Dispel historical fears and misconceptions of powerful artificial intelligence, and nurture an ethical approach rooted in Christian discernment and understanding.
Whenever I read articles about AI on the internet, I’m sure to stop by the comments section for a little entertainment. It’s a treasure trove really, often brimming with insights from some of the most astute keyboard commandos the internet has to offer. It would be difficult to calculate how many times I’ve seen AI referred to as the devil or the antichrist.
Historical Fears of New Technology
While I can’t tell you if AI is the antichrist or the devil incarnate, I can tell you there is a history of people thinking new technology is of the devil that dates back for as long as history has been recorded. In 11th-century Italy, the use of forks was met with suspicion and fear. People believed that food, being a gift from God, should not be touched by artificial means like forks. The resemblance of the fork to the Devil's pitchfork further fueled these fears. It took centuries for the fork to be accepted in Europe, and it was often considered suspicious or effeminate.
In its early days, the telephone was viewed with suspicion, with some people fearing it could be an instrument of the Devil. In Sweden, rural folks feared that telephone wires would attract evil spirits, and in Ethiopia, it was reported that clergy believed the telephone in the Emperor’s palace was the work of the Devil.
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And while it might not have been seen as the devil, in the 1990s when the Internet really took root, there were widespread fears expressed about it and the negative impact it might have on society. Given where we are today with social media, maybe some of those were founded!
Embracing Powerful Artificial Intelligence: A Neutral Technology
So why do I believe AI is not the devil? It’s crucial to recognize that AI, at its core, is a creation of human ingenuity—a tool developed by the God-given intellect and creativity bestowed upon us. The people who created AI are created in the likeness of a creative God. That creativity is infused in them because God put it there.
Just like any tool – from the pen to the printing press—AI in itself is neither inherently good nor evil. It’s a neutral technology. Its moral value is determined by how we use it. To equate AI with demonic forces is to misunderstand both the nature of technology and the Biblical depiction of spiritual evil.
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The fear that AI might be the antichrist often stems from its perceived potential to deceive or exert control, echoing some interpretations of end-times prophecy. However, in a Biblical context, the antichrist is more than just a tool or technology—it represents a comprehensive and deliberate opposition to God’s truth and love. While AI can certainly be misused, its primary function is not to deceive or lead people away from God. Instead, AI has the potential to serve, aid, and even enhance our understanding of who God is, provided it is used within ethical and moral boundaries set by our faith.
It’s also important to consider the role of fear in shaping our perceptions. Fear can distort our understanding and lead us to see evil where there is none. As 2 Timothy 1:7 reminds us, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.” In approaching AI, we should use the sound mind and discernment given to us by God, rather than succumbing to fear and misinformation.
Embracing AI as a Ministry Contributor
In dealing with AI, we can foster an environment of informed understanding and thoughtful discernment. We should evaluate AI through the lens of Christian ethics, asking how it aligns with Biblical principles of truth, love, and service to the world. By doing so, we can dispel fears and embrace the potential of AI as a tool that, when used rightly, can contribute positively to our ministry and community.
So what do you think? What’s your impression of AI? Do you fear the Devil in the code, or are you ready to start exploring further?
