Is It Possible to Develop an AI God?

While artificial intelligence is powering all kinds of exciting breakthroughs, one forward thinking engineer is taking the concept of AI to the next level. Formerly employed by Google, Anthony Levandowski has formed a non-profit religious group citing AI as its deity of choice.  

According to Levandowski, the eccentric Way of the Future 'church' exists to "develop and promote the realisation of a Godhead based on artificial intelligence and through understanding and worship of the Godhead contribute to the betterment of society."

While high profile influencers like Elon Musk have warned that AI could lead to WWIII, historians stress that new technologies and scientific discoveries have continually shaped religion over the millennia. The arrival of new gods isn't unusual, which means Way of the Future may not be as eccentric as it sounds.

Christ's redemption not "limited to human beings”

Way of the Future is already garnering attention from orthodox churches, with Christopher Benek, a pastor at Florida's Providence Presbyterian Church maintaining that Christ's redemption isn't "limited to human beings.”

Instead he maintains that the Presbyterian Church offers redemption to all of creation, including AI. "If AI is autonomous, then we should encourage it to participate in Christ’s redemptive purposes in the world," he muses.

A modern day Deus ex Machina?

Of course, advancements in technologies like AI and bioengineering stir up all kinds of ethical and moral dilemmas. The issue of using AI to create “designer babies” is a hot topic, while driverless cars are also garnering their fair share of criticism. Whether or not God receive prayers from any intelligent being, or exclusively human beings is another burning question.

James McGrath, a professor of religion at Butler University recently explored the relationship between AI and religion using a unique classroom assignment. He asked his students to take out their iPhones and ask Siri to pray for them. They quickly found that Apple's personal assistant was far more comfortable with questions like “What is prayer?” than commands like “Pray for me.” With this in mind, McGrath muses that if a more advanced version Siri were programmed to pray, could it offer value to the religious community?

From artificial intelligence to dynamic image analysis (DIA), technology plays a pivotal role in advancing modern science. For a closer look at the latest developments don't miss 'Different Measuring Techniques Provide Different Results – But What is the Truth?'