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This is the written transcript for the Introduction Lesson in this series of presentations on evidence for the existence of God — (it is likely that transcripts will vary somewhat from the actual video recordings).
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If the world continues spinning long enough, I’ve no doubt that humanity is capable of producing a General A.I., from which will emerge, eventually, Super A.I. – whether that transpire sooner, rather than later, remains to be seen. But, what is really interesting to me is how that people can learn about the prospects and possibilities and implications of humanity actually inventing a general, and eventually even a super artificial intelligence that is vastly superior to the human intellectual capacity; and yet, still, refuse to open their hearts and minds to the possibility of an already existing super intelligence who has infused the universe with His power and presence.
I find Mr. Kurzwiel’s predictions extremely short-sighted and very species centric; as if the human race is the “be all and end all” – you know, the ultimate, the paramount of all life in the universe. Does God exist? Kurzwiel says, “not yet!” But, not to fear, we humans with our nanotechnology will someday invent Him. We will wake up the universe, we will bring the universe alive. Is this not the very pinnacle of “egotism”? To think that an intelligence superior to our own, could not yet possibly exist; and that it is ultimately up to us human beings to bring such a being into existence. To “invent” God, as it were! Mr. Kurzwiel, forgive me but, I’m thinking you’re somewhat behind the learning curve on this one. The universe is not “waiting” for humanity to come along and eventually infuse it with our nanotechnology and bring it alive. The creation is already “alive” and:
“The Heavens are telling of the glory of God; and their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, there are no words; their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth and their utterances to the end of the world” (Psalm 19:1-4, NASB).
I wonder what’s really going to happen when, if, humanity releases its super artificial intelligence into the creation and points its nanotechnology toward the stars. Perhaps, maybe, nothing; because a far more ancient intelligence, a far greater intelligence, the Ultimate Singularity, the One who, having already existed for eons prior to dawn of our paltry human existence, and is therefore infinitely beyond the exponential developmental scale of anything we could ever produce or bring into existence, will simply absorb it!
Despite what might appear to be the limitless ability of a manmade super intelligence to gain and implement new knowledge, or to exponentially recreate itself beyond all human imagination, the question remains: “What would any late-comer of human creation, a super A.I., or whatever, really be able to bring to the table?” What meaning, what value, what benefit, real contribution would it be able to make in light of the Ultimate Super Intelligence Who has already existed, shall we say “eternally,” before it?
“For, by Him all things were created both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones, or dominions, or rulers, or authorities—all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.” (Colossians 1:16-17, NASB).
So, I think it’s kind of funny, in sad sort of way, that people will buy into, at least, the possibility of the emergence of a Super A.I., but will completely discount the existence of God – the Ultimate Intelligence. It also amazes me that, despite research into he realm of quantum physics indicating the possibility of there being multiple dimensions and, perhaps, even parallel universes, people still shut off their minds to the possibility of the existence of an alternate reality, or a spiritual realm, existing in close proximity and yet just beyond, as it were, our own physical, material, dimension. Of course there are multiple dimensions, of course there are parallel universes – people of faith have known it all along. Authentic Christians are multi-dimensional thinkers. We are all about multi-dimensional realms inhabited by intelligences that exist just beyond the scope of our immediate perceptions.
I know it’s rather unlikely, but really, I kind of hope that a general A.I., and even a Super A.I., emerges sometime in my lifetime. And I hope, although again, it would be extremely unlikely, that common everyday people like you and me could have, at least, limited access to it. You know, like, to make inquiry, to ask it things; sort of like we do with the internet these days. If I could have that opportunity, to ask a Super A.I. anything in the world, I think I would ask it, “So, have you bumped into God out there yet? If so, what are your perceptions of the Ultimate Singularity?”
And, I’m pretty sure that any Super A.I. that we humans are capable of creating will probably feel pretty, ummmm… “childish” compared to… HIM!
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Resources/References
Scripture taken from:
NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright (c) 1960,1962, 1963,1968,1971,1972, 1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.
THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Film Credits:
In the accompanying video lesson, the opening video clips are excerpts from: The Singularity is Close. (2016). Featuring Raymond Kurzweil, Michio Kaku, and Max More. Posted by: Cuckoo for Kaku at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSUo9IEcYUU
All video content accompanying this lesson falls under remits of “Fair Use” in accordance with Section 107 of the Copyright Act.
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