Artificial Intelligence

AI or Artificial Intelligence has come on the scene of late and is finding its way into our phones, software programs, and now even Bible study software. It is significant that the first definition for “artificial” in the first dictionary I researched reads, “humanly contrived often on a natural model: man-made” (Merriam-Webster). The word “man-made” has as its definition, “manufactured, created, or constructed by human beings specifically: synthetic” (Merriam-Webster). In other words, those things that are artificial are made by human beings. Can humans really manufacture or create intelligence?

When we discuss intelligence, we are discussing the ability to learn, understand, and reason. All these things come from one source ultimately, and that is God (Pr. 2:6). God is our teacher (Jn. 6:45; Mt. 11:29, 23:10) and His Word thoroughly equips us for every good work (2 Tim. 3:16-17). God called the wicked Israelites to reason with Him regarding their sin in Isaiah 1:18, “‘Come now, and let us reason together,’ Says the LORD, ‘Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.’” God has knowledge and understanding that far transcends mankind (Ps. 139). Furthermore, we must take our direction from God, or the results are disastrous (Jer. 10:23; Pr. 3:5-6, 14:12). It is the epitome of pride for humankind to think they can contrive their own intelligence. Make no mistake about it, those that have cut God out of their thinking march headlong into foolishness, quite the opposite of intelligence (Ps. 14:1-3).

Nobody or nothing can learn for us. Nobody or nothing can understand for us. Nobody or nothing can reason for us. Nobody or nothing can study the Bible for us as God has required each individual to show themselves approved to Him (2 Tim. 2:15). Be sober, be vigilant, and work out your own salvation with fear and trembling (1 Pt. 5:8-9; Php. 2:12).

Trent Thrasher