From the Pulpit: Wonderfully human

There is a lot of talk about artificial intelligence (AI) these days. When I hear even from elder, at-home-most-of-the-time members that they fear this talk about “artificial” and what the future will bring, I sympathize. So much is coming at us so fast these days. We can be sure the advancement of all things artificial will not slow down.  

So, as people of faith, what do we do? What does God’s calm, perfect word tell us to do? If we claim to be followers of Jesus, a clear path is laid out for our living this day and any day to come: focus on a life of kind, face-to-face, perfect service to others. Focus upon what it means to be wonderfully human.

The entire life of Jesus is a story simple enough to be taught to and understood by even a child: 1.) God made you and you are beautiful; 2.) when you fall, God will pick you up; 3.) trust in a grace that sets you free to be in this world for good (which is to say, God’s grace is sufficient for the day).

I am not as smart as the person who says that artificial intelligence will be the end of the world. Nor am I as smart as the person who says that AI will transform the world into a utopic, better-for-all place where resources will be perfectly shared.

What I do know is that every human has been, is and will be fashioned from the earth and to that wonderful earth will return. Until that happens, let’s stay focused upon what intelligent humans can do: clothe the naked, feed the hungry, visit those in prison and give a cup of cold water to a stranger. If we stay focused upon what it means to be wonderfully human, this world will remain a beautiful place within which we live out our days.