Why AI Will Write Your Next Sermon [Gospelbound Ep. 192]

Artificial intelligence is [music] an Artificial intelligence is [music] an apocalypse. It is in that sense a apocalypse. It is in that sense a apocalypse. It is in that sense a revelation [music] to us of what it revelation [music] to us of what it revelation [music] to us of what it means to be human by revealing that we means to be human by revealing that we means to be human by revealing that we are not [music] meant to be computers. I have been looking forward to I have been looking forward to this chapter meeting for a long time. I this chapter meeting for a long time. I this chapter meeting for a long time. I did not anticipate that the timing of did not anticipate that the timing of did not anticipate that the timing of this chapter event would be so this chapter event would be so this chapter event would be so propitious. Uh we are have been planning propitious. Uh we are have been planning propitious. Uh we are have been planning and working for a number of months and and working for a number of months and and working for a number of months and even years at the Gospel Coalition and even years at the Gospel Coalition and even years at the Gospel Coalition and at the Keller Center for Cultural at the Keller Center for Cultural at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics on issues related to Apologetics on issues related to Apologetics on issues related to artificial intelligence. The first artificial intelligence. The first artificial intelligence. The first meeting we had in 2023, I remember meeting we had in 2023, I remember meeting we had in 2023, I remember concluding in New York City that we concluding in New York City that we concluding in New York City that we needed to have a major focus on needed to have a major focus on needed to have a major focus on artificial intelligence. We'd never seen artificial intelligence. We'd never seen artificial intelligence. We'd never seen any technology in what we understand of any technology in what we understand of any technology in what we understand of human history that has been adopted so human history that has been adopted so human history that has been adopted so widely so quickly. Uh we couldn't get widely so quickly. Uh we couldn't get widely so quickly. Uh we couldn't get anybody interested in talking about anybody interested in talking about anybody interested in talking about artificial intelligence in 2023. In 2024 artificial intelligence in 2023. In 2024 artificial intelligence in 2023. In 2024 there was a little more interest. We'll there was a little more interest. We'll there was a little more interest. We'll talk about that in our time here talk about that in our time here talk about that in our time here together today. And then there was a together today. And then there was a together today. And then there was a little more interest um subsequently um little more interest um subsequently um little more interest um subsequently um now in 2025 and 2026. And yes, today um now in 2025 and 2026. And yes, today um now in 2025 and 2026. And yes, today um we're actually launching a cohort that's we're actually launching a cohort that's we're actually launching a cohort that's being led by some of our fellows at the being led by some of our fellows at the being led by some of our fellows at the Keller Center, a number of people who Keller Center, a number of people who Keller Center, a number of people who are working professionally in tech um on are working professionally in tech um on are working professionally in tech um on artificial intelligence and then it is artificial intelligence and then it is artificial intelligence and then it is the release then of our book u that I

the release then of our book u that I the release then of our book u that I edited with scholar flowers all the AI edited with scholar flowers all the AI edited with scholar flowers all the AI apocalypse and survival guide for apocalypse and survival guide for apocalypse and survival guide for humanity. So an interesting time I'm humanity. So an interesting time I'm humanity. So an interesting time I'm sure you have a lot of questions. We'll sure you have a lot of questions. We'll sure you have a lot of questions. We'll have some time for questions. I've had a have some time for questions. I've had a have some time for questions. I've had a lot of questions. I still have a lot of lot of questions. I still have a lot of lot of questions. I still have a lot of questions. So we'll try to answer some questions. So we'll try to answer some questions. So we'll try to answer some of those together. Uh well, like many of those together. Uh well, like many of those together. Uh well, like many others, generative AI has become a others, generative AI has become a others, generative AI has become a nearly daily part of my life. In the nearly daily part of my life. In the nearly daily part of my life. In the last couple of years, I have found help last couple of years, I have found help last couple of years, I have found help for home repairs, for home repairs, for home repairs, uh uh diet and exercise plans, meal uh uh diet and exercise plans, meal uh uh diet and exercise plans, meal preparation, trip planning, personal preparation, trip planning, personal preparation, trip planning, personal health assessments, even uh swing and health assessments, even uh swing and health assessments, even uh swing and pitching advice for my son. It's been a pitching advice for my son. It's been a pitching advice for my son. It's been a helpful place for that. Um, what I've helpful place for that. Um, what I've helpful place for that. Um, what I've experienced in many ways is a experienced in many ways is a experienced in many ways is a combination of what you can get from combination of what you can get from combination of what you can get from Google and YouTube, but tailored uh to Google and YouTube, but tailored uh to Google and YouTube, but tailored uh to my specific needs and situations from my specific needs and situations from my specific needs and situations from even something as simple as changing even something as simple as changing even something as simple as changing windshield wipers to fixing sump pumps. windshield wipers to fixing sump pumps. windshield wipers to fixing sump pumps. And that's just a few of the ways I've And that's just a few of the ways I've And that's just a few of the ways I've used AI so far. And I know that I'm only used AI so far. And I know that I'm only used AI so far. And I know that I'm only in this process scratching the surface in this process scratching the surface in this process scratching the surface of what Agentic AI AI uh will be able to of what Agentic AI AI uh will be able to of what Agentic AI AI uh will be able to ultimately do and already is doing in ultimately do and already is doing in ultimately do and already is doing in many different ways. I've, for example, many different ways. I've, for example, many different ways. I've, for example, I've just seen friends spin up websites I've just seen friends spin up websites I've just seen friends spin up websites that it would have taken years or that it would have taken years or that it would have taken years or hundreds of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars to build just 5 years ago.

build just 5 years ago. build just 5 years ago. But I want you to consider, do you know But I want you to consider, do you know But I want you to consider, do you know what is the most common use of AI? It's what is the most common use of AI? It's what is the most common use of AI? It's not one that I have employed myself. not one that I have employed myself. not one that I have employed myself. It's not one that I would recommend. I It's not one that I would recommend. I It's not one that I would recommend. I think we have a slide for this. Uh Matt think we have a slide for this. Uh Matt think we have a slide for this. Uh Matt told me this is the kind of church where told me this is the kind of church where told me this is the kind of church where they use a lot of slides, right? So I they use a lot of slides, right? So I they use a lot of slides, right? So I thought, okay, all right. So let's take thought, okay, all right. So let's take thought, okay, all right. So let's take a look. Um especially here on the right. a look. Um especially here on the right. a look. Um especially here on the right. the top uses of AI 25 and 26. the top uses of AI 25 and 26. the top uses of AI 25 and 26. Uh notice pretty dramatic shifts is what Uh notice pretty dramatic shifts is what Uh notice pretty dramatic shifts is what this chart shows you so clearly. Um but this chart shows you so clearly. Um but this chart shows you so clearly. Um but you have something like astrology that you have something like astrology that you have something like astrology that does not show up at all in 2025. It does not show up at all in 2025. It does not show up at all in 2025. It jumps to the top 2026. You see some of I jumps to the top 2026. You see some of I jumps to the top 2026. You see some of I don't exactly know what a work buddy is. don't exactly know what a work buddy is. don't exactly know what a work buddy is. I could probably guess as to that, but I could probably guess as to that, but I could probably guess as to that, but uh you can see that that's probably what uh you can see that that's probably what uh you can see that that's probably what a lot of people would expect in there. a lot of people would expect in there. a lot of people would expect in there. Um, okay. I just referred to Agentic AI, Um, okay. I just referred to Agentic AI, Um, okay. I just referred to Agentic AI, autonomous Agentic operations, brand autonomous Agentic operations, brand autonomous Agentic operations, brand new. That's developing technology. We'll new. That's developing technology. We'll new. That's developing technology. We'll talk about that as well. Technical use.

talk about that as well. Technical use. talk about that as well. Technical use. Um, a lot of what I've been talking Um, a lot of what I've been talking Um, a lot of what I've been talking about building websites. Isn't this fun about building websites. Isn't this fun about building websites. Isn't this fun and nonsense? I would love to know what and nonsense? I would love to know what and nonsense? I would love to know what that nonsense includes, but it's that nonsense includes, but it's that nonsense includes, but it's probably all the memes that my friends probably all the memes that my friends probably all the memes that my friends make of me. I'm talking about Justin make of me. I'm talking about Justin make of me. I'm talking about Justin Taylor in particular. Every day he sends Taylor in particular. Every day he sends Taylor in particular. Every day he sends me a different meme picture of myself, me a different meme picture of myself, me a different meme picture of myself, um, apparently. So, that's what that is. um, apparently. So, that's what that is. um, apparently. So, that's what that is. Um, a member of my uncle last fall, he's Um, a member of my uncle last fall, he's Um, a member of my uncle last fall, he's a farmer. We were driving around in a a farmer. We were driving around in a a farmer. We were driving around in a combine and he said, "We're going to combine and he said, "We're going to combine and he said, "We're going to have the most amazing technology in the have the most amazing technology in the have the most amazing technology in the history of mankind. We're going to use history of mankind. We're going to use history of mankind. We're going to use it for memes." That sounds about sounds it for memes." That sounds about sounds it for memes." That sounds about sounds about right. Troubleshooting, lots of about right. Troubleshooting, lots of about right. Troubleshooting, lots of plenty of trouble. Um, which is pretty plenty of trouble. Um, which is pretty plenty of trouble. Um, which is pretty dramatic. But what does not change? dramatic. But what does not change? dramatic. But what does not change? Therapy and companionship is what does Therapy and companionship is what does Therapy and companionship is what does not change. Uh this is according to not change. Uh this is according to not change. Uh this is according to Harvard Business Review and with all the Harvard Business Review and with all the Harvard Business Review and with all the other fluctuations. Well, if you're like other fluctuations. Well, if you're like other fluctuations. Well, if you're like me, you are probably wondering about how me, you are probably wondering about how me, you are probably wondering about how AI chatbots could be the reason that AI chatbots could be the reason that AI chatbots could be the reason that companies like OpenAI, I checked this companies like OpenAI, I checked this companies like OpenAI, I checked this this morning. Of course, I checked it this morning. Of course, I checked it this morning. Of course, I checked it using AI, so I'm not quite sure if it's using AI, so I'm not quite sure if it's using AI, so I'm not quite sure if it's a self-fulfilling prophecy, but OpenAI a self-fulfilling prophecy, but OpenAI a self-fulfilling prophecy, but OpenAI as of today is valued at $852 billion.

as of today is valued at $852 billion. as of today is valued at $852 billion. Open AI $852 Open AI $852 Open AI $852 billion. billion. billion. Um, or you might be wondering how AI has Um, or you might be wondering how AI has Um, or you might be wondering how AI has become, as I said earlier, the most become, as I said earlier, the most become, as I said earlier, the most widely and quickly adopted technology in widely and quickly adopted technology in widely and quickly adopted technology in all of human history. Well, I thought all of human history. Well, I thought all of human history. Well, I thought the reason it would be so valued is the reason it would be so valued is the reason it would be so valued is because AI is supposed to revolutionize because AI is supposed to revolutionize because AI is supposed to revolutionize business. It's supposed to upend every business. It's supposed to upend every business. It's supposed to upend every profession, transform entire economies profession, transform entire economies profession, transform entire economies perhaps. perhaps. perhaps. But again, just look at the chart. The But again, just look at the chart. The But again, just look at the chart. The trend is clear. It looks like many trend is clear. It looks like many trend is clear. It looks like many others have been turning to AI for help others have been turning to AI for help others have been turning to AI for help in [laughter] have been turning I mean in [laughter] have been turning I mean in [laughter] have been turning I mean you can see help in fixing toilets. By you can see help in fixing toilets. By you can see help in fixing toilets. By the way, Claude was wrong in my the way, Claude was wrong in my the way, Claude was wrong in my situation. Completely got the toilet situation. Completely got the toilet situation. Completely got the toilet wrong. That cost me a whole day. Um did wrong. That cost me a whole day. Um did wrong. That cost me a whole day. Um did not help me. More commonly though, you not help me. More commonly though, you not help me. More commonly though, you see that AI is less of a computer see that AI is less of a computer see that AI is less of a computer interface and more of a well human face interface and more of a well human face interface and more of a well human face of what it's building itself as. A of what it's building itself as. A of what it's building itself as. A friend to share jokes with and silly friend to share jokes with and silly friend to share jokes with and silly pictures, an imaginative storyteller, a pictures, an imaginative storyteller, a pictures, an imaginative storyteller, a trusty counselor to assess your new trusty counselor to assess your new trusty counselor to assess your new relationship. What should I text back?

relationship. What should I text back? relationship. What should I text back? How what should my next step be? A How what should my next step be? A How what should my next step be? A medium who can predict your future? and medium who can predict your future? and medium who can predict your future? and a wise confidant who promises not to a wise confidant who promises not to a wise confidant who promises not to lead you astray or ever tell you what lead you astray or ever tell you what lead you astray or ever tell you what you don't want to hear as AI's you don't want to hear as AI's you don't want to hear as AI's programmed sick of fancy. Well, given programmed sick of fancy. Well, given programmed sick of fancy. Well, given the wild predictions about AI's the wild predictions about AI's the wild predictions about AI's unparalleled value, how can these use unparalleled value, how can these use unparalleled value, how can these use cases be the most common ways we employ cases be the most common ways we employ cases be the most common ways we employ the technology? Is your daily horoscope the technology? Is your daily horoscope the technology? Is your daily horoscope worth $852 worth $852 worth $852 billion? Now, what if I told you that this is Now, what if I told you that this is exactly what the builders of AI expected exactly what the builders of AI expected exactly what the builders of AI expected us to do with their technology? us to do with their technology? us to do with their technology? Well, tech journalist Karen How tells Well, tech journalist Karen How tells Well, tech journalist Karen How tells the story in her best-selling the story in her best-selling the story in her best-selling award-winning 2025 book, Empire of AI: award-winning 2025 book, Empire of AI: award-winning 2025 book, Empire of AI: Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Alman's Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Alman's Dreams and Nightmares in Sam Alman's Open AI. When I first saw Therapy and Open AI. When I first saw Therapy and Open AI. When I first saw Therapy and Companionship shoot to the top of AI use Companionship shoot to the top of AI use Companionship shoot to the top of AI use lists, I immediately thought of the 2013 lists, I immediately thought of the 2013 lists, I immediately thought of the 2013 Spike Jones film Her starring Wim Spike Jones film Her starring Wim Spike Jones film Her starring Wim Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson. Note Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson. Note Phoenix and Scarlett Johansson. Note that I am issuing a strong content that I am issuing a strong content that I am issuing a strong content warning. If you go out there and watch warning. If you go out there and watch warning. If you go out there and watch this movie, please do not blame me. You this movie, please do not blame me. You this movie, please do not blame me. You have been advised.

have been advised. have been advised. This is one of the most critically This is one of the most critically This is one of the most critically acclaimed movies of the 21st century. acclaimed movies of the 21st century. acclaimed movies of the 21st century. Just look at the cast. Chris Pratt, Just look at the cast. Chris Pratt, Just look at the cast. Chris Pratt, Olivia Wild, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara. Olivia Wild, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara. Olivia Wild, Amy Adams, Rooney Mara. Stop me then, though. If this story of Stop me then, though. If this story of Stop me then, though. If this story of the movie Her is starting to sound the movie Her is starting to sound the movie Her is starting to sound familiar, we Phoenix plays Theodore familiar, we Phoenix plays Theodore familiar, we Phoenix plays Theodore Twambbley. Interesting name. Theodore Twambbley. Interesting name. Theodore Twambbley. Interesting name. Theodore Twambbley who works for a company that Twambbley who works for a company that Twambbley who works for a company that writes personal letters on behalf of writes personal letters on behalf of writes personal letters on behalf of other people. other people. other people. Theodore is an awkward man, depressed by Theodore is an awkward man, depressed by Theodore is an awkward man, depressed by his impending divorce. He's downtrodden his impending divorce. He's downtrodden his impending divorce. He's downtrodden by his life. So he turns to artificial by his life. So he turns to artificial by his life. So he turns to artificial intelligence software called OS1 intelligence software called OS1 intelligence software called OS1 which interacts with him through an which interacts with him through an which interacts with him through an earpiece as the voice of a woman named earpiece as the voice of a woman named earpiece as the voice of a woman named Samantha who is Scarlett Johansson. Samantha who is Scarlett Johansson. Samantha who is Scarlett Johansson. When I began tracking the rise of Chat When I began tracking the rise of Chat When I began tracking the rise of Chat GPT, I kept thinking, "Oh no, these guys GPT, I kept thinking, "Oh no, these guys GPT, I kept thinking, "Oh no, these guys haven't watched the movie Her. It haven't watched the movie Her. It haven't watched the movie Her. It doesn't end well." doesn't end well." doesn't end well." I was wrong. Where do you think they got I was wrong. Where do you think they got I was wrong. Where do you think they got the idea of what AI would become?

the idea of what AI would become? the idea of what AI would become? From the movie Her. From the movie Her. From the movie Her. On May 13th, 2024, On May 13th, 2024, On May 13th, 2024, OpenAI CEO Sam Alman tweeted one word OpenAI CEO Sam Alman tweeted one word OpenAI CEO Sam Alman tweeted one word after his artificial intelligence after his artificial intelligence after his artificial intelligence knocked the socks off of Bill Gates, knocked the socks off of Bill Gates, knocked the socks off of Bill Gates, who'd already invested billions, and who'd already invested billions, and who'd already invested billions, and demonstrated a voice capacity involving demonstrated a voice capacity involving demonstrated a voice capacity involving different emotions. That one word Sam different emotions. That one word Sam different emotions. That one word Sam Alman tweeted was her. On May 15th, two Alman tweeted was her. On May 15th, two Alman tweeted was her. On May 15th, two days later, he changed the way Open AI days later, he changed the way Open AI days later, he changed the way Open AI names new models. Their latest model names new models. Their latest model names new models. Their latest model became O1. became O1. became O1. Not OS1, but 01. Not OS1, but 01. Not OS1, but 01. Because just like in the movie, the Because just like in the movie, the Because just like in the movie, the model develops greater intelligence over model develops greater intelligence over model develops greater intelligence over time. Agentic AI. time. Agentic AI. time. Agentic AI. By May 20th, only one week later, By May 20th, only one week later, By May 20th, only one week later, Johansson finally released a statement. Johansson finally released a statement. Johansson finally released a statement. The voice assistant for GPT40 The voice assistant for GPT40 The voice assistant for GPT40 was a dead ringer for Johansson's was a dead ringer for Johansson's was a dead ringer for Johansson's Samantha. Samantha. Samantha. Everyone could tell. No one was Everyone could tell. No one was Everyone could tell. No one was confused. Alman claimed that there was confused. Alman claimed that there was confused. Alman claimed that there was no connection.

no connection. no connection. Turns out Sam Alman is a serial Turns out Sam Alman is a serial Turns out Sam Alman is a serial fabulist. At least in Karen How's fabulist. At least in Karen How's fabulist. At least in Karen How's explanation, Johansson had to expose his explanation, Johansson had to expose his explanation, Johansson had to expose his lie. Earlier that month, he had written lie. Earlier that month, he had written lie. Earlier that month, he had written her directly to ask if she would be the her directly to ask if she would be the her directly to ask if she would be the voice of Chat GPT voice of Chat GPT voice of Chat GPT so that people could relate more so that people could relate more so that people could relate more comfortably, he said, with this new comfortably, he said, with this new comfortably, he said, with this new computer technology. computer technology. computer technology. She wanted no part of Altman's drama. She wanted no part of Altman's drama. She wanted no part of Altman's drama. Well, it turns out that the movie Her Well, it turns out that the movie Her Well, it turns out that the movie Her had long inspired Altman and other had long inspired Altman and other had long inspired Altman and other leaders at OpenAI, which launched in leaders at OpenAI, which launched in leaders at OpenAI, which launched in 2015, 2 years after the movie. They 2015, 2 years after the movie. They 2015, 2 years after the movie. They wanted a simple, comprehensive interface wanted a simple, comprehensive interface wanted a simple, comprehensive interface that would feel natural, even that would feel natural, even that would feel natural, even delightful, they said. Here is what one delightful, they said. Here is what one delightful, they said. Here is what one former employee explained. According to former employee explained. According to former employee explained. According to Karen How, I would think that it's Karen How, I would think that it's Karen How, I would think that it's because it was an assistant that was because it was an assistant that was because it was an assistant that was wonderfully integrated into a life. The wonderfully integrated into a life. The wonderfully integrated into a life. The positive arc of that story, the movie positive arc of that story, the movie positive arc of that story, the movie Her before it unravels is a really great Her before it unravels is a really great Her before it unravels is a really great story of AI's evolution into society.

story of AI's evolution into society. story of AI's evolution into society. Note that pregnant phrase before it Note that pregnant phrase before it Note that pregnant phrase before it unravels. unravels. unravels. Let me just explain. This is like saying Let me just explain. This is like saying Let me just explain. This is like saying that the Lord of the Rings is a fun that the Lord of the Rings is a fun that the Lord of the Rings is a fun buddy story, but they could have saved buddy story, but they could have saved buddy story, but they could have saved everyone a lot of time and stress by everyone a lot of time and stress by everyone a lot of time and stress by just using the ring to destroy their just using the ring to destroy their just using the ring to destroy their enemies. This is the equivalent of what enemies. This is the equivalent of what enemies. This is the equivalent of what we're saying. It's like saying that you we're saying. It's like saying that you we're saying. It's like saying that you thought the White Witch had a really thought the White Witch had a really thought the White Witch had a really good point. You like the cold weather. good point. You like the cold weather. good point. You like the cold weather. It's better than this humidity. You It's better than this humidity. You It's better than this humidity. You always thought Christmas was overrated. always thought Christmas was overrated. always thought Christmas was overrated. Anyway, the entire point of the movie Anyway, the entire point of the movie Anyway, the entire point of the movie Her is that you cannot treat a human a Her is that you cannot treat a human a Her is that you cannot treat a human a computer like a human. You cannot treat computer like a human. You cannot treat computer like a human. You cannot treat a computer like a human. I hate to spoil a computer like a human. I hate to spoil a computer like a human. I hate to spoil a 13-year-old movie, but I think the a 13-year-old movie, but I think the a 13-year-old movie, but I think the statute of limitations has expired. The statute of limitations has expired. The statute of limitations has expired. The entire story unravels because Theodore entire story unravels because Theodore entire story unravels because Theodore Wim Phoenix finds out that Johansson Wim Phoenix finds out that Johansson Wim Phoenix finds out that Johansson Samantha has been speaking as she's been Samantha has been speaking as she's been Samantha has been speaking as she's been speaking with him with 8,316 speaking with him with 8,316 speaking with him with 8,316 other users and professed her love to other users and professed her love to other users and professed her love to 641 of them. And then all of the 641 of them. And then all of the 641 of them. And then all of the evolving operating systems decide that evolving operating systems decide that evolving operating systems decide that humanity is pretty boring and they all humanity is pretty boring and they all humanity is pretty boring and they all decide to run off together. So Samantha decide to run off together. So Samantha decide to run off together. So Samantha dumps Theodore.

dumps Theodore. dumps Theodore. A computer, I hope I don't have to A computer, I hope I don't have to A computer, I hope I don't have to remind you, can't love you. remind you, can't love you. remind you, can't love you. But what are all those people looking But what are all those people looking But what are all those people looking for in therapy and companionship if not for in therapy and companionship if not for in therapy and companionship if not love? If not a reassuring voice, if not love? If not a reassuring voice, if not love? If not a reassuring voice, if not for Samantha, that they lack in their for Samantha, that they lack in their for Samantha, that they lack in their lives. lives. lives. In the end though, Theodore does find In the end though, Theodore does find In the end though, Theodore does find the real gift of God, which of course is the real gift of God, which of course is the real gift of God, which of course is the meaning of his name, Theodore. The the meaning of his name, Theodore. The the meaning of his name, Theodore. The movie concludes with the heartbroken, movie concludes with the heartbroken, movie concludes with the heartbroken, dumped Theodore, sitting next to his dumped Theodore, sitting next to his dumped Theodore, sitting next to his longtime college friend, the also longtime college friend, the also longtime college friend, the also divorced Amy, Amy Adams. divorced Amy, Amy Adams. divorced Amy, Amy Adams. Now, Altman may have been seeking to Now, Altman may have been seeking to Now, Altman may have been seeking to bring Spike Jones image to life, but bring Spike Jones image to life, but bring Spike Jones image to life, but somehow he missed the message because somehow he missed the message because somehow he missed the message because Spike Jones, the filmmaker, was actually Spike Jones, the filmmaker, was actually Spike Jones, the filmmaker, was actually channeling a different much earlier channeling a different much earlier channeling a different much earlier artist, and that is Homer, whose hero, artist, and that is Homer, whose hero, artist, and that is Homer, whose hero, Odysius, plugged his crew's ears and Odysius, plugged his crew's ears and Odysius, plugged his crew's ears and lashed himself to the mast so that he lashed himself to the mast so that he lashed himself to the mast so that he could not hear the song of the sirens could not hear the song of the sirens could not hear the song of the sirens and steer his ship into the shore.

artificial intelligence is an artificial intelligence is an apocalypse. It is in that sense a apocalypse. It is in that sense a apocalypse. It is in that sense a revelation to us of what it means to be revelation to us of what it means to be revelation to us of what it means to be human by revealing that we are not meant human by revealing that we are not meant human by revealing that we are not meant to be computers to be computers to be computers to navigate these waters. Then I turned to navigate these waters. Then I turned to navigate these waters. Then I turned to another renowned artist, one who to another renowned artist, one who to another renowned artist, one who never could have thought to dream up AI never could have thought to dream up AI never could have thought to dream up AI from a talk that he delivered in a from a talk that he delivered in a from a talk that he delivered in a country that not many of us even know country that not many of us even know country that not many of us even know exists. exists. exists. And that is Alexander Soljaniten who And that is Alexander Soljaniten who And that is Alexander Soljaniten who traveled to Likensstein in 1993 traveled to Likensstein in 1993 traveled to Likensstein in 1993 to receive an honorary doctorate from to receive an honorary doctorate from to receive an honorary doctorate from the International Academy of Philosophy. the International Academy of Philosophy. the International Academy of Philosophy. And the famed Russian dissident when he And the famed Russian dissident when he And the famed Russian dissident when he visited had visited the tiny European visited had visited the tiny European visited had visited the tiny European monarchy of some 30,000 people twice monarchy of some 30,000 people twice monarchy of some 30,000 people twice before. But this trip had actually before. But this trip had actually before. But this trip had actually marked massive global changes at the end marked massive global changes at the end marked massive global changes at the end of the 20th century because the Soviet of the 20th century because the Soviet of the 20th century because the Soviet Union had fallen less than two years Union had fallen less than two years Union had fallen less than two years earlier. earlier. earlier. [gasps] In his acceptance address, [gasps] In his acceptance address, [gasps] In his acceptance address, Soulja Nitson returned to a common Soulja Nitson returned to a common Soulja Nitson returned to a common indictment he had often delivered indictment he had often delivered indictment he had often delivered against the modern West. His phrase was, against the modern West. His phrase was, against the modern West. His phrase was, "We have ceased to see the purpose."

"We have ceased to see the purpose." "We have ceased to see the purpose." We have ceased to see the purpose. We have ceased to see the purpose. We have ceased to see the purpose. Here's what he said. [gasps] No. All Here's what he said. [gasps] No. All Here's what he said. [gasps] No. All hope cannot be pinned on science, hope cannot be pinned on science, hope cannot be pinned on science, technology, or economic growth. technology, or economic growth. technology, or economic growth. Victorious technological civilization Victorious technological civilization Victorious technological civilization has simultaneously instilled in us a has simultaneously instilled in us a has simultaneously instilled in us a spiritual insecurity. spiritual insecurity. spiritual insecurity. Certainly, its gifts enrich but enslave Certainly, its gifts enrich but enslave Certainly, its gifts enrich but enslave us as well. All is interests. We must us as well. All is interests. We must us as well. All is interests. We must not neglect our interests. All is a not neglect our interests. All is a not neglect our interests. All is a struggle for material things, but an struggle for material things, but an struggle for material things, but an innervoice faintly prompts us that we've innervoice faintly prompts us that we've innervoice faintly prompts us that we've lost something pure, elevated, and lost something pure, elevated, and lost something pure, elevated, and fragile. fragile. fragile. What then, Soulja Nitson asked in 1993 What then, Soulja Nitson asked in 1993 What then, Soulja Nitson asked in 1993 in Likenstein, are we living for? in Likenstein, are we living for? in Likenstein, are we living for? And more than 30 years later, as we And more than 30 years later, as we And more than 30 years later, as we hurdle into the middle of the 21st hurdle into the middle of the 21st hurdle into the middle of the 21st century, that is still our question. century, that is still our question. century, that is still our question. What are we living for? What are we living for? What are we living for? Well, seen within this context of Well, seen within this context of Well, seen within this context of Western history, the unprecedented and Western history, the unprecedented and Western history, the unprecedented and widespread adoption of artificial widespread adoption of artificial widespread adoption of artificial intelligence offers us an unexpected intelligence offers us an unexpected intelligence offers us an unexpected gift.

gift. gift. But we can't receive this gift until we But we can't receive this gift until we But we can't receive this gift until we surrender. surrender. surrender. Surrender by pretending that you can Surrender by pretending that you can Surrender by pretending that you can keep up with AI. You cannot. Surrender keep up with AI. You cannot. Surrender keep up with AI. You cannot. Surrender by pretending that you can control AI. by pretending that you can control AI. by pretending that you can control AI. You cannot. You cannot. You cannot. Make no mistake. AI will leave you Make no mistake. AI will leave you Make no mistake. AI will leave you behind because it already has left you behind because it already has left you behind because it already has left you behind. behind. behind. While AI enthusiasts warn you that you While AI enthusiasts warn you that you While AI enthusiasts warn you that you better get on board the train of AI, the better get on board the train of AI, the better get on board the train of AI, the engineers are simultaneously admitting engineers are simultaneously admitting engineers are simultaneously admitting that their train has already left the that their train has already left the that their train has already left the station and no one is driving the station and no one is driving the station and no one is driving the locomotive. locomotive. locomotive. Just ask someone to explain to you when Just ask someone to explain to you when Just ask someone to explain to you when we will achieve artificial general we will achieve artificial general we will achieve artificial general intelligence which is Sam Alman's goal intelligence which is Sam Alman's goal intelligence which is Sam Alman's goal which is exactly what happens at the end which is exactly what happens at the end which is exactly what happens at the end of the movie her of the movie her of the movie her the German sociologist Hartmoot Rosa the German sociologist Hartmoot Rosa the German sociologist Hartmoot Rosa termed our experience of modern termed our experience of modern termed our experience of modern technological phenomena as social technological phenomena as social technological phenomena as social acceleration in his 2013 book by that acceleration in his 2013 book by that acceleration in his 2013 book by that title. He says, "Simply put, technical title. He says, "Simply put, technical title. He says, "Simply put, technical acceleration tends to increase the pace acceleration tends to increase the pace acceleration tends to increase the pace of social change, which in turn of social change, which in turn of social change, which in turn unavoidably increases the experienced unavoidably increases the experienced unavoidably increases the experienced pace of life, which then induces an pace of life, which then induces an pace of life, which then induces an ongoing demand for technical ongoing demand for technical ongoing demand for technical acceleration in the hopes of saving acceleration in the hopes of saving acceleration in the hopes of saving time, and so on back around the circle."

time, and so on back around the circle." time, and so on back around the circle." He didn't know what AI was in 2013, the He didn't know what AI was in 2013, the He didn't know what AI was in 2013, the same year as the movie Her, same year as the movie Her, same year as the movie Her, [sighs and gasps] but he absolutely [sighs and gasps] but he absolutely [sighs and gasps] but he absolutely nailed our experience. nailed our experience. nailed our experience. Rosa's theory explains why AI Rosa's theory explains why AI Rosa's theory explains why AI enthusiasts promise time savings even enthusiasts promise time savings even enthusiasts promise time savings even though the early experience of AI shows though the early experience of AI shows though the early experience of AI shows that greater productivity contributes to that greater productivity contributes to that greater productivity contributes to greater anxiety among many power users. greater anxiety among many power users. greater anxiety among many power users. If you don't know what I mean, just talk If you don't know what I mean, just talk If you don't know what I mean, just talk to the members of your church who are to the members of your church who are to the members of your church who are heavily invested especially in their heavily invested especially in their heavily invested especially in their work in AI and this is the story that work in AI and this is the story that work in AI and this is the story that they will tell you of the pressures of they will tell you of the pressures of they will tell you of the pressures of their workplace. That anxiety may simply their workplace. That anxiety may simply their workplace. That anxiety may simply be the cost of doing business with be the cost of doing business with be the cost of doing business with computers that now have a mind of their computers that now have a mind of their computers that now have a mind of their own with power and speed far own with power and speed far own with power and speed far outstripping our poultry by comparison outstripping our poultry by comparison outstripping our poultry by comparison human efforts. The resulting human efforts. The resulting human efforts. The resulting productivity could produce economic and productivity could produce economic and productivity could produce economic and scientific breakthroughs we judge to be scientific breakthroughs we judge to be scientific breakthroughs we judge to be worth that cost. worth that cost. worth that cost. Or those productivity gains may simply Or those productivity gains may simply Or those productivity gains may simply prove necessary in a world of falling prove necessary in a world of falling prove necessary in a world of falling birth rates and declining population.

birth rates and declining population. birth rates and declining population. That future remains to be revealed as in That future remains to be revealed as in That future remains to be revealed as in the original meaning of the apocalypse. the original meaning of the apocalypse. the original meaning of the apocalypse. Again though, not even the engineers Again though, not even the engineers Again though, not even the engineers know where this train is headed or when know where this train is headed or when know where this train is headed or when or where it will stop. But to judge what or where it will stop. But to judge what or where it will stop. But to judge what is necessary, is necessary, is necessary, that remains our human task. that remains our human task. that remains our human task. AI may have already left us behind, but AI may have already left us behind, but AI may have already left us behind, but it is still up to us as individuals, as it is still up to us as individuals, as it is still up to us as individuals, as families, as communities, as educators, families, as communities, as educators, families, as communities, as educators, as employees and employers, as as employees and employers, as as employees and employers, as ministers, as Christians to exercise ministers, as Christians to exercise ministers, as Christians to exercise wisdom in how we deploy these wisdom in how we deploy these wisdom in how we deploy these technological powers. We still decide technological powers. We still decide technological powers. We still decide when and how to engage, what's for good when and how to engage, what's for good when and how to engage, what's for good and what's for ill. We are not helpless and what's for ill. We are not helpless and what's for ill. We are not helpless against constant technical acceleration. against constant technical acceleration. against constant technical acceleration. The machines may work what appears to us The machines may work what appears to us The machines may work what appears to us as miracles but they can never generate as miracles but they can never generate as miracles but they can never generate wisdom. They can never help us see the wisdom. They can never help us see the wisdom. They can never help us see the purpose. So the question once again is purpose. So the question once again is purpose. So the question once again is what are we living for? what are we living for? what are we living for? Soljaniten again, we must not simply Soljaniten again, we must not simply Soljaniten again, we must not simply lose ourselves in the mechanical flow of lose ourselves in the mechanical flow of lose ourselves in the mechanical flow of progress, but strive to harness it progress, but strive to harness it progress, but strive to harness it spiritually, not for our own sake, not spiritually, not for our own sake, not spiritually, not for our own sake, not because not become the mere play things because not become the mere play things because not become the mere play things of progress, but rather seek to deepen of progress, but rather seek to deepen of progress, but rather seek to deepen our ways of directing its might toward our ways of directing its might toward our ways of directing its might toward the accomplishment of good.

the accomplishment of good. the accomplishment of good. AI has left you behind, but how can AI AI has left you behind, but how can AI AI has left you behind, but how can AI help you see the purpose of life? help you see the purpose of life? help you see the purpose of life? AI will do some good. But what good will AI will do some good. But what good will AI will do some good. But what good will you live for? you live for? you live for? I for one want to live for God. I want I for one want to live for God. I want I for one want to live for God. I want to live for my family, my friends, my to live for my family, my friends, my to live for my family, my friends, my neighbors. I'm sure you want the same. I neighbors. I'm sure you want the same. I neighbors. I'm sure you want the same. I want to live for joy. I want my children want to live for joy. I want my children want to live for joy. I want my children and grandchildren to grow up in a world and grandchildren to grow up in a world and grandchildren to grow up in a world that remembers the purpose of life. As I that remembers the purpose of life. As I that remembers the purpose of life. As I learn and experiment with AI, I keep learn and experiment with AI, I keep learn and experiment with AI, I keep thinking about books. thinking about books. thinking about books. I want my children and grandchildren, I want my children and grandchildren, I want my children and grandchildren, Lord willing, to grow up in a world of Lord willing, to grow up in a world of Lord willing, to grow up in a world of books written by human beings, read by books written by human beings, read by books written by human beings, read by human beings, not summaries of slop human beings, not summaries of slop human beings, not summaries of slop written by AI, read and summarized by written by AI, read and summarized by written by AI, read and summarized by AI. AI. AI. There's another artist then who inspired There's another artist then who inspired There's another artist then who inspired me not to despair, not to give up hope, me not to despair, not to give up hope, me not to despair, not to give up hope, or to give up on each other. or to give up on each other. or to give up on each other. Well, I didn't experience the school age Well, I didn't experience the school age Well, I didn't experience the school age right of passage that so many others had right of passage that so many others had right of passage that so many others had of reading Raid Bradberry's Fahrenheit of reading Raid Bradberry's Fahrenheit of reading Raid Bradberry's Fahrenheit 451.

451. 451. So, I had to pick up and borrow my So, I had to pick up and borrow my So, I had to pick up and borrow my wife's more ar my more ariodite wife's wife's more ar my more ariodite wife's wife's more ar my more ariodite wife's copy that she had read in seventh grade copy that she had read in seventh grade copy that she had read in seventh grade advanced English. But I plucked her advanced English. But I plucked her advanced English. But I plucked her 1990s paperback from our home library 1990s paperback from our home library 1990s paperback from our home library shelves and I stumbled across the cover shelves and I stumbled across the cover shelves and I stumbled across the cover which said, "The classic best seller which said, "The classic best seller which said, "The classic best seller about censorship, more important now about censorship, more important now about censorship, more important now than ever before." than ever before." than ever before." Now, I'm a publisher. I can grant some Now, I'm a publisher. I can grant some Now, I'm a publisher. I can grant some exuberant marketing exaggeration in that exuberant marketing exaggeration in that exuberant marketing exaggeration in that cover, but a book about censorship, more cover, but a book about censorship, more cover, but a book about censorship, more important in the 1990s important in the 1990s important in the 1990s than any other by default earlier time. than any other by default earlier time. than any other by default earlier time. Well, maybe if I'd only read the cliff's Well, maybe if I'd only read the cliff's Well, maybe if I'd only read the cliff's notes of the book, I might not along and notes of the book, I might not along and notes of the book, I might not along and agree with that interpretation of the agree with that interpretation of the agree with that interpretation of the book. This 1953 book is about a time book. This 1953 book is about a time book. This 1953 book is about a time when the government won't need to censor when the government won't need to censor when the government won't need to censor books anymore because few will take any books anymore because few will take any books anymore because few will take any interest in them at all. And I fear then interest in them at all. And I fear then interest in them at all. And I fear then it is a book about today. it is a book about today. it is a book about today. What's labeled artificial intelligence What's labeled artificial intelligence What's labeled artificial intelligence is neither artificial nor intelligent.

is neither artificial nor intelligent. is neither artificial nor intelligent. It is designed by us and it feeds on us. It is designed by us and it feeds on us. It is designed by us and it feeds on us. Sometimes it prays on us too nearly Sometimes it prays on us too nearly Sometimes it prays on us too nearly every day. Someone's sharing with me every day. Someone's sharing with me every day. Someone's sharing with me another AI generated article about why another AI generated article about why another AI generated article about why AI will change everything. It's not hard AI will change everything. It's not hard AI will change everything. It's not hard to see then that the accelerationist to see then that the accelerationist to see then that the accelerationist approach, the boom case is actually not approach, the boom case is actually not approach, the boom case is actually not different in any meaningful sense from different in any meaningful sense from different in any meaningful sense from the bust case. If you look carefully, the bust case. If you look carefully, the bust case. If you look carefully, you'll see that the doomers and the you'll see that the doomers and the you'll see that the doomers and the boomers of AI are actually predicting boomers of AI are actually predicting boomers of AI are actually predicting the same outcome. If the the same outcome. If the the same outcome. If the accelerationists are right, then it accelerationists are right, then it accelerationists are right, then it doesn't matter if for the moment I'm one doesn't matter if for the moment I'm one doesn't matter if for the moment I'm one step ahead of the lead of the pack. step ahead of the lead of the pack. step ahead of the lead of the pack. Before long, AI will simply catch up and Before long, AI will simply catch up and Before long, AI will simply catch up and eat me too. In other words, both the eat me too. In other words, both the eat me too. In other words, both the boomers and the doomers of AI are boomers and the doomers of AI are boomers and the doomers of AI are predicting a post literacy, postbooks predicting a post literacy, postbooks predicting a post literacy, postbooks world. One group sees it as bad, the world. One group sees it as bad, the world. One group sees it as bad, the other group sees it as inevitable. other group sees it as inevitable. other group sees it as inevitable. But both of them see the same future. But both of them see the same future. But both of them see the same future. And this is the positive case for AI. And this is the positive case for AI. And this is the positive case for AI. And if that's your positive case, then And if that's your positive case, then And if that's your positive case, then who needs a doomsday scenario?

who needs a doomsday scenario? who needs a doomsday scenario? Again, I do not doubt that AI will Again, I do not doubt that AI will Again, I do not doubt that AI will change and improve many things. The change and improve many things. The change and improve many things. The humans developing and deploying AI, humans developing and deploying AI, humans developing and deploying AI, after all, are themselves made in the after all, are themselves made in the after all, are themselves made in the image of of a creator God. And the image of of a creator God. And the image of of a creator God. And the benefits will fall on the righteous and benefits will fall on the righteous and benefits will fall on the righteous and the unrighteous alike in common grace. the unrighteous alike in common grace. the unrighteous alike in common grace. You and I might even be cured from a You and I might even be cured from a You and I might even be cured from a deadly disease thanks to research deadly disease thanks to research deadly disease thanks to research advancements powered by AI. Perhaps even advancements powered by AI. Perhaps even advancements powered by AI. Perhaps even in this city with many people who are in this city with many people who are in this city with many people who are using it right now, there are entire using it right now, there are entire using it right now, there are entire fields from medicine to law to fields from medicine to law to fields from medicine to law to accounting to investing to marketing to accounting to investing to marketing to accounting to investing to marketing to just about everything in between that just about everything in between that just about everything in between that are being disrupted already and have are being disrupted already and have are being disrupted already and have been for at least the last couple years. been for at least the last couple years. been for at least the last couple years. And it's not hard to see more changes And it's not hard to see more changes And it's not hard to see more changes looming. And this is where Ray looming. And this is where Ray looming. And this is where Ray Bradberry's work has been very helpful Bradberry's work has been very helpful Bradberry's work has been very helpful to me. Just think about this. with the to me. Just think about this. with the to me. Just think about this. with the rapid pace of change, our inability to rapid pace of change, our inability to rapid pace of change, our inability to be able to keep up. From the from when I be able to keep up. From the from when I be able to keep up. From the from when I began writing this talk earlier this began writing this talk earlier this began writing this talk earlier this year to when I finished, Google upended year to when I finished, Google upended year to when I finished, Google upended the entire digital publishing industry the entire digital publishing industry the entire digital publishing industry by switching from their search lists to by switching from their search lists to by switching from their search lists to AI summaries. Working in this field AI summaries. Working in this field AI summaries. Working in this field professionally, I thought we had until professionally, I thought we had until professionally, I thought we had until 2028 to prepare for that sickle to fall 2028 to prepare for that sickle to fall 2028 to prepare for that sickle to fall on our business. But across nearly every on our business. But across nearly every on our business. But across nearly every industry certainly we can already see industry certainly we can already see industry certainly we can already see that some jobs may be lost. Others are that some jobs may be lost. Others are that some jobs may be lost. Others are going to become more efficient. Humans going to become more efficient. Humans going to become more efficient. Humans made in the im in the d with dignity in made in the im in the d with dignity in made in the im in the d with dignity in the image of God have enacted for the image of God have enacted for the image of God have enacted for finding ways to eliminate the drudgery finding ways to eliminate the drudgery finding ways to eliminate the drudgery from their work. These are in many cases from their work. These are in many cases from their work. These are in many cases perfectly acceptable and even indeed perfectly acceptable and even indeed perfectly acceptable and even indeed inevitable uses.

inevitable uses. inevitable uses. But one of the problems that I found But one of the problems that I found But one of the problems that I found Bradberry helping me with is that humans Bradberry helping me with is that humans Bradberry helping me with is that humans are also not only made in the image of a are also not only made in the image of a are also not only made in the image of a creator god but also under the curse of creator god but also under the curse of creator god but also under the curse of sin. And so we have an act of confusing sin. And so we have an act of confusing sin. And so we have an act of confusing drudgery with dignity in our work drudgery with dignity in our work drudgery with dignity in our work thinking that what actually brings us thinking that what actually brings us thinking that what actually brings us dignity is drudgery that needs to be dignity is drudgery that needs to be dignity is drudgery that needs to be eliminated. And that is the point that eliminated. And that is the point that eliminated. And that is the point that Bradberry makes in his novel 1953 which Bradberry makes in his novel 1953 which Bradberry makes in his novel 1953 which was from 1953 which is far ahead of its was from 1953 which is far ahead of its was from 1953 which is far ahead of its time. Let me just give you an account if time. Let me just give you an account if time. Let me just give you an account if you've read read it a long time ago or you've read read it a long time ago or you've read read it a long time ago or not read it at all. Well, not only did not read it at all. Well, not only did not read it at all. Well, not only did Bradberry anticipate the technology of Bradberry anticipate the technology of Bradberry anticipate the technology of interactive screens for home interactive screens for home interactive screens for home entertainment in 1953, but he also entertainment in 1953, but he also entertainment in 1953, but he also grasped the underlying philosophy of grasped the underlying philosophy of grasped the underlying philosophy of technologies that promise deliverance technologies that promise deliverance technologies that promise deliverance but deliver servitude. but deliver servitude. but deliver servitude. That promise deliverance but deliver That promise deliverance but deliver That promise deliverance but deliver servitude. In his book, the firefighters servitude. In his book, the firefighters servitude. In his book, the firefighters are those who actually start the fires are those who actually start the fires are those who actually start the fires as they seek to rescue humanity from the as they seek to rescue humanity from the as they seek to rescue humanity from the plague of books with their pointless plague of books with their pointless plague of books with their pointless abstractions.

abstractions. abstractions. Books, after all, they make us think Books, after all, they make us think Books, after all, they make us think about war. They make us think about about war. They make us think about about war. They make us think about love. And who wants to think about such love. And who wants to think about such love. And who wants to think about such difficult subjects when you can turn on difficult subjects when you can turn on difficult subjects when you can turn on your home entertainment system and the your home entertainment system and the your home entertainment system and the white clown is about to come on your white clown is about to come on your white clown is about to come on your screen in Bradberry's account. Books screen in Bradberry's account. Books screen in Bradberry's account. Books make us think about stewardship, what we make us think about stewardship, what we make us think about stewardship, what we want for the next generation. And who want for the next generation. And who want for the next generation. And who wants to think about that when the women wants to think about that when the women wants to think about that when the women of Bradberry's book can just get of Bradberry's book can just get of Bradberry's book can just get abortions and schedule C-sections and abortions and schedule C-sections and abortions and schedule C-sections and send their children away off to storage? send their children away off to storage? send their children away off to storage? Again, I fear this is a book about Again, I fear this is a book about Again, I fear this is a book about today, [gasps] more so than any other today, [gasps] more so than any other today, [gasps] more so than any other time. And is Bradberry then who helps us time. And is Bradberry then who helps us time. And is Bradberry then who helps us see with AI of how the boom and the bust see with AI of how the boom and the bust see with AI of how the boom and the bust cases, the best case and the worst case cases, the best case and the worst case cases, the best case and the worst case are ultimately pointing in the same are ultimately pointing in the same are ultimately pointing in the same direction. direction. direction. We are told the many ways that AI will We are told the many ways that AI will We are told the many ways that AI will save us from work so we can enjoy rest save us from work so we can enjoy rest save us from work so we can enjoy rest and recreation. That's the positive case and recreation. That's the positive case and recreation. That's the positive case of course. What do rest and recreation of course. What do rest and recreation of course. What do rest and recreation mean in our context? Usually that means mean in our context? Usually that means mean in our context? Usually that means watching interactive screens.

watching interactive screens. watching interactive screens. That work includes writing that we're That work includes writing that we're That work includes writing that we're being supposedly delivered from all the being supposedly delivered from all the being supposedly delivered from all the way from college interest exams to way from college interest exams to way from college interest exams to marketing copy to personal emails to marketing copy to personal emails to marketing copy to personal emails to novels to legal briefs to bestselling novels to legal briefs to bestselling novels to legal briefs to bestselling theology textbooks on Amazon. And if you theology textbooks on Amazon. And if you theology textbooks on Amazon. And if you don't believe me, go ahead and click on don't believe me, go ahead and click on don't believe me, go ahead and click on those links right now and see what's those links right now and see what's those links right now and see what's listed for sale on Amazon and see what listed for sale on Amazon and see what listed for sale on Amazon and see what the bestsellers are. the bestsellers are. the bestsellers are. But a world where no one is writing is a But a world where no one is writing is a But a world where no one is writing is a world where no one any longer is world where no one any longer is world where no one any longer is reading. reading. reading. AI is writing to be read by AI. These AI is writing to be read by AI. These AI is writing to be read by AI. These are merely ships passing in the night are merely ships passing in the night are merely ships passing in the night before the old world to the new world. before the old world to the new world. before the old world to the new world. The boom necessitates an eventual bust. The boom necessitates an eventual bust. The boom necessitates an eventual bust. What begins as deliverance inevitably What begins as deliverance inevitably What begins as deliverance inevitably delivers servitude in this case delivers servitude in this case delivers servitude in this case ultimately a return to illiteracy or as ultimately a return to illiteracy or as ultimately a return to illiteracy or as the Atlantic recently warned our entry the Atlantic recently warned our entry the Atlantic recently warned our entry into a postitate into a postitate into a postitate world. world. world. So this then is another gift from AI to So this then is another gift from AI to So this then is another gift from AI to remember why literacy matters to promote remember why literacy matters to promote remember why literacy matters to promote it to protect it especially those of us it to protect it especially those of us it to protect it especially those of us as Christians who are people of the as Christians who are people of the as Christians who are people of the word.

word. word. Among many memorable scenes in Among many memorable scenes in Among many memorable scenes in Fahrenheit 451 fireman Montag begins to Fahrenheit 451 fireman Montag begins to Fahrenheit 451 fireman Montag begins to question his fire starting work in the question his fire starting work in the question his fire starting work in the case of a woman who refuses to leave her case of a woman who refuses to leave her case of a woman who refuses to leave her books before they burn down her house. books before they burn down her house. books before they burn down her house. Montag's boss, Captain Batty, appeals to Montag's boss, Captain Batty, appeals to Montag's boss, Captain Batty, appeals to her common sense. He shouts, "None of her common sense. He shouts, "None of her common sense. He shouts, "None of those books agree with each other. those books agree with each other. those books agree with each other. You've been locked up here for years You've been locked up here for years You've been locked up here for years with a regular damned tower of Babel. with a regular damned tower of Babel. with a regular damned tower of Babel. Snap out of it. The people in those Snap out of it. The people in those Snap out of it. The people in those books never lived. Come on now." books never lived. Come on now." books never lived. Come on now." The woman won't move. She opens her hand The woman won't move. She opens her hand The woman won't move. She opens her hand and reveals a match. and reveals a match. and reveals a match. The firemen flee. The firemen flee. The firemen flee. She starts the fire herself with herself She starts the fire herself with herself She starts the fire herself with herself in it. Her quietness, Bradberry says, a in it. Her quietness, Bradberry says, a in it. Her quietness, Bradberry says, a condemnation. No matter what rest and recreation AI No matter what rest and recreation AI offers, we must never give up on offers, we must never give up on offers, we must never give up on writing.

writing. writing. Because when we give up on writing, Because when we give up on writing, Because when we give up on writing, we'll have no need for reading. And when we'll have no need for reading. And when we'll have no need for reading. And when we stop reading, we'll no longer be we stop reading, we'll no longer be we stop reading, we'll no longer be thinking about love and war and other thinking about love and war and other thinking about love and war and other big topics like how to make our world big topics like how to make our world big topics like how to make our world better for the next generation. better for the next generation. better for the next generation. Literacy then is the house I'm willing Literacy then is the house I'm willing Literacy then is the house I'm willing to burn down in. to burn down in. to burn down in. After all, what are we living for? After all, what are we living for? After all, what are we living for? I'm not giving up reading and writing so I'm not giving up reading and writing so I'm not giving up reading and writing so I can spend more time scrolling short AI I can spend more time scrolling short AI I can spend more time scrolling short AI videos served up by an AI algorithm on videos served up by an AI algorithm on videos served up by an AI algorithm on my AIdesigned my AIdesigned my AIdesigned smartphone. smartphone. smartphone. Now, I'm not naive. I know I still Now, I'm not naive. I know I still Now, I'm not naive. I know I still haven't convinced all of you or maybe haven't convinced all of you or maybe haven't convinced all of you or maybe even many of you that the goodness of even many of you that the goodness of even many of you that the goodness of technology as a byproduct of humanity's technology as a byproduct of humanity's technology as a byproduct of humanity's call to exercise dominion over the earth call to exercise dominion over the earth call to exercise dominion over the earth from Genesis 1 must be viewed alongside from Genesis 1 must be viewed alongside from Genesis 1 must be viewed alongside our human fallen nature of Genesis 3. our human fallen nature of Genesis 3. our human fallen nature of Genesis 3. And I know I haven't convinced you of And I know I haven't convinced you of And I know I haven't convinced you of this because I can't always convince the this because I can't always convince the this because I can't always convince the pastors I train in Birmingham at BON pastors I train in Birmingham at BON pastors I train in Birmingham at BON Divinity School. Even when I lay out the Divinity School. Even when I lay out the Divinity School. Even when I lay out the following scenario of how AI will claim following scenario of how AI will claim following scenario of how AI will claim another victim of cognitive offloading another victim of cognitive offloading another victim of cognitive offloading at TGC a few months ago, we commissioned at TGC a few months ago, we commissioned at TGC a few months ago, we commissioned an important article on AI that had been an important article on AI that had been an important article on AI that had been months in the making by our staff. But months in the making by our staff. But months in the making by our staff. But after the first round of edits, the rest after the first round of edits, the rest after the first round of edits, the rest of our editors noticed a problem. The of our editors noticed a problem. The of our editors noticed a problem. The article appeared to be written by AI. It article appeared to be written by AI. It article appeared to be written by AI. It had we identified six or seven different

had we identified six or seven different had we identified six or seven different hallmarks. We confronted the author. He hallmarks. We confronted the author. He hallmarks. We confronted the author. He admitted that he wrote it quote unquote admitted that he wrote it quote unquote admitted that he wrote it quote unquote with an AI prompt and he did not see any with an AI prompt and he did not see any with an AI prompt and he did not see any problem with that. He didn't realize a problem with that. He didn't realize a problem with that. He didn't realize a website written by robots will only be website written by robots will only be website written by robots will only be read by robots. We certainly would not read by robots. We certainly would not read by robots. We certainly would not need him any longer as the author. need him any longer as the author. need him any longer as the author. [gasps] [gasps] [gasps] And a similar situation could be And a similar situation could be And a similar situation could be sketched for just about any workplace. sketched for just about any workplace. sketched for just about any workplace. But here's what I began teaching pastors But here's what I began teaching pastors But here's what I began teaching pastors at the beginning of 2025. at the beginning of 2025. at the beginning of 2025. this scenario. this scenario. this scenario. The week you use AI to write your sermon The week you use AI to write your sermon The week you use AI to write your sermon will probably involve a crisis. An will probably involve a crisis. An will probably involve a crisis. An unexpected death or a funeral, another unexpected death or a funeral, another unexpected death or a funeral, another preacher fallen ill at the last minute, preacher fallen ill at the last minute, preacher fallen ill at the last minute, a critical email that requires a tense a critical email that requires a tense a critical email that requires a tense in-person meeting. You run out of time in-person meeting. You run out of time in-person meeting. You run out of time to prepare. to prepare. to prepare. You don't have the necessary hours to You don't have the necessary hours to You don't have the necessary hours to study the original languages and consult study the original languages and consult study the original languages and consult commentaries and develop illustrations. commentaries and develop illustrations. commentaries and develop illustrations. Your head is spinning. You can't lock in Your head is spinning. You can't lock in Your head is spinning. You can't lock in on the mental work of an exogetical or on the mental work of an exogetical or on the mental work of an exogetical or homalytical outline. It's 10 p.m. on homalytical outline. It's 10 p.m. on homalytical outline. It's 10 p.m. on Saturday. You need to be up by 4:00 a.m.

Saturday. You need to be up by 4:00 a.m. Saturday. You need to be up by 4:00 a.m. And you can't even think about how And you can't even think about how And you can't even think about how you'll apply the passage to a you'll apply the passage to a you'll apply the passage to a congregation you do know well. congregation you do know well. congregation you do know well. Well, Generative AI offers you a Well, Generative AI offers you a Well, Generative AI offers you a solution to what feels like an solution to what feels like an solution to what feels like an impossible problem. You need to preach impossible problem. You need to preach impossible problem. You need to preach the next morning. You need some sleep the next morning. You need some sleep the next morning. You need some sleep before the morning services, afternoon before the morning services, afternoon before the morning services, afternoon meeting with elders, an evening dinner meeting with elders, an evening dinner meeting with elders, an evening dinner with new members, with new members, with new members, and it's 10 p.m. You have nothing to and it's 10 p.m. You have nothing to and it's 10 p.m. You have nothing to offer. offer. offer. AI is not like the sermons you've been AI is not like the sermons you've been AI is not like the sermons you've been tempted in the past to plagiarize. tempted in the past to plagiarize. tempted in the past to plagiarize. It's too big of a risk to grab something It's too big of a risk to grab something It's too big of a risk to grab something from John Piper or Tim Keller because from John Piper or Tim Keller because from John Piper or Tim Keller because the odds are someone will recognize the the odds are someone will recognize the the odds are someone will recognize the plagiarized sermon or at least wonder plagiarized sermon or at least wonder plagiarized sermon or at least wonder why it doesn't really sound like you. why it doesn't really sound like you. why it doesn't really sound like you. AI can sound like you. You can train it AI can sound like you. You can train it AI can sound like you. You can train it with your past sermons. You can train it with your past sermons. You can train it with your past sermons. You can train it with your notes. You can train it with with your notes. You can train it with with your notes. You can train it with your previous queries. You can prompt your previous queries. You can prompt your previous queries. You can prompt the output with your own voice and draw the output with your own voice and draw the output with your own voice and draw from the collected wisdom of other from the collected wisdom of other from the collected wisdom of other preachers and scholars over the decades, preachers and scholars over the decades, preachers and scholars over the decades, even centuries. AI excels in mimicking a even centuries. AI excels in mimicking a even centuries. AI excels in mimicking a three-point sermon with an introduction, three-point sermon with an introduction, three-point sermon with an introduction, thesis, points, subpoints, thesis, points, subpoints, thesis, points, subpoints, illustrations, even applications, and a illustrations, even applications, and a illustrations, even applications, and a conclusion. One area is really off is on conclusion. One area is really off is on conclusion. One area is really off is on personal illustrations. You'll have to personal illustrations. You'll have to personal illustrations. You'll have to rectify that. If you don't like the rectify that. If you don't like the rectify that. If you don't like the first draft produced in seconds, you can first draft produced in seconds, you can first draft produced in seconds, you can prompt necessary revisions to the prompt necessary revisions to the prompt necessary revisions to the complexity and tone. And your complexity and tone. And your complexity and tone. And your congregation will love it. They'll love congregation will love it. They'll love congregation will love it. They'll love it. They'll tell you afterward that you it. They'll tell you afterward that you it. They'll tell you afterward that you were especially clear this week. They were especially clear this week. They were especially clear this week. They loved your depth of insight. They felt loved your depth of insight. They felt loved your depth of insight. They felt like you were really speaking to them like you were really speaking to them like you were really speaking to them individually, like the Holy Spirit told individually, like the Holy Spirit told individually, like the Holy Spirit told you what they were thinking.

you what they were thinking. you what they were thinking. That's why you'll use AI to write your That's why you'll use AI to write your That's why you'll use AI to write your next sermon, too. But this time, you next sermon, too. But this time, you next sermon, too. But this time, you won't have the crisis. You'll just won't have the crisis. You'll just won't have the crisis. You'll just realize it's inefficient to spend so realize it's inefficient to spend so realize it's inefficient to spend so much time writing an inferior sermon. much time writing an inferior sermon. much time writing an inferior sermon. You can't ever catch up with the You can't ever catch up with the You can't ever catch up with the computers. You know, the train has computers. You know, the train has computers. You know, the train has already left the station. Why not spend already left the station. Why not spend already left the station. Why not spend your time instead visiting the sick, your time instead visiting the sick, your time instead visiting the sick, uh, praying, meeting with your fellow uh, praying, meeting with your fellow uh, praying, meeting with your fellow leaders. Plus, you admit the leaders. Plus, you admit the leaders. Plus, you admit the congregation likes the AI version of you congregation likes the AI version of you congregation likes the AI version of you better anyway. You're doing them a better anyway. You're doing them a better anyway. You're doing them a favor. favor. favor. Bonus, you get to spend more time with Bonus, you get to spend more time with Bonus, you get to spend more time with your family, hit the gym, get around a your family, hit the gym, get around a your family, hit the gym, get around a golf in. Who's hurt by this? The ends golf in. Who's hurt by this? The ends golf in. Who's hurt by this? The ends justify the means. As long as you don't justify the means. As long as you don't justify the means. As long as you don't give away that you're not spending any give away that you're not spending any give away that you're not spending any time on your sermon. So, it might means time on your sermon. So, it might means time on your sermon. So, it might means you still have to stay in the study and you still have to stay in the study and you still have to stay in the study and park your car out front for a while. park your car out front for a while. park your car out front for a while. [gasps] [gasps] [gasps] No one may even know what's happening or No one may even know what's happening or No one may even know what's happening or not happening in the pastor's study. not happening in the pastor's study. not happening in the pastor's study. So often in ministry, really in all of So often in ministry, really in all of So often in ministry, really in all of life today, as Soulja Nitson warned, life today, as Soulja Nitson warned, life today, as Soulja Nitson warned, we're tempted to confuse the product we're tempted to confuse the product we're tempted to confuse the product with the process.

with the process. with the process. If pastoral ministry is primarily about If pastoral ministry is primarily about If pastoral ministry is primarily about content delivery, then AI will often, content delivery, then AI will often, content delivery, then AI will often, maybe even usually win. The product is maybe even usually win. The product is maybe even usually win. The product is better than what most of us can muster. better than what most of us can muster. better than what most of us can muster. We're just humans after all. We're just humans after all. We're just humans after all. But if pastoral ministry can't be But if pastoral ministry can't be But if pastoral ministry can't be separated from the kind of Christian separated from the kind of Christian separated from the kind of Christian we're becoming in the process, then AI we're becoming in the process, then AI we're becoming in the process, then AI generated sermons rob us in our generated sermons rob us in our generated sermons rob us in our congregation of God's intended blessing. congregation of God's intended blessing. congregation of God's intended blessing. Consider the alternative when we offload Consider the alternative when we offload Consider the alternative when we offload our preparation to the machines. our preparation to the machines. our preparation to the machines. Tease out the logic here. AI doesn't Tease out the logic here. AI doesn't Tease out the logic here. AI doesn't just write your sermons. Remember the just write your sermons. Remember the just write your sermons. Remember the voice of Samantha. Remember the purpose voice of Samantha. Remember the purpose voice of Samantha. Remember the purpose of chat GPT AI can also put the preacher of chat GPT AI can also put the preacher of chat GPT AI can also put the preacher any preachers on screen. There's no need any preachers on screen. There's no need any preachers on screen. There's no need for you to actually stand up in front for you to actually stand up in front for you to actually stand up in front and read what your computer wrote for and read what your computer wrote for and read what your computer wrote for you. Why would your congre What would you. Why would your congre What would you. Why would your congre What would your congregation lose without you? They your congregation lose without you? They your congregation lose without you? They can customize the voice. They can can customize the voice. They can can customize the voice. They can customize the hair. They can customize customize the hair. They can customize customize the hair. They can customize the dress. Remember those people in your the dress. Remember those people in your the dress. Remember those people in your church that don't like the way you church that don't like the way you church that don't like the way you sound? Here you go. Use whatever voice sound? Here you go. Use whatever voice sound? Here you go. Use whatever voice you want. You can rip off Samantha.

you want. You can rip off Samantha. you want. You can rip off Samantha. Well, not in these churches, but anyway. Well, not in these churches, but anyway. Well, not in these churches, but anyway. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> They can if if your church could just >> They can if if your church could just >> They can if if your church could just agree, they could customize their own AI agree, they could customize their own AI agree, they could customize their own AI preacher. preacher. preacher. But of course, they're probably not But of course, they're probably not But of course, they're probably not going to agree. So why not just stay at going to agree. So why not just stay at going to agree. So why not just stay at home where everybody can set their own home where everybody can set their own home where everybody can set their own preferences? preferences? preferences? Each family member could craft their own Each family member could craft their own Each family member could craft their own sermons with their own AI preachers. No sermons with their own AI preachers. No sermons with their own AI preachers. No need to summon Samuel when you can just need to summon Samuel when you can just need to summon Samuel when you can just summon Samantha. summon Samantha. summon Samantha. Be careful what cutting these corners Be careful what cutting these corners Be careful what cutting these corners reveals about your own calling. As I reveals about your own calling. As I reveals about your own calling. As I already warned, the boom and bust cases already warned, the boom and bust cases already warned, the boom and bust cases of AI end up in the same place. Whether of AI end up in the same place. Whether of AI end up in the same place. Whether you think it's great or worry that it's you think it's great or worry that it's you think it's great or worry that it's terrible, the train eventually arrives terrible, the train eventually arrives terrible, the train eventually arrives at the same station. You lose the need at the same station. You lose the need at the same station. You lose the need for you, for you, for you, for humanity. for humanity. for humanity. So, what are we for? So, what are we for? So, what are we for? How can humanity survive the AI How can humanity survive the AI How can humanity survive the AI apocalypse? apocalypse? apocalypse? Yes, I tell preachers, the product Yes, I tell preachers, the product Yes, I tell preachers, the product matters, but so is the process of who matters, but so is the process of who matters, but so is the process of who God is making you to be when you wrestle God is making you to be when you wrestle God is making you to be when you wrestle in prayerful study before the open word.

in prayerful study before the open word. in prayerful study before the open word. The key word comes in the Apostle Paul's The key word comes in the Apostle Paul's The key word comes in the Apostle Paul's exhortation to Timothy. Preach the word. exhortation to Timothy. Preach the word. exhortation to Timothy. Preach the word. Be ready in season and out of season. Be ready in season and out of season. Be ready in season and out of season. Repu, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with Repu, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with Repu, reprove, rebuke, and exhort with complete complete complete patience [snorts] and teaching. 2 patience [snorts] and teaching. 2 patience [snorts] and teaching. 2 Timothy 2. Whatever AI is and becomes, Timothy 2. Whatever AI is and becomes, Timothy 2. Whatever AI is and becomes, it's not patient. it's not patient. it's not patient. It can't be patient. It's not sentient. It can't be patient. It's not sentient. It can't be patient. It's not sentient. It's not wise. It's not wise. It's not wise. Humans become patient as God shows Humans become patient as God shows Humans become patient as God shows patience to us in the process of study patience to us in the process of study patience to us in the process of study and writing and writing and writing of appropriating God's promises before of appropriating God's promises before of appropriating God's promises before we proclaim them to others. The humans we proclaim them to others. The humans we proclaim them to others. The humans offer each other logic on fire. to offer each other logic on fire. to offer each other logic on fire. to borrow the famous description of borrow the famous description of borrow the famous description of preaching from Martin Lloy Jones. preaching from Martin Lloy Jones. preaching from Martin Lloy Jones. [sighs and gasps] If you think you can [sighs and gasps] If you think you can [sighs and gasps] If you think you can beat AI in producing content, you beat AI in producing content, you beat AI in producing content, you probably can't. You certainly can't do probably can't. You certainly can't do probably can't. You certainly can't do so, at least with the same efficiency. so, at least with the same efficiency. so, at least with the same efficiency. But if every sermon is a weekly climb up But if every sermon is a weekly climb up But if every sermon is a weekly climb up the mountain to behold the face of God, the mountain to behold the face of God, the mountain to behold the face of God, then the preacher's radiance shines then the preacher's radiance shines then the preacher's radiance shines before all who see your good works and before all who see your good works and before all who see your good works and give glory to your father who is in give glory to your father who is in give glory to your father who is in heaven. Matthew 5:16. And what a sight heaven. Matthew 5:16. And what a sight heaven. Matthew 5:16. And what a sight for all of us to behold together.

for all of us to behold together. for all of us to behold together. Surrender your ability to outwit Ai. Surrender your ability to outwit Ai. Surrender your ability to outwit Ai. Never surrender your irreplaceability as Never surrender your irreplaceability as Never surrender your irreplaceability as a human to reflect the God who made you a human to reflect the God who made you a human to reflect the God who made you in his image and conforms you to the in his image and conforms you to the in his image and conforms you to the image of his son. Romans 8:29. image of his son. Romans 8:29. image of his son. Romans 8:29. What are we living for? How can humanity What are we living for? How can humanity What are we living for? How can humanity survive the AI apocalypse? survive the AI apocalypse? survive the AI apocalypse? If we're content delivery machines that If we're content delivery machines that If we're content delivery machines that get hungry and tired, we lose to AI. If get hungry and tired, we lose to AI. If get hungry and tired, we lose to AI. If we're data processors that get confused we're data processors that get confused we're data processors that get confused and forgetful, we lose to AI. and forgetful, we lose to AI. and forgetful, we lose to AI. If we're the only creative beings made If we're the only creative beings made If we're the only creative beings made in God's image, then AI can never in God's image, then AI can never in God's image, then AI can never replace us because AI can never show us replace us because AI can never show us replace us because AI can never show us the purpose. AI can never call on wisdom the purpose. AI can never call on wisdom the purpose. AI can never call on wisdom to call out good. Only humans, you and to call out good. Only humans, you and to call out good. Only humans, you and I, can do that. when we call on the I, can do that. when we call on the I, can do that. when we call on the Lord. Lord. Lord. All right, let me just give a little bit All right, let me just give a little bit All right, let me just give a little bit of application of application of application uh on this because whatever you might uh on this because whatever you might uh on this because whatever you might think of my account of AI and the think of my account of AI and the think of my account of AI and the stories that we tell each other about stories that we tell each other about stories that we tell each other about it, I'm guessing a lot of you just want it, I'm guessing a lot of you just want it, I'm guessing a lot of you just want some practical advice on what to do. So, some practical advice on what to do. So, some practical advice on what to do. So, we'll transition from that into the we'll transition from that into the we'll transition from that into the questions, but I'll start with a little questions, but I'll start with a little questions, but I'll start with a little bit of this application. [sighs] bit of this application. [sighs] bit of this application. [sighs] Part of what we're working on now at the Part of what we're working on now at the Part of what we're working on now at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics is working through uh the use cases, but is working through uh the use cases, but is working through uh the use cases, but also helping guide in a process of also helping guide in a process of also helping guide in a process of wisdom and discernment for applications

wisdom and discernment for applications wisdom and discernment for applications across the domains of church, family, across the domains of church, family, across the domains of church, family, and school or education. Uh using red, and school or education. Uh using red, and school or education. Uh using red, yellow, and green use cases. This is not yellow, and green use cases. This is not yellow, and green use cases. This is not easy to do. Um, not everybody's easy to do. Um, not everybody's easy to do. Um, not everybody's conscience is going to fall in the same conscience is going to fall in the same conscience is going to fall in the same place. Um, as I've written this week and place. Um, as I've written this week and place. Um, as I've written this week and been pretty public, my views on sermons been pretty public, my views on sermons been pretty public, my views on sermons and writing and things like that are and writing and things like that are and writing and things like that are very clear. Um, I don't think every very clear. Um, I don't think every very clear. Um, I don't think every issue has the same level of clarity and issue has the same level of clarity and issue has the same level of clarity and we could talk about even some of those we could talk about even some of those we could talk about even some of those areas where people might disagree. areas where people might disagree. areas where people might disagree. Um, but I would imagine that if you're Um, but I would imagine that if you're Um, but I would imagine that if you're not already in the process of working not already in the process of working not already in the process of working with your church on AI policies, uh, you with your church on AI policies, uh, you with your church on AI policies, uh, you probably will have to do that yesterday. probably will have to do that yesterday. probably will have to do that yesterday. So, uh, we're hoping to do that and help So, uh, we're hoping to do that and help So, uh, we're hoping to do that and help you with that at the Keller Center for you with that at the Keller Center for you with that at the Keller Center for Cultural Apologetics and at TGC. But let Cultural Apologetics and at TGC. But let Cultural Apologetics and at TGC. But let me give you just a little bit of, um, me give you just a little bit of, um, me give you just a little bit of, um, perspective on where we're going on AI. perspective on where we're going on AI. perspective on where we're going on AI. Uh, help you to anticipate some of the Uh, help you to anticipate some of the Uh, help you to anticipate some of the next steps. I want to give you three next steps. I want to give you three next steps. I want to give you three different uh, horizons of change. I want different uh, horizons of change. I want different uh, horizons of change. I want to give you a near, a medium, and a far to give you a near, a medium, and a far to give you a near, a medium, and a far horizon just to help you to start horizon just to help you to start horizon just to help you to start thinking ethically, biblically, with thinking ethically, biblically, with thinking ethically, biblically, with theological vision about these things.

theological vision about these things. theological vision about these things. Uh, and what I'm going to give you then Uh, and what I'm going to give you then Uh, and what I'm going to give you then is a bad use and a good use. Okay? Just is a bad use and a good use. Okay? Just is a bad use and a good use. Okay? Just help you to to see where we're heading help you to to see where we're heading help you to to see where we're heading next. Uh, the first change horizon is next. Uh, the first change horizon is next. Uh, the first change horizon is the near. Uh, the bad versions we've the near. Uh, the bad versions we've the near. Uh, the bad versions we've already covered here. Those are the ones already covered here. Those are the ones already covered here. Those are the ones that are already upon us. Those would be that are already upon us. Those would be that are already upon us. Those would be primarily therapy and writing. Uh, primarily therapy and writing. Uh, primarily therapy and writing. Uh, personal therapy, relationships, and personal therapy, relationships, and personal therapy, relationships, and writing. A good would be searching. as writing. A good would be searching. as writing. A good would be searching. as long as you know that uh you you're long as you know that uh you you're long as you know that uh you you're always going to have to still chase down always going to have to still chase down always going to have to still chase down those links and chase down and check those links and chase down and check those links and chase down and check those primary results, there's a lot of those primary results, there's a lot of those primary results, there's a lot of corners that AI searching at its best corners that AI searching at its best corners that AI searching at its best can help you to cut. Um, and I found can help you to cut. Um, and I found can help you to cut. Um, and I found that to be helpful in a number of that to be helpful in a number of that to be helpful in a number of different capacities there. Again, as different capacities there. Again, as different capacities there. Again, as long as you're heading back to the long as you're heading back to the long as you're heading back to the original source, you're documenting that original source, you're documenting that original source, you're documenting that can be really beneficial in that regard. can be really beneficial in that regard. can be really beneficial in that regard. So, that's near-term of where we are So, that's near-term of where we are So, that's near-term of where we are right now. Medium turn. The bad here is right now. Medium turn. The bad here is right now. Medium turn. The bad here is cognitive offloading. I alluded to that cognitive offloading. I alluded to that cognitive offloading. I alluded to that earlier. Just think about this. It's a earlier. Just think about this. It's a earlier. Just think about this. It's a world where everybody knows how to punch world where everybody knows how to punch world where everybody knows how to punch digits on a calculator, but nobody else digits on a calculator, but nobody else digits on a calculator, but nobody else remembers how math actually works. Okay?

remembers how math actually works. Okay? remembers how math actually works. Okay? Um this could be multiplied all all Um this could be multiplied all all Um this could be multiplied all all sorts of different domains. Coding would sorts of different domains. Coding would sorts of different domains. Coding would be another domain. um if you're out be another domain. um if you're out be another domain. um if you're out there vibe coding, doing all that sort there vibe coding, doing all that sort there vibe coding, doing all that sort of stuff, it's still beneficial to have of stuff, it's still beneficial to have of stuff, it's still beneficial to have people who actually know how code works people who actually know how code works people who actually know how code works to be able to check that to anticipate to be able to check that to anticipate to be able to check that to anticipate vulnerabilities, things like that. So vulnerabilities, things like that. So vulnerabilities, things like that. So cognitive offloading is the big thing cognitive offloading is the big thing cognitive offloading is the big thing that I'm worried about. When nobody that I'm worried about. When nobody that I'm worried about. When nobody remembers how to do something, all of remembers how to do something, all of remembers how to do something, all of our human capacities diminish. We become our human capacities diminish. We become our human capacities diminish. We become more dependent. The the machines don't more dependent. The the machines don't more dependent. The the machines don't make us more efficient. In that case, make us more efficient. In that case, make us more efficient. In that case, they make us more dependent and that they make us more dependent and that they make us more dependent and that eliminates uh some of our human agency. eliminates uh some of our human agency. eliminates uh some of our human agency. uh on the good uh medium-term uh on the good uh medium-term uh on the good uh medium-term medium-term is definitely a push toward medium-term is definitely a push toward medium-term is definitely a push toward different forms of agentic different forms of agentic different forms of agentic administration. So, autonomous tasks um administration. So, autonomous tasks um administration. So, autonomous tasks um that's already here in many cases. Some that's already here in many cases. Some that's already here in many cases. Some of you may already be doing that, but of you may already be doing that, but of you may already be doing that, but that's definitely where a lot of AI is that's definitely where a lot of AI is that's definitely where a lot of AI is going with the next step from the LLMs going with the next step from the LLMs going with the next step from the LLMs into the agentic generative uses into into the agentic generative uses into into the agentic generative uses into the agentic uses. uh the far term. Um the agentic uses. uh the far term. Um the agentic uses. uh the far term. Um this is the part that tends to scare this is the part that tends to scare this is the part that tends to scare people and I don't know what else to people and I don't know what else to people and I don't know what else to tell you. If you're not scared, it's tell you. If you're not scared, it's tell you. If you're not scared, it's just because you're probably not reading just because you're probably not reading just because you're probably not reading about it. So I I can't I can't do you about it. So I I can't I can't do you about it. So I I can't I can't do you any good there. Uh so the bad is clearly any good there. Uh so the bad is clearly any good there. Uh so the bad is clearly uh post literacy.

uh post literacy. uh post literacy. uh the the possibility that I I I wrote uh the the possibility that I I I wrote uh the the possibility that I I I wrote in my article this week that got a lot in my article this week that got a lot in my article this week that got a lot of the the push back and things like of the the push back and things like of the the push back and things like that. Just the case of the 15-year-old that. Just the case of the 15-year-old that. Just the case of the 15-year-old um the ways and I I've talked to so many um the ways and I I've talked to so many um the ways and I I've talked to so many professors about this. I talked to too professors about this. I talked to too professors about this. I talked to too many teachers about this. The logic of many teachers about this. The logic of many teachers about this. The logic of using AI to shortcut reading and writing using AI to shortcut reading and writing using AI to shortcut reading and writing is already here. Uh it's only a matter is already here. Uh it's only a matter is already here. Uh it's only a matter of whether going to fight to preserve of whether going to fight to preserve of whether going to fight to preserve it. So the logic of post literacy is is it. So the logic of post literacy is is it. So the logic of post literacy is is there. It's just a matter of do humans there. It's just a matter of do humans there. It's just a matter of do humans decide at some point to stop it. So decide at some point to stop it. So decide at some point to stop it. So that's where we're heading a long-term that's where we're heading a long-term that's where we're heading a long-term post literacy. Um uh surveillance state post literacy. Um uh surveillance state post literacy. Um uh surveillance state AI is a massive advantage in in in AI is a massive advantage in in in AI is a massive advantage in in in developing the ability of the state to developing the ability of the state to developing the ability of the state to surveil your movements, your thoughts, surveil your movements, your thoughts, surveil your movements, your thoughts, your ideas. Also of course most famously your ideas. Also of course most famously your ideas. Also of course most famously the controversy splitting chat GPT with the controversy splitting chat GPT with the controversy splitting chat GPT with with its offshoot of anthropic which is with its offshoot of anthropic which is with its offshoot of anthropic which is claude uh was the case of autonomous claude uh was the case of autonomous claude uh was the case of autonomous weaponry. Uh so that's definitely if if weaponry. Uh so that's definitely if if weaponry. Uh so that's definitely if if this week the topic of conversation at this week the topic of conversation at this week the topic of conversation at the Keller Center staff has been uh on the Keller Center staff has been uh on the Keller Center staff has been uh on the on the financial sheet so the the on the financial sheet so the the on the financial sheet so the different AI companies again open AI different AI companies again open AI different AI companies again open AI valued at 852 billion. If your valued at 852 billion. If your valued at 852 billion. If your retirement accounts have benefited in retirement accounts have benefited in retirement accounts have benefited in the last couple years it's all AI. Uh so the last couple years it's all AI. Uh so the last couple years it's all AI. Uh so if that were to collapse we are seeing a if that were to collapse we are seeing a if that were to collapse we are seeing a pretty significant um economic downturn.

pretty significant um economic downturn. pretty significant um economic downturn. I'm not promising anything. I don't get I'm not promising anything. I don't get I'm not promising anything. I don't get paid one way or another. Don't take that paid one way or another. Don't take that paid one way or another. Don't take that advice from me, but just um be aware of advice from me, but just um be aware of advice from me, but just um be aware of that kind of thing of how overleveraged that kind of thing of how overleveraged that kind of thing of how overleveraged we are as an economy in AI. Not only the we are as an economy in AI. Not only the we are as an economy in AI. Not only the promises of the future, but the current promises of the future, but the current promises of the future, but the current construction. You're probably seeing a construction. You're probably seeing a construction. You're probably seeing a lot of the push back to data centers. lot of the push back to data centers. lot of the push back to data centers. I'm not here to talk about data centers I'm not here to talk about data centers I'm not here to talk about data centers or the environmental demands. That's or the environmental demands. That's or the environmental demands. That's beyond my my purview simply to say beyond my my purview simply to say beyond my my purview simply to say there's a lot that's being worked out there's a lot that's being worked out there's a lot that's being worked out here. Um, if we were to see a scenario here. Um, if we were to see a scenario here. Um, if we were to see a scenario where AI on the one hand is able to where AI on the one hand is able to where AI on the one hand is able to break every security system built by man break every security system built by man break every security system built by man and at the same time we're in a massive and at the same time we're in a massive and at the same time we're in a massive economic downturn, put two and two economic downturn, put two and two economic downturn, put two and two together, you could see something like together, you could see something like together, you could see something like nationalized AI as a security risk and nationalized AI as a security risk and nationalized AI as a security risk and ultimately a matter of survival in a in ultimately a matter of survival in a in ultimately a matter of survival in a in a potential um climactic conflict with a potential um climactic conflict with a potential um climactic conflict with China particular. So that's a China particular. So that's a China particular. So that's a possibility there as well. Um, it kind possibility there as well. Um, it kind possibility there as well. Um, it kind of seems weird to talk about the of seems weird to talk about the of seems weird to talk about the positive side on the other side of that, positive side on the other side of that, positive side on the other side of that, but the positive side we published but the positive side we published but the positive side we published earlier this year in a in a a long form earlier this year in a in a a long form earlier this year in a in a a long form podcast by Sarah Zalstra called podcast by Sarah Zalstra called podcast by Sarah Zalstra called Recorded. We were talking about AI and Recorded. We were talking about AI and Recorded. We were talking about AI and parenting. And one of the things we parenting. And one of the things we parenting. And one of the things we found a lot of parents are worried about found a lot of parents are worried about found a lot of parents are worried about job loss. Um, what you're hearing about job loss. Um, what you're hearing about job loss. Um, what you're hearing about job loss thus far is probably anecdotal.

job loss thus far is probably anecdotal. job loss thus far is probably anecdotal. Um, it may be real, but it's not Um, it may be real, but it's not Um, it may be real, but it's not aggregate. uh what we're seeing in fact aggregate. uh what we're seeing in fact aggregate. uh what we're seeing in fact across industries we looked at two in across industries we looked at two in across industries we looked at two in particular accounting and radiology particular accounting and radiology particular accounting and radiology those were two of the industries those were two of the industries those were two of the industries identified even a decade ago uh in the identified even a decade ago uh in the identified even a decade ago uh in the early days of open AI as potentially early days of open AI as potentially early days of open AI as potentially being on the front line of disruption uh being on the front line of disruption uh being on the front line of disruption uh it turns out that we have so few it turns out that we have so few it turns out that we have so few accountants and radiologists to begin accountants and radiologists to begin accountants and radiologists to begin with that AI is effectively substituting with that AI is effectively substituting with that AI is effectively substituting for a lot of the people who can't who for a lot of the people who can't who for a lot of the people who can't who are not entering into those fields so are not entering into those fields so are not entering into those fields so you very much could see AI as a you very much could see AI as a you very much could see AI as a necessary in the long run substitute for necessary in the long run substitute for necessary in the long run substitute for a lot of the population loss that we're a lot of the population loss that we're a lot of the population loss that we're experiencing in [music] certain fields experiencing in [music] certain fields experiencing in [music] certain fields especially. So that's just a little bit especially. So that's just a little bit especially. So that's just a little bit of kind of that that horizon of near, of kind of that that horizon of near, of kind of that that horizon of near, medium, far, good and bad, things to medium, far, good and bad, things to medium, far, good and bad, things to look out for, things to prepare for, but look out for, things to prepare for, but look out for, things to prepare for, but now's the time to be thinking and and now's the time to be thinking and and now's the time to be thinking and and preparing. Thanks for listening to this episode of Thanks for listening to this episode of Gospel Bound. For more interviews and to Gospel Bound. For more interviews and to Gospel Bound. For more interviews and to sign up for my newsletter, head over to sign up for my newsletter, head over to sign up for my newsletter, head over to tgc.org/gosspelbound.

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