conflict would favor the mechanical over the biological? Let’s take a shallow dive into the concept of AI, the Word of God, and see what the Bible has to say.

In Genesis chapter 11, we get a picture of the generations after Noah – after the great flood – settling in the land of Shinar. These generations were given a specific and simple commandment by God after Noah disembarked from the ark. Twice, the survivors were told to be fruitful, multiply, and fill the earth. (Genesis 9:1, 7). Instead, these settlers stopped spreading across the land, choosing to stay in Shinar and establish a great city with a great building.

These settlers were operating against God’s command. They did not want to scatter across the earth. In selfish rebellion, these people established a new city. Then, using bricks instead of stones, and tar instead of mortar, they erected a mighty tower. Their intention was for it to reach into heaven. (v. 3-4) Their scheme had three chief ingredients: (1) human ingenuity, (2) raw materials, and (3) a rebellious heart.

AI certainly has the first two ingredients. First, it is a product of our human imagination, thought, and God-given imagination . These have  all coalesced to create this labor-saving mechanism.

Next, the raw materials for AI are all mined from what already exists. If you ask AI to generate a sermon in Chares Spurgeon’s style, it will do so. It will use materials that are already there, in reach of the robotic mind and the internet. AI has become a welcome tool for those translating the Bible and those conducting research. (NB: AI has not been consulted to write this paltry analysis)

The third ingredient – rebellion against God’s will – is well within reach. If used unwisely, AI can easily be a component of the “sin that so easily besets.” (Hebrews 12:1)  It can feed illicit and harmful fantasy. It can be used to cheat on academic work. It can lead to sloth or create a mentally unchallenged mind. It can even be used as a substitute for some ministers to short-circuit their prayerful analysis of God’s Word when crafting messages.

God had the last word when he encountered the tower at Babel. He confused the languages of those who were on site – thus forcing them to fulfil the mandate to fill the whole earth. Man rebelled – Yahweh won.

In the same sense, God will always have the final word with technology. His will is sovereign over all schemes of man, both modern and ancient. However, it is incumbent on us to recognize the sin in our heart and be shrewd enough to know how AI may turn simple temptation into a raging temptation.

Technology isn’t evil, by itself. However, it does bring evil closer and closer. It makes evil attainable at the click of a mouse, a flurry of strokes on a keyboard, or a few taps on the cellie. That is why being grounded in God’s Word is so much more vital to this generation than any that have gone before it.

That is why, as we look at the emergence of AI, we must brace for impact.

   I have stored up your word in my heart,

    that I might not sin against you. (Psalm 119:11)

(NB: the graphic was made with the aid of AI)