Artificial Intelligence: A Choice to Build Empires, or God’s Kingdom

As a father and a lifelong Christian, I’ve witnessed firsthand how Artificial Intelligence (AI) captivates our imagination and stirs deep ethical debates within our community. Its influence is poised to reshape our families, faith, and the very fabric of society. I remember a conversation with my daughter where she asked “Siri” a question about Solomon from the Bible. Her innocent question underscored the importance of engaging with AI proactively and using it for good, in accordance with the Truth.

Throughout my journey as a technology entrepreneur, I’ve had the privilege of developing solutions that merge faith and innovation. From creating Learning Management Systems in healthcare to collaborating on advanced AI projects like a research-focused Christian AI called Solomon, I’ve seen the transformative potential of technology when aligned with biblical values.

As Christians and leaders, we have both the opportunity and the moral obligation to steer the course of AI. We must ask ourselves: Will we use this powerful tool to build our own empires, or will we wield it to advance God’s Kingdom? By examining AI through the lens of Scripture, we can navigate this uncharted territory with wisdom and discernment.

I invite you to join me on this exploration of AI’s impact on our lives. Together, let us draw parallels between God’s desire for an intimate relationship with us and our posture toward this transformative technology. As we pursue technological excellence with urgency, may we be guided by a wisdom beyond our own, serving as a beacon of light in a world that desperately needs it.

AI is a diverse field with focused applications that carry profound implications for our Christian journey. To understand how we got here, let’s look at our mirroring of God’s creation with the different AI technologies you might hear about today. Machine learning algorithms learn from data to make discerning decisions, mirroring the wisdom of Solomon. Natural language processing (NLP) enables computers to understand and engage in human language, reminiscent of the biblical gift of tongues. Large Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT process and generate human-like conversations, showcasing the most common AI interactions we experience today.

The impact of AI on communication and language has been particularly apparent in the last year. Language, encompassing written, spoken, and even body language, fundamentally manages all our relationships. The story of the Tower of Babel illustrates how God confused language to realign humanity’s focus on building relationships with one another and with Him instead of building out of pride and hubris.

AI has been active in our daily lives long before ChatGPT, from social media feeds to ad-buying algorithms and complex supply chains. While computers have surpassed human capacity in these areas, it has led to the unintended consequences of AI optimizing for what it thinks we want without considering unknown values. As Christians, it’s crucial to apply our God-given wisdom to use AI to build the Kingdom and share God’s word with the nations.

Technology, including AI, is a tool we can choose to engage with in our lives. While not inherently good or evil, its design and application can have moral implications. This aligns with the Christian understanding of stewardship; technology, like any resource, is entrusted to us by God to be used wisely and responsibly. The parable of the talents in Matthew’s Gospel highlights the importance of how we use what we are given, with technology providing leverage to amplify our efforts.

As we explore AI, we must consider the pivotal choice in our engagement: Do we build our own ‘Empire’ that prioritizes our desires, or do we choose the path of ‘Kingdom’ building, aligning our technological pursuits with God’s word? This Kingdom vs. Empire dichotomy challenges us to consider not just what AI can do but what it should do in service of God’s plan.

The stories in Genesis mirror our contemporary challenges with technology, particularly AI. The story of Cain and Abel illustrates the importance of relationships and the consequences of our choices. Despite Cain’s rebellion and wickedness, God continued to pursue him and his family for generations.

Cain’s frustration and downcast spirit when God favored Abel’s offering set the stage for his pivotal response. Instead of heeding God’s urging to “do what is right,” Cain killed his brother, forsaking family relationships and his relationship with God. Cain’s descendants became the first fathers of technology, using it to grow their Empire in rebellion against God.

In contrast, Seth’s lineage, which God provided to Adam and Eve in place of Abel, begins to call upon the name of the Lord. This leads to Noah, who was “a righteous man, blameless in his generation.” Both families used technology, but their approaches differed: Cain’s family used it selfishly to create their own Empire, while Noah partnered with God to build His Kingdom.

The contrast between Empire (driven by self and personal desires) and Kingdom (a partnership with a vision beyond oneself) challenges us to reflect on our own choices with AI and technology. Are we using AI to serve our own ambitions, or are we aligning its use with God’s plan to build His Kingdom?

AI’s ability to mimic human interaction, particularly in language, is a seismic shift in how we perceive family dynamics, education, and everyday interactions. With the Empire in charge, even innocent desires can create unintended consequences, like the Tower of Babel. The relationship we choose to have with AI should be crafted from the Truth, not our own desires.

As an example, AI could be used to erase death’s sting by creating convincing simulations of loved ones. I faced this temptation myself when I considered using AI to recreate my late father’s voice for a bedtime story. However, I realized that this AI recreation could never replace the essence of my father and could alter my daughters’ memories of him.

Empire tempts us to replace challenging human relationships with convenient AI interactions. As parents, we must prioritize the quality and depth of our children’s relationships. Dealing with difficult relationships helps us embody the fruits of the spirit. When considering AI, ask yourself: What relationships are created or deepened, and which ones end or decrease?

In our pursuit of technological advancement, let’s ensure that our human connections, grounded in God’s Truth, remain at the forefront.

AI has the potential to enhance and grow God’s Kingdom, particularly in communication and language. It can transform long and tedious tasks of translation, making the spread of the Gospel more efficient. In my own experience, I utilized an AI model to translate the Gospel into languages lacking Biblical texts with 98% accuracy.

AI also presents opportunities in research and study, assisting in finding and elucidating complex scriptural topics. It can organize diverse theological perspectives and offer context to unknown viewpoints, revolutionizing our approach to theological study. However, caution is paramount in ensuring the integrity of God’s word.

As a father, I’m mindful of AI’s potential to usurp genuine relationships. From replacing mentors to altering friendships and spousal intimacy, AI threatens to offer a counterfeit of the perfect relationship. We must exercise vigilance because of how this impacts family dynamics and our children’s relational skills.

Technology has already shifted many aspects of our lives, from substituting family gatherings with group chats to replacing in-person interactions with online updates. In my own life, I find balance by integrating technology with the rhythms of nature and faith, such as growing food on our homestead.

As Christians, we are called to lead our communities through these changing times, grounded in a hope that transcends technological convenience. We are uniquely equipped to use AI to extend God’s Kingdom rather than construct our own empires of comfort and ease.

The stories of Cain, Seth, and their lineages remind us of the choices we face in the age of AI. Each technological decision carries the weight of whether we’re contributing to building our own Empires or nurturing the Kingdom of God. “The AI Empire” and “The AI Kingdom” compel us to critically examine our interactions with AI.

As we step forward into an increasingly AI-integrated world, let us view AI as a tool to bridge gaps, foster learning, and serve others while anchoring ourselves in the truth of our faith. May this inspire you to use AI in a manner that is considerate, ethical, and rooted in the love and guidance we receive from God. In an era of rapid digital advancements, let our constant be the enduring teachings of the Bible, leading us to a future where technology brings us closer to each other and to God’s divine purpose.

This is a condensed version of my original writing on the topic: https://medium.com/@jason-toevs/a-christian-fathers-perspective-on-ai-105481c6177b