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Since the release of ChatGPT 3 in the fall of 2022, concerns surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) have been pervasive, giving rise to negative sentiments. Prominent inventors, business leaders, and AI experts are writing letters and op-eds, predicting doom for humanity. Governments are also calling for new regulations.
However, Christians need not become caught up in this frenzy of worry. In fact, they should find reasons to be hopeful about AI.
It is important for Christians to understand that AI has been in existence for a long time, and it still has a long way to go before achieving a general, human-like intelligence. Regardless of AI’s progress, their faith provides them with a foundation of hope and security.
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The concept of AI has been around since the 1950s, and AI tools have been utilized in various applications. Voice assistants, email spam filters, TV show recommendations, and many other everyday technologies rely on AI.
Christian faith is rooted in hope. Christians should not despair over the rise of AI; instead, they can utilize it to spread the Good News.
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The recent novelty lies in the emergence of large language models (LLMs), particularly exemplified by OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November 2022. The capabilities of ChatGPT surprised many analysts and sparked alarmed conversations about what the future holds.
However, what is likely to come next is a realization that achieving computer-based human-level intelligence is more challenging than initially imagined. Throughout history, milestone after milestone has been achieved by computers—from early chatbots like ELIZA in 1964 to Deep Blue’s victory in chess in 1997 and AlphaGo’s triumph in 2017. Each accomplishment prompted discussions suggesting that the era of human-level computing intelligence had arrived. Yet, that breakthrough has remained elusive and will continue to be for some time.
For Christians who believe in God-designed intelligence, this provides a profound reason for worship and awe. Despite our progress in creating silicon-based “intelligence,” the architecture and capabilities of human and animal nervous systems reflect astonishing intricacy instilled by God. The more we explore intelligence through our own inspired creativity, the more we comprehend its true complexity.
This presents an ongoing opportunity to be amazed and inspired by God’s creativity in designing humanity.
Out of this sense of awe, hope can emerge.
For Christian inspiration on AI, we can turn to the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC).
This summer, the SBC, the largest Protestant denomination in America, adopted a resolution on AI. This resolution delineates the fundamental truths Christians uphold regarding God and humanity, the benefits and drawbacks of AI, and a series of statements outlining how the SBC approaches AI.
Christians have always embraced new technology to spread the Gospel—from the printing press to the internet. AI should be no exception.
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It is crucial that a balanced perspective be maintained, acknowledging both positive and negative use cases of AI. The SBC resolution encapsulates this perfectly: “WHEREAS, AI and other emerging technologies provide unprecedented opportunities for progress in various fields and societies, but may also yield dangerous and dehumanizing consequences if not employed with godly wisdom and discernment.”
Amidst the alarmed conversations, we often overlook the benefits that advancements in AI offer to everyone. LLMs are already being utilized by writers, analysts, and even fast-food drive-thrus. The era of having access to capable administrative assistants is virtually here.
For churches facing a shortage of staff, such systems will minimize administrative costs and allow pastors and staff to focus on what only humans can do: sharing God’s love with others.
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Christians possess a rich history of adopting new technologies and leveraging them to spread the message of God’s love. From transcribing the Hebrew commandments and scriptures to circulating the Gospels and Paul’s letters, writing has always been at the forefront of cutting-edge technology.
For Christians who believe in God-designed intelligence, this should provide a good reason for worship and awe. Despite all our advances in designing silicon-based “intelligence,” the architecture and capabilities of human and animal nervous systems reflect the amazing detail.
More recently, Christians have effectively utilized radio, television, the internet, and smartphone apps to spread the Good News worldwide. The latest advancements in AI hold the same potential.
Ultimately, Christians should maintain a default attitude of hope, as the SBC resolution wisely states: “to approach [AI] from a perspective of eschatological hope rather than uncritical acceptance or fearful rejection.” Furthermore, “we affirm that God’s unchanging Word is more than sufficient for any ethical challenges, questions, and opportunities we encounter today or in the future…”
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Whether with current AI or the more advanced AI to come, Christians have the opportunity to share biblical and experiential truths with society in profound new ways. They also have the opportunity to incorporate these new technologies into their ministries
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