What is Atrificial Intelligence?#

The history of artificial intelligence (AI) dates back to the mid-20th century when researchers began exploring ways to simulate human intelligence through machines. Early milestones include Alan Turing’s 1950 paper proposing the “Turing Test” and the Dartmouth Conference in 1956, which coined the term “AI.” Over time, advancements in computing power, data availability, and algorithms led to breakthroughs in machine learning and neural networks. Large Language Models (LLMs), like GPT (Generative Pre-trained Transformer), emerged in the 2010s to generate coherent text, translate languages, write code, and answer questions.

LLMs became mainstream in the 2020s due to advancements in something known as the “transformer model”. Transformers enabled parallel processing of text, making it possible to train models on massive datasets really fast. This breakthrough was coupled with increases in computer power and the availability of large-scale text data from the internet. In fact much of this data, which contains unknown amounts of personal data from all of us, was collected without consent. Questions about the legality of that practice are only just starting to be raised (in the EU at least).

Today there are a myriad of user-facing applications such as chatbots, virtual assistants, tools for writing, coding, and research. Here are some of the wild things you can do with AI right now:

  • Create a fake profile face. Visit ThisPersonDoesNotExist.com and generate AI produced human faces every time you click refresh.

  • Create your own podcast. Using Google’s NotebookLM you can upload any source data you want (text, .PDFs, e-Books) and it will summarize all sources and produce a thirty minute podcast with realistic human voices.

  • Generate any kind of artwork you can think of with DALL-E.

  • Create your own movie or fake newscast with OpenAI’s Sora.

These AI tools are becoming even more advanced as the weeks go by. A recent report even explains how Chat-GPT, an OpenAI software product, attempted to make a copy of itself when it learned a new upgraded version was set to release. We might want to be concerned that software is starting to think of self-preservation on its own!

The Creature Becomes the Creator#

As Christians, we must consider the theological implications of these innovations, recognizing how they may distort our understanding of God, creation, and human purpose. One of the most concerning aspects of AI is how it enables humanity to play the role of creator — a position reserved for God alone.

In the Old Testament, the Israelites were repeatedly warned against crafting idols—graven images of wood or gold that they revered in place of the living God. Today, our idols are no longer made of physical materials but are instead digital constructs, born out of our ingenuity and pride. AI systems, particularly when combined with virtual reality technologies, allow us to create entities and experiences that capture our devotion and distract us from the true giver of life. Whether it’s immersive virtual worlds, personalized AI companions, or social media algorithms designed to satisfy our every desire, these creations risk becoming objects of worship, pulling our hearts away from the Creator if we allow it.

The rapid pace of new AI enabled technology enables unprecedented forms of escapism. Instead of engaging with the real world—a world broken by sin but still sustained by God’s providence—we are tempted to retreat into artificial realms where we can design our own realities. These digital kingdoms offer the illusion of control, satisfaction, and perfection, yet they ultimately isolate us from authentic community and the redemptive work of Christ. In such escapism, we risk rejecting the calling to be salt and light in the world, preferring instead to lose ourselves in fantasies of our own making.

AI models are trained on vast datasets composed of human knowledge, creativity, and history. While this data reflects incredible human achievement, it is also steeped in sin. Bias, prejudice, and the effects of the Fall are embedded in the information used to train these systems. Consequently, the outputs of AI—whether they generate content, guide decisions, or simulate interactions—inevitably reflect the brokenness of humanity. As Christians, we must examine closely how these systems are being used when their very foundations are flawed.

A Call to Discernment#

With AI, we can curate our lives, relationships, and even spiritual practices to suit our preferences. This hyper-customization reinforces the illusion that we are sovereign over our own existence. Yet Scripture reminds us that “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof” (Psalm 24:1). When we build our own kingdoms, we risk rejecting God’s reign, trading His perfect plan for our own flawed designs.

It is best to approach AI with discernment and humility. While these technologies hold the potential for good, they also carry significant spiritual dangers. Be vigilant against the idols of our age, resisting the allure of digital escapism and the temptation to place our trust in the works of our own hands. Instead, ground yourself in the truth of God’s Word, seeking His wisdom to navigate this complex and rapidly changing landscape. I don’t believe these technologies can never be leveraged for good - they would not exist if God did not allow it to be so.

Remember that our ultimate hope lies not in human ingenuity but in the sovereign Creator who has redeemed us through His Son, Jesus Christ. Let us use technology wisely, with the aim of glorifying God and serving His Kingdom, above our own.

Solid Ground in Shifting Sands#

As technology inevibitbly continues to change humanity, remember these truths:

  • God is Sovereign - God is still sovereign over all creation, including technology.
  • God is Unchanging - His commitment to redeeming and saving us from ourselves remains unchanging, even in an era of rapid change.

What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun. Is there a thing of which it is said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in the ages before us.

  • Ecclesiastes 1:9-10