Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here. The curtain is up and it is making its debut even as you read. Personal computers are now being infused with this cutting edge technology whether we desire it or not. Additionally, almost all of the big tech websites have integrated AI into their interfaces to interact with those of us who utilize their services. So now it is not only possible to utilize your computer for word processing, spreadsheets and databases, to solve mathematical equations, correct spelling and grammar, or search vast amounts of information in seconds to find that little known fact that is packed away in the voluminous expanse we call the World Wide Web, BUT NOW your computer will be able to do the part that you have always done as well. It will think for you, manage your workflow, do your creative writing, manage your money, and interact with the Artificial Intelligence of others on your behalf. What could possibly go wrong?
Computers have always functioned without feelings, calculated without motives or emotions, but now in order to function for you, and like you, they will need some semblance of these human characteristics as well. But how? You do trust the programmers, don’t you? And there is much talk of giving computers the ability to learn on their own, i.e., to program themselves without limits. Again, what could possibly go wrong?
Perhaps we are about to relinquish responsibilities to our assorted “devices” that God intended only for the complex beings that He created. Perhaps God would have us speak and write for ourselves. Perhaps He intends for the human elements to be contained only in the immortal human souls of men and women rather than sloughed off to artificial intelligence in order for us to free up some more time to play.
“And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion…(Genesis 1:26a)” “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. (1Peter 4:11)”