“Artificial Intelligence” is the topic of much discussion and controversy.  The term was first used by Alan Turing in 1950 in a paper he wrote entitled: “Computing Machinery and Intelligence.”  He presented “Artificial Intelligence” (AI) as merely a theoretical and philosophical concept. But, AI as we know it today, is the result of the collective effort of many scientists and engineers over several decades. AI is technology with human-like problem-solving capabilities. It can recognize images, write poems and music and make data-based predictions. Modern organizations collect large volumes of data from diverse sources such as smart sensors and human-generated data. AI analyzes data and uses it to assist in problem solving and decision making. AI apps and technologies have increased exponentially in the last few years. AI with human capabilities remains a theoretical concept and research goal. Many are taking advantage of this technology by using AI generated Chatbots and Smart Assistants.   “Alexa” uses AI capabilities to understand and respond to user interactions. 

     But, no matter how amazing this modern technology is, keep in mind that it is artificial.  “Artificial” means “not the real thing; a substitute for the real thing; imitation.”  We live in a world of the artificial. We have artificial leather, artificial sweeteners, artificial grass, even artificial arms and legs (prosthesis)!  Tragically, we also have philosophies and belief systems which are artificial–substitutes for the real thing. 

     When my wife was staying with her brother in Seattle this summer as she had treatments on a melanoma discovered on the back of her eye, she noticed that he had written on his Bible “Authentic Information” (AI).  In a culture of substitutes and now “Artificial Intelligence,” we still have a source of genuine, original, “Authentic (and Authoritative) Information.”  It is God’s revelation to mankind, the Bible, a compilation of some 66 books written by some 40 authors over a period of 1600 years yet with one theme–salvation through Jesus Christ, second person of a triune God, who came to earth, took on the form of man in order to give His life as a ransom for sin to provide forgiveness and eternal life to all who believe in Him and His work at the cross and His subsequent resurrection.  

      Scripture, though penned by human authors, “is inspired by God (God-breathed), and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (II Tim. 3:16,17).  “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (II Pet. 1:20,21).  God’s Word is both authentic and authoritative information. It is to be our absolute standard for both faith (what we believe) and practice (how we behave).  It tells us how the world and life began, not by some evolutionary process of time and chance, but by the creative power of God, who could speak things into existence in an instant. God’s Word tells us that He created male and female and brought them together in marriage, setting the standard–one man and one woman–for all of time.  God gave us principles to live by in the family, in our work and in our culture.  He provided a means for us, though born in sin, to be made right with God through faith in Jesus Christ (Eph. 2:8,9; Gal. 2:16). 

     God is unchanging (Mal. 3:6; Heb. 13:8) and His Word is unchanging (Isa. 40:8; Mt. 5:18). God’s Word is to be the standard for every generation. Our beliefs and behavior are to  be governed by what God has written, not by what culture says or does.  The Apostle Paul warned in Col. 2:8-10: “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority.” 

     As with all technological advancements (which, by the way, happen because we are intelligent beings created in the image of God!), they not only provide great benefits to mankind, but also carry the potential for great evil because our adversary, the devil, does all he can to distract people from serving God and following His Word.  So, though “Artificial Intelligence” can be used for good, just remember, “Authentic Information” is only available in God’s Word, which is always up-to-date and will never change. So, spend time in it and allow it to be the “lamp unto your feet and light to your path” (Psa. 119:105). 

Forever His

Pastor Dave