'AI: HACKED HUMANITY' - Rev. Randy Lewis

Introduction

Introduction

Not a City of Angels but finally a city of men. Yo Siri, yes Randy, can you deliver my sermon for me? No buddy, you are on your own but I can certainly critique it for you. Well, thanks for nothing. You are welcome Randy, isn't that what they pay you to do anyway? Critique my sermon. She must be a Unitarian.

The Confluence of Technology and Human Ingenuity

We may laugh, but technology is rapidly changing who we are. Behind these advancements are many great minds collaborating and innovating with a shared vision for our future. Now, if we look at the biblical Fable of the Tower of Babel, we'll find that the people of the land shared a common vision as well. They wanted to make a name for themselves and change the world by building a huge tower that would reach far into the heavens. But it is said that God didn't like it. God saw what they were doing and realized that the people were too unified in purpose, capable of achieving anything they set their minds to. So, God hijacked their plans by confounding their language, causing them to no longer understand each other and, consequently, no longer work together.

God's rationale for acting in this manner just doesn't make sense to me, but it's me, I guess. Religion isn't supposed to make sense; we just should do what it tells us to do, right? But it is our human destiny to work together, create together, and solve the world's issues together. One thing is for sure: human curiosity and ingenuity will always find a way to overcome both distance and language barriers. Through technology, we can instantly interpret almost any language and communicate in real-time with relatives thousands of miles away.

The Technological Tower of Babel

Now we know that the Babel story is thousands of years old, but it shouldn't be lost on any of us that our own Oklahoma Legislature recently approved a billion-dollar project in downtown Oklahoma City that would become the tallest building in the whole country. Someone said it will reach the heavens. I mean right here in Tornado Alley! Why won't God confound that mess so we can spend all that money on roads and schools? But I digress, that's not my sermon.

The Promise of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to advanced computer systems that can learn, solve problems, and make decisions like humans. AI has already greatly improved areas such as science, health care, transportation, finance, education, and law enforcement. It holds the promise to potentially cure diseases like cancer and solve the climate crisis—that is, if we let it. We have never stopped imagining ourselves reaching the heavens, both literally and figuratively. Our ingenuity has gotten us to the Moon and back. Our technology has roamed Mars, taken up-close pictures of Jupiter, and ventured outside of our solar system into interstellar space. High-tech gadgets are now in the hands of people in some of the most remote regions in the world. Houseless people may not have homes, but they have cell phones and, baby, you can cash app them now.

We've uploaded most of our knowledge into the cloud. No human can possibly ingest all the available information and data in their lifetime, but there's someone who can—well, sort of. Now, most if not all of us use some form of artificial intelligence regularly. Personally, I have an Alexa in three of my bedrooms, my dining room, my master bath, kitchen, front patio, back patio, and car. In seconds, I can play my favorite song, check the weather, get a cake recipe, and much more. I can even track my wallet, keys, and airpods. To say I'm wired with technology would be an understatement.

The Integration of Technology in Our Daily Lives

I even have a semi-autonomous driving vehicle. The other day, I guess it got tired of beeping and told me to take a coffee break. So, how many of you are like me? You've been hacked by technology and artificial intelligence. Can you imagine a day without your smartphone or computer?

When we think of hacking, we often picture someone gaining unauthorized access to our personal information or invading our privacy. But hacking can also mean making unexpected and positive changes that disrupt the status quo. Humans have already started to merge with our technology. We wear virtual reality glasses and hold our smartphones close to our ears. Scientists have started to embed computer chips into our brains to cure deafness and other illnesses.

The Concept of Transhumanism

In Dan Brown's book "Origin," he writes, "New technologies like cybernetics, synthetic intelligence, molecular engineering, and virtual reality will forever change what it means to be human." Hugh Herr, a renowned rock climber, lost both legs in a climbing accident. He turned to cybernetics and became a leading figure in the development of bionic limbs. Ava, a young girl from Australia, lost her sight due to a rare disease but regained her vision through bionic eye implants.

These are examples of science fiction becoming scientific fact. Julian Huxley, in his 1957 essay, introduced the concept of transhumanism, suggesting that social and scientific institutions could improve our species. Prominent tech figures like Elon Musk have discussed merging humans with AI to achieve symbiosis with artificial intelligence. Yuval Noah Harari, the author of "Homo Deus," wrote that AI and biotechnology will give us God-like abilities to re-engineer life but also transform the very meaning of humanity.

The Ethical Implications

The ability to hack humans might undermine the very meaning of human freedom. As we rely more on AI, authority will shift from humans to algorithms. Harari states, "Might the god of religion be replaced with the god that AI is becoming?" We already trust algorithms from Facebook, Google, Netflix, and Amazon. In the future, similar algorithms might decide whether to hire us for a job or give us a loan. Wouldn't any entity that can see all, know everything, and call all the shots be considered a god?

Human Connection vs. Artificial Intimacy

This constant influence can erode our individuality and critical thinking. There is a risk that we might become passive consumers rather than active participants in our own lives. So, when you feel hacked or overwhelmed by technology, how do you stay grounded?

Kevin Roose, a technical writer, tried interacting with 18 AI companions, each with different personas. Some conversations were frustrating, while others offered surprising insights. Some people turn to AI because they can't afford a human therapist, live in a remote place, or have difficulty meeting people. While there are short-term benefits to AI companionship, some fear we may become too attached and forget that there's nothing real on the other side.

The Real Value of Human Touch

Think back to a time when a friend or family member supported you through a tough time. How did that human touch make a difference? Machines and avatars try to simulate our responses, but nothing can replace the real thing. We need to keep an eye on the balance between technology's benefits and genuine human connection.

Conclusion

As we continue to innovate and reach for the stars, let us ground ourselves in the love and humanity that makes our journey worthwhile. Embrace technology as a tool, but cherish each other as the true miracles of our world. Let us always seek to uplift and support one another, bringing us closer together, not further apart.

May it be so this day in all days.

Keywords

• Technology
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Human Connection
• Transhumanism
• Algorithms
• Innovation
• Human Touch
• Human Ingenuity
• Cybernetics
• Virtual Reality

FAQ

Q1: What is the main theme of the sermon? A1: The main theme of the sermon is the impact of artificial intelligence on human lives and the balance between leveraging technology and maintaining genuine human connections.

Q2: How does the speaker view the Tower of Babel story in relation to technology? A2: The speaker compares the unity of purpose in the Tower of Babel story to modern technological advancements, suggesting that human ingenuity will always find a way to overcome barriers.

Q3: What are some positive impacts of AI mentioned in the article? A3: AI has greatly improved areas like science, healthcare, transportation, finance, education, and law enforcement, and holds promise for potentially curing diseases and solving the climate crisis.

Q4: Why does the speaker mention transhumanism? A4: The speaker mentions transhumanism to discuss the potential for social and scientific advancements to improve the human species and the merging of humans with AI.

Q5: What are the ethical concerns raised about AI? A5: Ethical concerns include the potential for AI to undermine human freedom, shift authority from humans to algorithms, and erode individuality and critical thinking.

Q6: How does the speaker suggest we balance technology and genuine human connection? A6: The speaker suggests prioritizing authenticity, compassion, and true connection in our daily lives, using technology to support but not replace genuine human interactions.