Do you believe in God? This age-old question takes on new dimensions in our rapidly evolving technological landscape.
As a young girl, I remember the introduction of computers in our school. Those enormous machines, marked with the iconic Apple logo, hummed to life with a combination of sounds. The black screen, punctuated by a blinking green cursor, awaited our commands. Back then, these devices were primarily used as glorified typewriters – and truthfully, I preferred my trusty old typewriter.
Just as technology has advanced, so too has society. Our beliefs and the very way we form them are changing. With search engines at our fingertips, answers to life’s questions seem just a click away. But has this ease of information affected our spiritual beliefs?
(1)”Recent research suggests a correlation between increased exposure to artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies and a decline in religious beliefs and practices. In fact, studies indicate that:
- Countries with higher adoption of industrial robots experienced a 3% decline in religiosity per decade.
- Individuals with higher exposure to AI in their jobs were 45% less likely to believe in God.”
While some view AI as a challenge to traditional beliefs, others see it as an opportunity to enhance spiritual experiences. Surprisingly, many religious institutions are embracing AI to help people feel closer to their God.
(2)A recent BBC video showcased robots being integrated into places of worship to create more immersive spiritual experiences. One worshipper remarked, “When I made eye contact with Mindar (the robot), it felt like it had a soul.”
As we navigate this new terrain, it’s crucial to remain open-minded. Rather than clinging to old methods, we can explore how AI might offer deeper insights into our existing beliefs. Religious leaders have an opportunity to harness AI’s power to spread their message more effectively and reach a wider audience.
In this digital age, the question isn’t whether to pray or to Google – it’s about finding a harmonious balance between faith and technology. As AI continues to shape our world, it may not replace our spiritual beliefs but instead offer new ways to explore and express them.
(3) “New technology is never all good or all bad. Instead it is often like a magnifying glass that can magnify new opportunities and new concerns. As we strive to be more Christlike, our response to new technology and the media it can bring into our lives is what matters.”
References:
(1) Where AI Thrives, Religion May Struggle By Jeff Cockrell:
https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/where-ai-thrives-religion-may-struggle
(2) God and robots: Will AI transform religion? Reporter Sofia Bettiza, Video Journalist: Eloise Alanna
https://www.bbc.com/reel/video/p09z6fnd/god-and-robots-will-ai-transform-religion-
(3) Guiding Principles for Using Technology and Media By Sheldon Martin
Comments
4 responses to “Faith in the age of Artificial Intelligence”
Your explores the complex interplay between AI and faith. While studies suggest a correlation between AI adoption and declining religiosity, religious institutions are also embracing AI for enhanced spiritual experiences. Ultimately, you advocate for a balanced approach, integrating technology with existing beliefs rather than viewing them as mutually exclusive.
To relate Faith and AI, an agreement on the definition of faith is essential. Michael Krueger (12) uses the definition “trust and confidence in someone or something, often refers to trust in God and His promises”. It is an inner attitude or conviction that relates human beings to a supreme being or ultimate salvation.
The issue with faith is we are asked to suspend reason to accept something we are told without any evidence as true and real without any form of physical proof.
AI is a tool that can leverage a vast majority of human learning to create powerful messaging that can influence others in ways that are familiar to them. The information is no more accurate than when created and unabridged by a human, it is simply provided in a context to help people understand and willing accept.
AI will likely be used by religious leaders to improve the messaging and the acceptance of the message. The clergy will begin to develop sermons using AI if they aren’t doing so already (3).
Is this a good or bad thing? I see it neither. If you subscribe to a specific religion, you will continue to do so unless you experience a significant environmental change. Your faith will be strengthened due to messaging that resonates with you.
That being said many religions attest to being the “True Religion” following the “One True God”. It is likely that the messaging with create deeper levels of division. Are religious wars are possible based on this division? That remains to be seen.
(12) Krueger, M.J.; March 2021How Do You Define Faith? | The Good Book Blog
(3) Lozano, A. ; July 2024 Some Observations on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Religion « Catholic Insight
I believe that this may be outlining an ongoing shift from belief in old practices and beliefs, and towards perhaps a new form of fact based answers:
Historically, people have deferred to supernatural agents and religious professionals to solve instrumental problems beyond the scope of human ability,” they write. “These problems may seem more solvable for people working and living in highly automated spaces.” (Cockrell, 2024).
Of course, with the general lack of fact-checking and learning the general public likes to join in on, there could be some scary implications. What if they begin to blindly follow the technology? We are already hearing of people using chat gtp to be a friend, of companion robots, why not robot gods?
Either way, perhaps this will signify a massive move away from religion as the appeal of A.I. grows:
When people can use technology to predict the weather, diagnose and treat illness, and manufacture resources, they may rely less on religious beliefs and practices for these specific problems (Jackson et. Al, 2023).
Cockrell, Jeff Where AI thrives, religion May Struggle. 2024 The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. (n.d.). https://www.chicagobooth.edu/review/where-ai-thrives-religion-may-struggle
J.C. Jackson, K.C. Yam, P.M. Tang, C.G. Sibley, A. Waytz, Exposure to automation explains religious declines, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.
120 (34) e2304748120,
https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2304748120 (2023).
Taylor refers to “AI God”. What kind of threat does this pose in a world in turmoil?
There are concerns about AI potentially diminishing human creativity, moral autonomy, and decision-making capabilities. This could lead to an over-reliance on AI systems, potentially undermining human dignity and worth.
Isaacs, A. (2024). The dangers of artificial intelligence to theology: A comprehensive analysis. Christ Over All. https://christoverall.com/article/concise/the-dangers-of-artificial-intelligence-to-theology-a-comprehensive-analysis/ (AI generated article).