In Article 3 on the relationship between AI and humanity, they wrote that AI
is a tool that excels at processing data and making determinations, which often mimics or exceeds human ability.
It is fine to acknowledge that technology is available for data processing, but the claim that tech exceeds human ability for making determinations is disturbing. A determination is a decision, conclusion, choice, ruling or judgement. It would have been more appropriate to acknowledge that AI is a tool that excels at processing data to provide information to aid human beings in making decisions.
Along the same lines, Article 5 on bias recommends that AI
should be utilized as a tool to identify and eliminate bias inherent in human decision-making
The implication that a machine of artificial intelligence created to mimic fallen man can make better decisions than a human being created in God's image is dangerous. In these assertations, the ERLC has forgotten to consider the difference between fallen man and redeemed human beings who are filled with the Holy Spirit. They have inadvertently elevated the algorhythmic potential of a man-made device over the judgement of the Holy Spirit. No machine has ever been created or will ever be created that can hold a candle to the wisdom of a child of God filled with His Spirit. 2 Timothy 1:7 declares:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love and sound judgement.
A machine is based only on the knowledge of good and evil, twisted and obscured by the fall. James 3:16-17 contrasts fallen knowledge with heavenly wisdom:
For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
In Babylon, Daniel and his 3 friends were found to be 10 times wiser than the wisest and most well-educated men in the ancient world--men who were crafty and filled with all the knowledge this fallen world has to offer. But Daniel was filled with the Spirit of the Holy God. Isaiah 11:2 describes the Holy Spirit this way:
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and strength, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. -Isaiah 11:2
The knowledge that comes from above is superior to all worldly acumen. 1 Corinthians 3:19-20 proclaims:
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, since it is written, He catches the wise in their craftiness; and again, The Lord knows that the reasonings of the wise are futile.
AI machines are designed and programmed to "mimic" secular, worldly human thinking, which the Bible says is foolishness and futile. The ERLC was right to state that if used for war, AI should be subject to human oversight. They would do well to apply the same logic to articles 3 and 5 as well. A human being, created in the Image of God and filled with the Holy Spirit is at least 10 times more capable of making wise decisions than any sort of construct. Colossians 2:3 boldly declares:
ALL the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden with Him
John 16:13 proclaims:
When the Spirit of Truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth...
Artificial Intelligence is a half truth. The name is certainly right about the artificial part. But these programs do not possess any form of true intelligence. Computers are not capable of showing compassion. Machines are not moral agents. AI will inherently reflect the fallen values and beliefs of secular mankind which cannot compare with the wisdom redeemed children of God receive through the Holy Spirit. The ERLC is correct encourage involvement in overseeing these technologies, but human decision making should never be delegated to machines. I will likely write on this subject again to share my many thoughts on these issues, but for now we should all pray as Paul prayed:
I pray that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, would give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him. -Ephesians 1:17
