The Beast, Artificial Intelligence, and the Pastor

I'm Bill Giovannetti, a guy who was a pastor when rotary phones were just phasing out, who remembers having a pager, and whose mentor invented Awana. I've seen a lot of changes over my years in ministry, including the advent of this "Interwebs" (AOL anyone?) and the rise of the smart phone. But I've never seen anything like the rapid rise of AI.

God has given me a lifelong fascination with both the timeless truths of Scripture and the pulsating changes of our technological era. Today, I find myself reflecting on an emerging giant that stands at the gates of our future: Artificial Intelligence (AI). The Beast has arisen.

The Beast Among Us

The Bible has always urged us to watch for signs of the times, and in our times, those signs are flashing with digital brilliance. The integration of AI into the mechanisms of surveillance and economic control brings to mind the eerie prophesies of Revelations about the "Mark of the Beast." As a shepherd to my people, I see China's social credit system as a harbinger of what might become a brutal global phenomenon. The potential for a world where every transaction, every move, even every dissenting thought is tracked, is chillingly real. This isn't science fiction; it's the trajectory we’re on unless we chart a new course.

We've all been watching with growing concern as AI's unbridled expansion seems to outpace our moral compass. Unfortunately, the Church, called to be a beacon of ethical guidance through the ages, is not keeping pace. The personal nature of human decisions, when influenced or determined by algorithms, poses a threat to our inherent sovereignty, heralding an age of coercion disguised as convenience.

Today's headlines are issuing a clarion call for us not just to navigate but also to illuminate and even to dominate (yep, I said it, in Christian love) the digital Babylon we find ourselves in. Isn't that what Daniel and Joseph both ended up doing?

Technological advances promise a brave new world of integration between humans and machines. In the heart of Silicon Valley, innovations like microchips for health monitoring and Neuralink for brain-computer interfacing are not the plots of dystopian novels but today's headlines. As Christians, we’re treading on sacred ground as we ponder the implications of technology that could rewrite what it means to be made in the image of God.

The “mark” isn’t just a symbol of allegiance; it’s a question of identity. Who are we, and what are we becoming?  I think Jesus should have a very big say in this; I suspect you do too.

Using AI to craft deepfakes and propagate misinformation challenges us to fortify our commitment to truth. In my journey from the pastoral pulpit to digital platforms, I've seen the power of truth to free and deceive. You have too, I'm sure. Our charge in this era of digital manipulation is to equip our flock with the discernment to navigate through a sea of lies toward the shores of eternal truths, so clearly revealed in God's Word.

Despite these Goliath-sized challenges, I'm reminded of David's courage and Elijah's faith in the face of overwhelming odds. AI, like any tool humanity has ever forged, holds the potential for great good or great harm. Our mission, should we choose to accept it, is to harness this titan under the lordship of Christ. To use AI not as a means to control but to liberate, to connect, and to proclaim the Gospel with new fervor.

Your Role in This Epic Saga

As we stand at the crossroads of faith and technology, let's engage this digital Goliath not with fear, but with the boldness of those who have been called "for such a time as this." Let us explore together how we can wield AI as a tool for evangelism, for building our churches, sanctifying and blessing our people, and for changing the world for Christ and the Gospel.

So, what’s your next step in this journey? How will you engage with AI in your ministry and community to ensure that we use this technology to glorify God and serve His people?

Let's venture into this uncharted territory together, armed with faith and the agility to adapt, for “those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (2 Kings 6:16).

Together in this journey, Bill Giovannetti