Artificial intelligence has been a hot topic as of the last few years which has not gone away like many other cultural discussions. Thinking of the word artificial I am reminded of the knee jerk reaction to foods with added chemicals and artificial ingredients that turn many a consumer off to purchase it. But what should a follower of Christ think about intelligence and artificial thought?

Scriptures say the beginning of wisdom is "fearing the Lord." (Pr. 9:10). There is a distinct difference between intelligence and wisdom. Intelligence is often the ability to know facts or even untruth about any type of subject. Along with the knowledge, the living out of life either reinforces or causes us to question assumptions we hold.  Sometimes what we think that we know to be true isn't, unfortunately things packaged as truth on the world wide web is often lies or deception.

That is where wisdom comes in. Wisdom is not only knowing things, but also being able to put things into motion or being able to discern what is true and what is not.  True wisdom is relying upon the Holy Spirit within to guide us in thought and deed. Since God is the only One with perfect knowledge and is able to see the future we as humans are limited in so many ways. No matter how much computing power is unleashed that will not change the fact of how little we know about this world and eternity. (Isa. 55:8,9)

In regards to artificial intelligence, its based upon computing and the input of all human intelligence unleashed using the resources of the web and computers to generate new information and discovery. Sometimes in fields of science and medicine the breakthroughs are astounding.  Yet other times lies, deception, and miscommunication is the result. Why? Since there is truly nothing new under the sun, sin and death always intermingle with anything humanity designs leading to more sin and death. (Eccl. 1:9)

What makes artificial intelligence incredible and devastating is humanity's purpose of using it. Is it used in truth to build up and improve life that comes only from God or is it used to further things not of the Lord? The true intelligence that supersedes all combined human thought is the wisdom of God. When a society pushes God to the margins and creates its own Tower of Babel again in the form of technological supremacy the results will be the same. The pride of mankind will undermine the good that could come from AI under the Lordship of Christ. Everything that we need for life can be sought from God in His will for it. (Deut. 29:29; 2 Pe. 1:3) The things God does not reveal to us is for our own good, it is kept in heaven. The last time things hidden in heaven were given to humanity it led to a flood and a reset. This time, the day of the Lord is not far off. Filter everything through the word of God and have true wisdom and intelligence from above.