Make AI Robot in Our Own Image?
As humans we are designed for greatness, and we have the capacity to make far greater creatures,
ones that are even more human than us, not less.
-Eve Poole-
My denomination underwent a significant shift in theological framework. Since its founding in 1948, our denomination has consistently positioned humans as the focal point of God’s creation. However, in the 2021 general assembly, we changed our perspective from anthropocentric to cosmocentric. My denomination, formerly rooted in anthropocentric beliefs, has now embraced cosmocentric beliefs, and following extensive theological studies and discussions, pastors, theologians, and all lay ministers arrived at a consensus in favor of a cosmocentric perspective as part of our ongoing commitment to champion the integrity of creation. This theology illuminates Christianity’s capacity to envision harmonious coexistence between humans and nature, emphasizing that all creation exists to glorify God’s name.
To make a significant change in theological perspectives is not easily smooth. Particularly when it comes to shifting the notion that humans are the center of creation. A prevalent concern that emerges is how individuals should position themselves within the context of life in this world. Numerous church members expressed discomfort with the idea that nature and humans were regarded as equals as creations of God. Nevertheless, one of John Calvin’s insights aids us in understanding that only God is thoroughly deserving of exaltation in this world. Calvin says, “The whole world is a theater for the display of the divine goodness, wisdom, justice, and power, but the Church is the orchestra, as it were — the most conspicuous part of it; and the nearer the approaches are that God makes to us the more intimate and condescending the communication of his benefits, the more attentively are we called to consider them.”[1]
If humans smoothly experience nervousness when faced with “competitors,” what about the advent of robots and artificial intelligence (AI)? The phenomenon is that technology and AI have taken over numerous roles that were traditionally controlled and handled. A study implemented by the McKinsey Global Institute predicts a potential decrease of approximately 600,000 jobs by 2030, particularly in administrative fields, as they become susceptible to replacement by AI.[2] I wonder whether in the future AI robots could also play the role of priests. It’s not implausible, given the potential development of an AI program by scientists, equipped with great theological knowledge and the capability to deliver engaging and empathetic sermons and prayers. Furthermore, due to its efficiency, an AI priest robot might be ready to serve 24/7 beyond human availability and capability.
Despite uncertainty or concern concerning the role of AI that can replace humans, it appears wiser for us to apply an adaptive attitude while remaining critical towards the use of AI and robots. What we need to present and develop is AI that fully supports life in a better direction, which supports the integrity of creation. That means that we as humans, really need to utilize and develop AI. Synchronously, we also still need to develop our human side with good ethical, moral, and spiritual values. Two professors from Harvard Business School, Iansiti and Lakhani, wrote in their book, “A leader deep in technology and driven by a strong sense of entrepreneurship, but less well rounded on the human nature of leadership and its impact on people, organizations, and institutions, may be as poorly qualified as a great traditional manager with no understanding of digital operating models, agile methods, or AI.”[3]
I draw a connection between the perspective on human nature presented by Iansiti and Lakhani and the ideas Eve Poole expresses in this week’s reading. Poole promotes welcoming and respect for AI. Poole says, “If we do not treat AI with respect and as though it is valued and purposeful, we undermine its ability to experience its existence as meaningful.”[4] In my opinion, AI can serve as a pilgrim companion of life with dignity if we approach it with respect and program it to uphold human dignity. This ensures that AI’s presence has a positive and constructive impact on the world and the integrity of creation. The ongoing advancement in the development of AI robots has increasingly shown substantial to date. I believe this trend will persist in the future.
Poole shows, “AI is now well advanced towards independence, and shows signs of developing what looks very like self-awareness. In due course, this is likely to transmute into a kind of consciousness that may not feel like our own but will merit legal personality and moral rights.”[5]
AI and robots are designed to assist humans in various tasks, often possessing abilities and intelligence that exceed humans. However, according to Poole, scientists still refrain from programming junk code in AI robots because the junk code is irrelevant. The junk codes are distracting, or dangerous, like the emotions, mistakes, story-telling, Sixth Sense, uncertainty, free will, and meaning.[6] In her book, Poole presents that is both challenging and, in my perspective, captivating. Poole persists, “If we are magnanimous enough to share our ancient wisdom with our new creations, we might all be able to reach beyond ourselves to strive for wholeness and integration. The choice is still ours, but we need to make it soon. As a species, we can still dictate the narrative.”[7]
Poole challenges humans or scientists to embed junk code into AI robots. The reason is quite interesting. Poole insists, “Our junk code suggests that what we would call soul is a set of source code that yearns for community and is designed to keep us safe. If we do not strive to equip our robots with this programming, we may have spawned a race of psychopaths from whom we will need protection.”[8] In this case, I think Poole is trying to invite all humanity to “humanize” AI robots by programming garbage code into them to create unity and harmony in life between humans and them. However, Poole believes that we are still special humans. Poole writes, “You are very, very special. And no robot can take that away from you. But we dared to copy human intelligence. As humans we are designed for greatness, and we have the capacity to make far greater creatures, ones that are even more human than us, not less.”[9] I might align with Poole’s perspective as long as the objective is for the greater common good and the integrity of creation (including nature). Is the vision of the presence of the AI priest robot gradually approaching reality? It becomes intriguing to imagine a future scenario where as a human pastor, I conduct a service attended by human and AI robot congregants. What is your opinion on this?
[1] John Calvin, Commentary on Psalms-Volume 5, trans. James Anderson (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, n.d.), 161.
[2] 4 careers where workers will have to change jobs by 2030 due to AI and shifts in how we shop, a McKinsey study says. https://www.businessinsider.com/jobs-at-risk-from-ai-replace-change-chatgpt-automation-study-2023-7. Accessed January 17, 2024.
[3] Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani, Competing in the age of AI: Strategy and Leadership when Algorithms and Networks Run the World (Boston, MA: Harvard Business Review Press, 2020), chap. 10.
[4] Eve Poole, Robot Souls: Programming in Humanity (Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2024), 124.
[5] Ibid, 131
[6] Ibid, 142.
[7] Ibid, 131.
[8] Ibid.
[9] Ibid, 133.
About the Author
Dinka Utomo
Dinka Nehemia Utomo is an ordained pastor of the Protestant Church in the Western part of Indonesia (Gereja Protestan di Indonesia bagian Barat or GPIB). He has served for more than 15 years. The first five years of his ministry were in the remote area of East Kalimantan, including people from the indigenous Dayak tribe in the small villages in the middle of the forest, frequently reached using small boats down the river. For more than 15 years, Dinka has served several GPIB congregations in several cities in Indonesia. He has always had a passion for equipping Christian families, teaching and guiding them to build equal relations between husband and wife, maintaining commitment, love, and loyalty, creating a healthy and constructive Christian family atmosphere, and rejecting all forms of violence and sexual violence. Dinka's beloved wife, Verra, is also a GPIB pastor. They have two blessed children. Dinka and his wife and children love to spend quality family time, such as lunch or dinner, and vacation to exotic places.6 responses to “Make AI Robot in Our Own Image?”
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I love this quote from Calvin you put in your blog: “Calvin says, “The whole world is a theater for the display of the divine goodness, wisdom, justice, and power, but the Church is the orchestra, as it were — the most conspicuous part of it; and the nearer the approaches are that God makes to us the more intimate and condescending the communication of his benefits, the more attentively are we called to consider them.” Our relationship to ourselves, to each other and to God’s creation seems so easy, but as we move towards science and human capabilities to explore more, how small are we? Just considering what we’ve come to know about the Universe is mind boggling, and I suppose AI is another frontier to explore. My concerns are the ethics where someone asks “should we” when all we seem to want to ask is “can we?”. How do you see ethics relating to AI?
Hi Jana! Thanks for your comment and question. It is such a very good question.
The issue is fascinating and difficult, especially in light of the current climate in which debates over artificial intelligence (AI) ethics and morals have attracted much attention. In her book, Poole emphasizes the importance of including aspects analogous to junk code when it comes to ethics in AI development. This, in my opinion, has an ethical component. Therefore, the moral and ethical standards that AI’s human designers and engineers uphold are crucial to the development of AI. The creation of AI must take ethics very seriously, and the degree to which these ideals and principles are firmly established affects how easily ethical norms may be included in AI. Thus, we both must uphold and exemplify Christian values and ideals in the greater society, given our position as Christian leaders. This ongoing effort promotes goodness for the integrity of creation under the primary goal of glorifying the name of God.
“It becomes intriguing to imagine a future scenario where as a human pastor, I conduct a service attended by human and AI robot congregants. What is your opinion on this?”
What a question!!! As I search for an opinion about that it melts my mind to think about.
While I’m not sure I have an opinion (much less an answer) I guess I would also ask “if AI ends up with souls will those souls have the capacity to be saved? To have eternal life in this world and the next? I strongly think not, but after reading this book I definitely have more questions than answers!
Hi Tim! Thanks for your comment and question.
“If AI ends up with souls, will those souls have the capacity to be saved?” Your question offers a thought-provoking question. My response to that question is, why not? My reasoning is based on the knowledge that God is the source of both human wisdom and intellect, which are factors in the development of artificial intelligence. As a result, the advancement of AI might be seen as a continuation of God’s creative force as it is shown in human inventiveness.
Moreover, given the infinite character of God’s love, that love can extend to entities who may appear to be unusual entities for redemption. The love of God is beyond all limits and imagination. Therefore, His power and love will embrace anyone, including the souls of AI to be saved.
Hi Dinka!
You wrote: “Despite uncertainty or concern concerning the role of AI that can replace humans, it appears wiser for us to apply an adaptive attitude while remaining critical towards the use of AI and robots. What we need to present and develop is AI that fully supports life in a better direction, which supports the integrity of creation.”
My question is, How do we control this?
Hi Jonita! Thanks for your comment and question.
In the programming process, scientists can program all ethical, moral, and good values and principles into AI. For this reason, we as Christian leaders need to campaign for values and principles that come from the Bible. The Church needs to produce Christian scientists who have deep knowledge of God and His truth so that the AI they create can support noble ideas and ideals, namely a good life for the integrity of creation and for the glory of God’s name.