AI and Robotics (Part 2) – Fascination
by Patrick Blair
This article is the second in an ongoing series discussing how AI and robotics will affect us and how we can choose to respond. The first article discussed my first gut reaction to the subject: fear.
My Second Reaction - Fascination
My second reaction to AI and robotics is fascination. Growing up in the 80s, I dreamed of flying cars, advanced spaceships, and time machines. Instead, we got the internet, mobile phones, and drones. Frankly, it’s been disappointing. But now, it seems I will soon have access to humanoid robots – ones that could actually help me with my housework. Maybe they will become our caregivers in old age. They are already conversing with us, and mimicking humans in many ways (some real sci-fi stuff coming to life)!
Admittedly, I’m a sci-fi nerd. My favorite movie is the 1982 sci-fi noir masterpiece, Blade Runner. The movie asks the question that all good sci-fi movies ask: what does it mean to be human? As dramatically portrayed in Blade Runner, I predict that the rapid technological advances ahead of us will confront us with existential questions. Question #1: How can humans cope with the loss of meaning in their lives without necessary work? Question #2: What is the value of a human?
Our Value Transcends Our Work and Productivity
Although God designed us to work, it does not define our value to Him (or each other). Acts 17:28 says “‘For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring.’” We are his beloved children!
If we really don’t need to work much to survive, no doubt we’ll find other pursuits (as we do now, but in greater volume). They may be creative, spiritual, athletic, altruistic, or self-actualizing; or they may be nihilistic, self-gratifying, egotistical, or even cruel. Just as we do now, we will have to choose what we do with our time.
With too much time on their hands, people will be forced to examine the meaning of their lives. Prayerfully, they will turn toward God’s vision: love. On the other hand, “wealth” and lack of dependence can make us arrogant and reject God. See Revelation 3:17-22. While the specific challenges may change, the ultimate challenge will remain the same.
For further study, here is a list of Scriptures on various topics. For a broader spiritual view on hard work, saving, investing, and other topics, read Faith and Finances or do the Building Faith and Finances course.
