About AI and the Biblical Story: Thoughts from a Christian Computer Scientist
| Authors | Schuurman, Derek |
|---|---|
| Date | 2024 |
| Place | King University |
| URL | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HX-Kwj7pjT4 |
| Language | en |
Type: Video Recording
Tags: Artificial intelligence, Bible, Chatbots, Christian perspective, computers, creation, direction, Enlightenment, fall, large language models, machines, modal aspects, Postman, reconciliation, redemption, reductionism, Reformational worldview, structure, technicism, Wolters
Abstract
Popular talk; opens with an illustrative ChatGPT Dr. Seuss-like poem about Bristol, TN, the venue's location. Some pundits today predict that AI will save the world; this trust in technology to produce progress goes back to the Enlightenment. On the other hand, some predict that technology may turn on us and bring about our destruction. As Christians, we must reject seeing any part of creation, such as AI, as being either our salvation or the villain. We learn from the Biblical story that AI is a latent part of creation (creational structure), that it has been impacted by sin, but that it will be redeemed (religious direction). We can act as agents of reconciliation in the world of computers and AI by conforming to various norms for technology in our actions. The talk then gives some practical examples of where AI is deemed appropriate or inappropriate (its effect on being human, on truth, and on justice) and where human-AI collaboration may be harmful or helpful. The talk ends with mentioning some organizations that Christian computer scientists can join and by encouraging listeners to attend to their hearts. [CJ]