Singularity

Artificial Intelligence

Have you heard of the singularity? This is a concept that I probably can’t explain clearly enough on my own so I’m going to get some help. Grok which is the AI tool which is a part of the X platform gives this synopsis of the singularity. 

In the context of Artificial Intelligence, the "singularity" refers to a hypothetical future point where AI surpasses human intelligence, leading to an exponential, uncontrollable advancement in technology and profound changes to society that are difficult to predict or comprehend.

Chat GPT gives a similar definition:

The AI singularity refers to a hypothetical future point when artificial intelligence surpasses human intelligence, leading to rapid, uncontrollable technological growth. At this stage, AI would be capable of self-improvement, making advancements beyond human comprehension or control, potentially transforming society in unpredictable ways. 

You will notice that both of these summaries seem to highlight that this point in the future will bring unpredictable outcomes. Chat GPT also pointed out that there is disagreement among the tech community over whether this point will ever be a reality. However, most people in this field do see it as inevitable given the pace and scope of current technological and information progress. If this is true, the question that you may be thinking about is when will this happen? However, maybe we should consider instead how we might understand these things in light of the revelation of God in scripture.

Dystopia

Many leaders in the cyber/tech world have publicly acknowledged fear about the possible negative consequences of these types of technologies. Men such as Elon Musk have actually stated that artificial intelligence is more dangerous, or at least will be more dangerous, than nuclear weapons to the safety and stability of human existence. Some of these techno prophets foresee a world where the machines have become the masters.

Now for the Bible we must ask what type of expectation does the Lord give about the future of His people and His church? Some of this depends on your perspective about the Scripture. If you believe that the Bible prophesies about terrible tribulation still to come in the future of the church, then you will most likely interpret the progress of these technologies as the setup of the implementation of the dark days that you believe the Bible forecasts for us.

 Optimism 

However, if instead you believe that Jesus is now reigning on His glorious throne while He is putting all His enemies under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25-28). Then you maybe more optimistic about the possibilities that Jesus may employ these technologies in His service to spread the message of the gospel and destroy all His enemies. The technologies may not be God’s means of judgment, but rather His means of conquest for His kingdom.

Again, if you understand the Scriptures to be teaching that at least for believers the promises are not for suffering but rather glory then you could interpret these things as a means to the display of that glory. Also it could be that many of the allusions to the ending of pain and problems given in the Bible are not only reserved to heaven or a future kingdom but to this life and kingdom. 

The End is Sure

Of course nothing is as important as understanding the Bible correctly. But, regardless of if we see the story of Scripture as a means that God will use to bring about tribulation and judgement or to bring blessing and prosperity, we should all be able to agree that ultimately we will dwell forever with our God and our Lord Jesus Christ in the new heavens and the new earth with no more pain, sorrow, or troubles, but only the perfection and righteousness of God’s glory on display (Revelation 21).

---