Artificial refers to something created or produced by humans, rather than something that occurs in nature, and often serves as an imitation of a natural object or process.
When considering artificial intelligence (AI), I think many people misunderstand what it truly is. AI is essentially a set of instructions—a process or series of rules known as an algorithm—that a computer follows to perform calculations or solve problems. These algorithms leverage immense computational power to access and organize data from a vast array of sources, all within the boundaries set by the algorithm’s design.
But who creates these algorithms? They are written by individuals. The way an algorithm is crafted determines the results it produces. The person designing the algorithm can introduce bias, either intentionally or unintentionally, shaping the output to favor certain perspectives or limit others. This potential for bias in AI-generated results is an important factor we need to keep in mind.
The term “artificial intelligence” describes the rapid processing of these algorithms, which are developed by people or teams. Some algorithms are capable of dramatically accelerating research and problem-solving in fields like medicine, engineering, biology, and history—leading to what we refer to as AI.
It’s important to understand that computers themselves do not possess intelligence. They simply run these algorithms at speeds far beyond what humans or groups of people could achieve on their own.
Reflecting on the invention of the printing press, it’s remarkable how it revolutionized access to the Bible, placing Scripture directly into people’s hands. This breakthrough paved the way for educational materials, scholarly resources, and the development of standards that influenced learning across disciplines. It also marked the beginning of widespread news dissemination. While the original purpose was noble and positive, it’s sobering to realize that these same advancements have sometimes been misused by individuals with harmful intentions, resulting in the spread of negative or corrupt content.
Similarly, the invention of the camera enabled us to document the beauty of creation and the diverse experiences of humanity. However, it’s disheartening to see that such technology has also been exploited to produce images and content that reflect the darker side of human nature. The same holds true for the movie camera, which has been used both to promote uplifting, moral messages and, conversely, to convey messages that are harmful or immoral.
Fast-forward to the modern era with inventions like computers, the internet, and social media—these tools can be harnessed for good or for ill, supporting both constructive and destructive purposes, moral and immoral, spiritual and secular.
When you consider all these advancements—the printing press, camera, electricity, microphone, movie camera, television, computer, and internet—it’s both astonishing and concerning to recognize their dual potential. Throughout history, it seems that whatever knowledge or technological capability humanity has acquired, there has been the opportunity for both positive and negative applications. What is intended for good can also be appropriated for morally wrong purposes.
Over the past four decades, technology has advanced at an unprecedented rate. Humanity has used these innovations for both beneficial and harmful ends, and the boundary between the two is often difficult to discern. Frequently, actions or materials that were once considered unacceptable or inappropriate become normalized within a decade or so, even when they should remain objectionable. Disturbingly, those who ought to uphold higher standards may instead become complacent or even complicit in this gradual shift away from what is good. This trend is often accompanied by a superficial familiarity with spiritual teachings, which has unfortunately become commonplace for many.
Malcolm Muggeridge wrote this in the 90’s: “Education – the great mumbo and fraud of the ages,” says this highly educated man, “purports to equip us to live and is prescribed as a universal remedy for everything from juvenile delinquency to premature senility. For the most part it serves to enlarge stupidity, inflate conceit, enhance credulity and puts those subjected to it at the mercy of brainwashing with printing presses, radio and television …”
Should we be concerned with AI? If we are deeply committed to live in such a way that we seek and desire to honor and glorify Jesus Christ in all of our thoughts, words, and actions, continually listen for and desire to hear the quiet whispers of the Holy Spirit’s leading, remain faithfully hungering and thirsting, (feasting and drinking) in the Word of God, growing in awareness of sin, to know what it means to confess and REPENT, live in the ever present awareness of God, maturing in knowledge and understanding of the Word of God and things of God, and see fruits of the Holy Spirit mature and ripen in our lives, then AI will be seen for what it is, a tool for this world to use either for good or bad reasons.
On the other hand, if we are lukewarm, complacent, and neglectful there is much to be concerned about.
