Faith in the Age of AI - Pastor Dan Scott

The speaker begins by discussing the biblical context of Jeremiah 29, addressing the exile of the Jewish people in Babylon and the prophetic letter they received. The message from Jeremiah encourages the exiles to build lives in their new land, seeking peace and prosperity for their captors' city. This sets a foundation for a broader discussion on faith in the context of AI and modern technological advancements. The speaker emphasizes the importance of grounding discussions in the word of God, regardless of the era. The paragraph draws a parallel between the displacement experienced by the ancient Jews and the cultural dislocation felt by immigrants today, including the speaker's personal experiences.

This paragraph delves into the concept of culture shock, using the Jewish people's historical experiences of exile and relocation as an example. The speaker discusses the process of adapting to new cultures, languages, and customs, and how this leads to a transformation of identity. The Jews' ability to survive and thrive in various nations is attributed to the guidance they received from Jeremiah's letter, which taught them to integrate into their host societies without losing their faith. The speaker suggests that Christians can learn from this example to navigate the rapid cultural changes brought about by advancements in technology and society.

The speaker introduces the concept of 'Future Shock' as described by Alan Toffler, predicting that the accelerating pace of change would lead to a profound sense of dislocation and rage among people. This is connected to the current era, characterized by the advent of AI and other technological marvels. The speaker's research into these changes culminated in a book titled 'Faith in the Age of AI,' which discusses how Christians can prepare to not only survive but also flourish in this new age. The paragraph highlights the need for Christians to understand both the technological and social aspects of the current age, including the shift from a modern to a postmodern perspective.

The speaker explains the shift from the modern to the postmodern era, attributing it to four major scientific discoveries: the theory of relativity, quantum mechanics, information theory, and the Human Genome Project. These discoveries have challenged the materialistic view of reality held by the modern era and have led to a cultural state of uncertainty and 'existential vertigo.' The paragraph discusses how these scientific breakthroughs have reshaped our understanding of reality, including the nature of matter, life, and consciousness, and how they have contributed to the development of technologies like AI and virtual reality.

The speaker calls for Christians to engage with science and intellectual pursuits, rather than retreating from them due to fear of losing faith. The paragraph emphasizes the importance of Christians reclaiming their intellectual heritage and using it to navigate the challenges and opportunities of the age of AI. It stresses the need to serve society by sharing insights from both faith and scientific understanding, and to avoid alienating believers working in scientific fields. The speaker encourages Christians to view their role in this new era as an adventure, not a curse, and to learn how to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.

In this paragraph, the speaker reflects on the Christian narrative of creation and the incarnation of Christ, highlighting the non-material origins of the universe and all that exists. The speaker argues that Christians have always understood the universe to be formed from the word of God, which is consistent with modern scientific discoveries that challenge materialistic explanations. The paragraph also discusses the implications of these beliefs for understanding history and the future, emphasizing that Christians view history as purposeful and directed towards God's ultimate plan. The speaker calls for Christians to share their faith and its implications for the world, as it provides a framework for understanding and engaging with the challenges of the present and future.

The speaker concludes with a musical reflection, emphasizing the importance of holding onto God's unchanging hand amidst the uncertainties and rapid changes of the world. The lyrics reinforce the message of faith and trust in God, suggesting that regardless of the challenges and changes, God remains a constant and reliable source of hope and guidance. The paragraph serves as a reminder of the enduring nature of faith and the Christian's responsibility to build their hopes on eternal truths.