INTRODUCTION
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not a new topic, it has been discussed in science fiction and philosophy for decades. By 2017, AI became famous and widely known all over the world, with companies such as Google investing billions into developing more and more applications. Are we to be concerned with AI when it comes to the realm of religion?
WHAT IS AI?
AI involves using computers to do things that traditionally require human intelligence, making computers think like humans and more. The goal of AI is to have technology be able to do things such as recognise patterns, make decisions and judge like humans. For example, driverless cars, trains etc. AI aims to help man by processing, interpreting, and managing more complex data swiftly.
BENEFITS OF AI
a. Automation- automating tasks, especially time-consuming tasks
b. Efficiency- Analysing large amounts of data faster than humans can, making more accurate decisions, cost savings etc.
c. Personalized applications- Customise health treatments
d. Improve safety- Reduce risk of human error, drive more innovation and others.
RISKS OF AI
Whilst there are just as many risks as there are benefits, our concern will be when AI is applied to ethical issues and unintended consequences arising in the field of religion. Example: The value of life and overriding the word of God. Israeli author Yuval Noah Harari said that we are almost like gods and AI can write a new Bible.
Jeremiah 10:23 - Oh Lord I know the way of man is not his own; It is not in man that walks to direct his steps.
Ecclesiastes 1:9 - ….there is nothing new under the sun.
The adversary, the devil and his agents are quick to exploit AI to confound and mislead mankind by dictating that AI can direct our steps alongside the word of God and also override the holy scriptures. Algorithms can be programmed to suit the agenda of atheists and other non-believers. In time, the flock may believe AI-generated narratives aimed at disillusioning or misleading Christians. Just like many who turn to social media for religious knowledge today.
Technology is a tool that can help us in our daily living and in our Christian race. But it can be abused too, by those with more sinister motives of manipulating users. The printing press in 1450 was a technology that helped the Holy Word to be circulated far and wide. Then came the world-wide-web and social media. The devil, roaring lion too, came alive on social media, I Peter 5:8-10.
AI - POWERED DEEP FAKES
We have weapons against AI-powered deepfakes but fighting truth decay won’t be easy - Simon Chesterman, The Straits Times, 15 Jan 2024
In that article the author argued that AI has been used to create deepfakes to win elections and the electorate is being manipulated by advanced face and voice simulations or deepfakes. The sophistication of generative AI is going to increase, and the implications go further than election outcomes. The same effect can very well be seen on Holy Scriptures.
Imagine using deepfake to create animosity among the religious and also within a particular religion, attributing words to preachers and religious leaders’ which they had not actually uttered. Jewish leaders in the Lord’s time challenged His resurrection and bribed officials to sow discord and confuse the people. Fake news existed 2000 years ago too. They too put words into the Lord’s mouth on several occasions, that Jesus said this and that.
Unfortunately, people are not investing time to investigate what they read, relying instead on the “all knowing AI”. We need to rightly divide the word of truth- II Timothy 2:15.
We will discuss more in Part 2.
Ask Yourself:
Is AI good or bad?
What are three benefits of AI?
What is one risk of AI to the scriptures?
Suggested Answers:
AI is good and bad.
It can help in medical areas, industries and improve safety.
It can be misapplied in areas of ethics.