The exploration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in religious settings, particularly in the Bible, presents a fascinating avenue for grand contemplation and inquiry. Some individuals have begun to regard AI not merely as a tool for assistance, but as a significant source of reliance, surpassing its intended purpose. Essentially, it assumes an idolatry role in the hearts of some people, which is not meant to be. However, despite the seemingly “technological-idolatry” and misuse surrounding the modern nature of AI, the timeless wisdom found in religious texts often offers surprising perspectives on contemporary technological progress. By examining these intersections between divine wisdom and modern technology, We can better comprehend their moral, ethical, and theoretical ramifications in our lives and society. Join us as we navigate this intriguing realm, where spirituality meets technology in the pages of the Bible.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) References in the Bible and their Interpretations
As we all know, the Bible is all-encompassing. Throughout its passages, there are various notions and contexts that can be related to some aspects of AI. However, interpretations vary as they depend on individual convictions and beliefs. Hence, the topic should be approached with great caution, ensuring it is not mistaken as a replacement for the divine
Some of these passages are interpreted below.
Wisdom and Understanding
Proverbs 4:6-7 states: “Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it costs all you have, get understanding.”
In this Bible passage, wisdom is personified as a feminine figure, reflecting deep insight and understanding. This passage could be related to the importance of prioritizing wisdom and understanding through the development and deployment of AI technologies. Artificial Intelligence (AI), by its default characteristic, possesses the capacity to bring humans more knowledge, through its ability to filter through and process enormous amounts of data. This pursuit of knowledge conforms with the will of God, as AI aids humanity in uncovering deeper insights and truths inherent in the world.
Just as the passage emphasizes the value of wisdom as a protective force and encourages the pursuit of understanding, it can also be interpreted as a reminder for AI developers and users to prioritize ethical considerations, responsible designs, and a thorough comprehension of the complications of AI processes.
Ethical Considerations
Romans 12:21 states, -“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
One could interpret Romans 12:21 in relation to AI by considering the ethical implications and responsibilities associated with its usage. As regards AI, this verse can be seen as a reminder to use the technology for good.
Additionally, rather than overlooking AI as it is being used for corrupt purposes, entities and individuals engaged in its development should strive to harness it for constructive purposes, capitalizing on its capacity to tackle societal issues, uphold equity and impartiality, and augment the welfare of humankind. Thus, by applying the principles of righteousness and ethical conduct in the design and application of AI systems, one can heed the cautionary words stated in Romans 12:21 to tackle evil with good in the domain of AI.
Additionally, in Micah 6:8, “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” It is advised that people behave morally, kindly, and modestly. Upon examining this verse in the context of AI, it serves as a reminder of the moral obligations associated with the creation and implementation of AI technology.
To act justly in the context of AI could involve striving for fairness, transparency, and accountability in the systems we build, guarding against biases and unfair outcomes. Showing kindness can be interpreted as using AI to foster empathy, and inclusivity, in areas like healthcare and social services.
In essence, Micah 6:8 and Romans 12:21 offer gentle guidance to infuse ethics, compassion, and humility into the advancement and application of artificial intelligence, reminding us to prioritise human welfare and ethical considerations as we navigate the complexities of technology.
Spiritual Reflection
Psalm 135:15-18 states: “The idols of the nations are silver and gold, made by human hands. They have mouths, but cannot speak, eyes, but cannot see. They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths. Those who make them will be like them, and so will all who trust in them.”
This passage is very simple and straight-forward. The Lord is a jealous being. The passage highlights the mediocrity and inferiority of human creations in comparison to the Lord’s. While AI technologies may possess the capabilities to perform certain tasks, they lack the essence of life and consciousness. Like the idols mentioned in the psalm, AI systems can be powerful tools but ultimately cannot replace the divine or possess true understanding or awareness. Therefore, the passage serves as a reminder of the distinction between human creations and the divine.
Similarly, Exodus 20:3 delivers a clear commandment: “Thou shalt have no other gods before me.” This foundational principle reminds us of the paramount importance of maintaining God as the central focus of our worship and devotion. In the context of AI, this verse serves as a warning against elevating technological innovations to the status of idols.
While AI offers remarkable capabilities and has the potential to revolutionize various aspects of human life, it is imperative to maintain a healthy perspective and recognize its limitations. Placing excessive trust or reliance on AI, to the extent of replacing God as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance, would constitute a form of idolatry condemned in Scripture.
Prophecy and Predictions
Various prophets in the Bible, such as Daniel and Isaiah, received visions and prophecies about future events. For instance, in Daniel 2:19–23 to be particular, Daniel, with divine help, interprets King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, stating, “During the night, the mystery was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Then Daniel praised the God of heaven and said: ‘Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever; wisdom and power are his. He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning. He reveals deep and hidden things; he knows what lies in darkness, and light dwells with him. I thank and praise you, God of my ancestors: You have given me wisdom and power, you have made known to me what we asked of you, you have made known to us the dream of the king.”
Similarly, Isaiah 44:7 speaks of God as the ultimate source of knowledge and prophecy, stating, “Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it. Let him declare and lay out before me what has happened since I established my ancient people, and what is yet to come—yes, let him foretell what will come.”
These visionary ideas and the predictive capabilities of AI technologies can be compared. AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data to make predictions about future trends, patterns, and outcomes. However, unlike the divine influence that biblical prophets received, AI predictions are grounded within human inventions, like statistical analysis and machine learning algorithms rather than divine intervention.
By referencing these biblical passages, we acknowledge the human quest for understanding and foresight, as exemplified by the prophets, while also highlighting the limitations of AI compared to divine revelation. They emphasize the significance of exercising judgement and critical thinking when understanding predictions produced by AI, acknowledging them as tools created by humans rather than sources of immutable truth.
