ATHEIST VIEW OF AI VERSUS CHRISTIAN VIEW OF AI

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Naturalistic evolutionists argue that non-material things such as consciousness and emotion must be computable because humans experience these. This argument rests on the faulty assumption that humans are nothing more than meat-based computers. In such thinking our conscious experience of reality is merely the neural networks in our brain performing mathematical calculations through electrochemical reactions. They claim that everything we think, dream about, desire, and plan to do is determined by the laws of physics and chemistry. This is called eliminative materialism, or atheism taken to (consistent) extremes.10 Thus, since eliminative materialists believe that such things are all the result of pure computation in our brains, they see no reason to doubt that a computer could one day do these.

The Bible makes it clear, however, that there is more to us than our material body. We have a non-material spirit, and soul, and our consciousness is more than just electrochemical reactions in our brain.

“The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.” Proverbs 20:27 As the spirit of a man is the lamp of the Lord, it requires oil to function. It was always meant to be the vessel of the Holy Spirit. When we repent and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour God the Father sends the Holy Spirit to once again indwell our spirit (the lamp of the Lord). We can then function as the Lord intended.

“And as her (Rachel’s) soul was departing (for she was dying)…” Genesis 35:18. Rachel’s soul departed and went to Sheol which before Jesus’ resurrection was the holding place of all souls.

There is also substantial and tantalizing evidence from the work of brain researchers that the mind in some way exists independent of the brain. The pioneering work of Wilder Penfield, built on by fellow neurosurgeon Michael Egnor, is notable in this regard.11 The argument that such things can be computable because humans experience them is thus unsound because it is based on a faulty premise.

As a very powerful tool, AI can and will be used for evil purposes—like the internet has been. It may also lead to substantial social upheaval, as AI supplants many jobs. Many of these will be ‘white-collar’ roles once thought safe from robotic takeover.

However, just like the internet, AI will also be used for great good and to greatly improve our lives. I encourage fellow Christians to approach AI with wisdom, being aware of its risks and limitations, but willing to embrace its potential to be a very powerful tool for God’s kingdom.

Adapted from the article The AI revolution – What does it mean for you? by David Thomas http://www.creation.com

WHO CREATED GOD?

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‘Who created God?’ is an age-old question. Children sometimes ask it because they’re curious. But atheists more commonly ask it because they think it is a ‘gotcha’ question for Christians. So, is it really a ‘gotcha’ question? Does God—like everything else in the universe—need a cause? Or have atheists made an error in logic in assuming this? As Dr. Don Batten explains, ‘Who created God?’ has a simple, logical answer—so Christians have no need to be intimidated! On the other hand, atheists have some explaining of their own to do when it comes to first causes!

The cause of the universe cannot be material. It had to be an eternal cause and the Bible tells us that God is a spiritual, eternal being and that He made us in His image to be in relationship with Him. In fact, the Bible tells us that we are Spirit, Soul, and Body and that our Spirit is the lamp of the Lord and it needs to contain oil (Holy Spirit) to function as God intended. When Adam and Eve disobeyed God (SIN) the Holy Spirit departed their spirits and they died spiritually immediately and died bodily 900+ years later.

“The spirit of man is the lamp of the Lord, searching all his innermost parts.” Proverbs 20:27

This is a great video. One that you can use in evangelism.

SIN DESTROYS BODY, SOUL & SPIRIT

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When we are silent about our sin and shortcomings, our bodies and souls suffer. What begins as intentional minimising of sin turns into blindness to both the sin and its effects. Our view of ourselves is skewed. We begin to say, “This is just who I am.”

Sin not only damages our connection to God, but our connection to others.

When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all the day long. Psalm 32:3

David learned this firsthand when he tried to cover up his sin with Bathsheba. When the prophet Nathan confronted David, the cure for sin’s poison was revealed. As we confess and repent, God welcomes us back. Although the consequences of our choices remain, God’s forgiveness and the penetrating light of His truth bring life and restoration to our souls and relationships.

God’s arrows of affliction are sharp and painful so He can get our attention. He won’t let His beloved children get away with sin because He knows it robs us of blessings, opportunities, and even character refinement.
Charles Stanley

Sadly, the world increasingly, by denying the existence of God, has no concept of the eternal consequences of SIN – separation from their Creator forever, i.e. HELL. Likewise, they don’t recognise that God has provided the solution to the SIN problem (rebellion against God and His Commandments) i.e. JESUS, God’s own Son. Nor will they repent of their SIN, acknowledge His sacrifice on their behalf and let Him be Lord of their life.

The Bible provides the only history of this universe that makes sense of what we see in the world today. The initial SIN of Adam and Eve brought death, pain and suffering into what once was a perfect world. God has provided one way back into a renewed relationship with our heavenly Father – JESUS.

“Jesus said, I am the way the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6

“Therefore, I said to you that you will die in your sins; for if you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” John 8:24

Will you reconsider? Your eternal destiny hangs in the balance.