As humans we are designed for greatness, and we have the capacity to make far greater creatures,<\/p>\n
ones that are even more human than us, not less.<\/p>\n
-Eve Poole-<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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, \u201cThe 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 \u2014 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.\u201d[1]<\/a><\/p>\n 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]<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n 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, \u201cA 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.\u201d[3]<\/a><\/p>\n 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, \u201cIf 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.\u201d[4]<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n Poole shows, \u201cAI 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.\u201d[5]<\/a><\/p>\n 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]<\/a> In her book, Poole presents that is both challenging and, in my perspective, captivating. Poole persists, \u201cIf 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.\u201d[7]<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Poole challenges humans or scientists to embed junk code into AI robots. The reason is quite interesting. Poole insists, \u201cOur 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.\u201d[8]<\/a> 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, \u201cYou 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.\u201d[9]<\/a>\u00a0 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?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n [1]<\/a> John Calvin, Commentary on Psalms-Volume 5<\/em>, trans. James Anderson (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Christian Classics Ethereal Library, n.d.), 161.<\/p>\n [2]<\/a> 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<\/a>. Accessed January 17, 2024.<\/p>\n [3]<\/a> Marco Iansiti and Karim R. Lakhani, Competing in the age of AI: Strategy and Leadership when Algorithms and Networks Run the World<\/em> (Boston, MA: Harvard Business Review Press, 2020), chap. 10.<\/p>\n [4]<\/a> Eve Poole,\u00a0Robot Souls: Programming in Humanity<\/em>\u00a0(Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 2024), 124.<\/p>\n [5]<\/a> Ibid, 131<\/p>\n [6]<\/a> Ibid, 142.<\/p>\n