Thinking Christian: A Counter-Culture Worldviewಮಾದರಿ

GOD is PERSONAL

With every year that passes, AI gains influence over us in ways we don’t even realize. Algorithms monitor and influence our shopping habits, our time on social media, our healthcare, and the world of education. AI is changing our world in a million ways. It is the future whether we like it or not. One of the biggest areas of research and development in AI right now is the attempt to mimic the heart of humans- to build empathy and emotion. There’s also a lot of crazy talk around sentience and consciousness and aspects of the soul that are trying to be created. This is way beyond Rosie, the robot housemaid from The Jetsons- we’re now trying to recreate the mind, body, heart, and soul of a human. This is what is called Transhumanism or Post-Humanism. The idea is that what we now know as human beings will be replaced over time; that this is the final stage of our evolution- AI fused together with human beings to create something new.

AI is reshaping how we interact with the world and with each other. As its sophistication grows, it challenges not only our notions of convenience but also prompts us to ask deeper, more profound questions. What does it mean to be human? What does it mean to be conscious? Can a machine possess a soul? How do these innovations align or clash with our Christian understanding of life and existence?

First, let’s begin with the character and nature of God. He is PERSONAL. We define the Trinity as “God in three persons.” It's not an easy concept to grasp, but it's backed up by Scripture. And God’s personhood becomes the template for ours. We are relational because He is relational. We love and create and make moral choices by His good design. And perhaps the greatest comfort is the fact that God is personally present with His people. From the Garden of Eden to the Tabernacle to the incarnation of Jesus to the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to the coming of the new heavens and new earth. God is with us!

Biblical principles of Personhood:

1- Our human origins are divine. Personhood begins with God’s creative breath. (Genesis 2:7; Psalm 8)

2- To be human is to be an animated, soul-filled body with a heart that gives us the ability to feel and make moral, rational choices. (Psalm 1)

3- Humans are designed for relationships. Diversity and unity are essential aspects of our relationships with one another. (Genesis 2:18)

4- To be human is to be finite: limited and mortal. (Psalm 139:16; Isaiah 55:8)

5- Humans are tasked by God with sacred stewardship of His creation. Technology is meant for our good and His glory, not to allow us to become our own gods. (Genesis 11:4-6)

From a Christian viewpoint, humanity and consciousness are not just byproducts of biological evolution or neural complexity; they are divine gifts bestowed by God Himself. This understanding calls us to approach AI with both curiosity and humility, acknowledging the incredible capabilities of human innovation while honoring the divine breath of God that makes us uniquely human.

Ask Yourself:

-How do these biblical principles reorient your mind to think Christianly about God, personhood, and technology?

-What does it look like for you to thoughtfully and intentionally engage with advancing technology like AI rather than mindlessly be swept along in the advancing tide?

Pause to Pray:

Use Psalm 8 to lead you into a prayer of humble praise and worship to our God, who is personal.

Take a Next Step:

What is a small personal act or word that you could do for or share with someone this week?