RoboChurch: Baptizing Bots and Sanctifying Silicon?
Keywords:
Artificial Intelligence, Evangelism, Consciousness,Abstract
With the advance of technology and machine deep learning, the notion of AI attaining singularity, often termed Artificial Strong Intelligence (ASI) or Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), is no longer science fiction but seems inevitable, according to experts in the field.[1]The attaining of ASI would clearly bring with it a host of benefits, as well as weighty questions and concerns. In spite of speculation from experts, we are still pressed to ask if machines can really attain strong/general artificial intelligence or human level intelligence and consciousness? If so, what is the impact on doing theology and on the life and ministry of the church? Will ASI possess agency and be capable of good and evil? Can machines have a soul? What is our response as the church? If they attain consciousness, will the church have to evangelize them? How about conversion and baptism? RoboChurch?[1] Anywhere from the years 2030-2060 depending on which survey of AI researchers. https://research.aimultiple.com/artificial-general-intelligence-singularity-timing/ Accessed October, 19, 2022.
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