AI is on everyone’s radar. Its development has been phenomenal, and in some areas beneficial. It has been used to improve the diagnosis of diseases, develop novel medicines, and even make crops more productive.[1] But as Little points out “Our technologies shape us—which can lead to either pride, domination, and idolatry; or purpose beauty, and service.”[2] Like all technological marvels there is always the potential for abuse. I imagine similar worries could have attended the shaping of iron into knives, the creation of dynamite, and the making of vaccines.
God has given mankind, as created in his image, enormous potential to foster human flourishing. But he has constrained that potential within the moral guidelines of his law. Unfortunately, “Companies such as OpenAI suggest regulation [of the industry] is needed and then balk when actual regulation is proposed. Meanwhile, harms well-documented by tech companies themselves (including misinformation and manipulation, data bias, and damage to the environment) continue largely unabated.”[3] As in the biblical time of the Judges, “everyone does what is good in their own eyes.”
Given AI’s phenomenal development everyone’s eye is on intelligence. But is intelligence, even artificial what society really needs above all else? Is this marvel redirecting our attention in the wrong directions? Is intelligence the answer to all our problems? Intelligence tests have been accurate in predicting achievement in college. But measurement of human potential in other areas is woefully lacking.
Here in our condo community we need good gardeners to deal with weeds and bushes gone wild. At this stage in our lives we need a handyman who can deal with repair issues; when the smoke alarm goes berserk, when the air-conditioner needs service, and when the dish washer drains water on the floor. Fortunately, we have a wonderful lady who comes to clean our condo. Intelligence? We need skilled workmen.
We are told that in the near future a million electricians will be needed. And what about plumbers? And framers, and roofers, and carpenters?
AI is not going to solve all our human problems. It may make some of them worse. And what about emotional flourishing? AI is not going to heal all our broken marriages or deliver us from anger, impatience, hatred, dissention, or war. Instead, it may lead us deeper into self-delusion, idolatry, and cruelty. And, dare I say it, AI may introduce humanity to the anti-Christ.
What we need among our technical innovators and around the world is just what Jesus Christ came to give us, GospelIntelligence. The transforming power of the Holy Spirit in the gospel enabling us flourish as forgiven sinners who are loving, gentle, thoughtful, patient, truthful, and joyful.
Lord, keep us from idolatry and delusion. Help us to become gospel-centred people.
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[1] The July-August issue of Christianity Today has a series of articles on the implications of AI. For the sake of brevity, in my footnotes I’ll simply quote the page and author. In this case, p. 41, Nick Little.
[2] Ibid
[3] Stephen Carradini, p. 34
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