BI for AI

There is a good chance you have heard or seen the letters AI recently. It stands for Artificial Intelligence. Artificial Intelligence has bursts on the scene creating much interest and also much concern. How and for what purpose will it be used? Will it be regulated and if so how and by whom? How will it affect life as we now know and experience it?

All these are valid questions that merit clear and correct answers. Hearings involving members of congress and some of the most important business and tech leaders have been held. This is an ongoing exercise leaving much mystery and many unanswered questions.

My purpose in writing this blog is not to give concrete answers to all the questions surrounding Artificial Intelligence. I have no qualifications to even attempt such an endeavor. My purpose is to spotlight BI which probably hasn't been given much considerations by those seeking answers for the AI concerns. BI refers to Bible instruction. While I'm not aware of any scripture that refers to Artificial Intelligence, there are scriptures that are relevant to the Artificial Intelligence discussion. One of those scriptures is found in Philippians 4:8. "Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy-meditate on these things" (Philippians 4:8 NKJV).

The admonition of Philippians 4:8 does not encourage shallow superficial partisan thinking. The Greek word that is translated "meditate" is the word logizomai. It means to ponder, to give proper weight and value to something.

How will congress approach their deliberations concerning AI? Based upon current and past actions, it's not a stretch to think their chief interest may be to seek ways to use AI to promote and protect their political interest. What about the approach of business leaders? Would it be out of character for them to monetize or utilize AI to advance their business?

Biblical instruction is always relevant to life, including Artificial Intelligence. I'm not certain of the logistics of programing the instructions of Philippians 4:8 into AI but the potential results is crucial to the future of humanity. Most thing can be used for good or evil. Two obvious examples are money and sexuality. The same will be true for AI. The instructions of the Bible can bring out the good in AI and protect us from the evil.

Think about the specific things we are told to meditate on in Philippians 4:8. The first word is "true." Things are true when they match reality. Truth protects us from deception, speculation, manipulation and outright deceit. Things that are true will always be our ally.

Things that are "noble" is the next object of our meditation. Some translations use the word honorable. Maybe the best way to understand this word is to think about exposure. Would you be ashamed or embarrassed if something was brought to light? Things that are noble and honorable are not hidden or qualified. No disclaimers are needed. When you think of things being uncovered today, how many are noble and honorable?

"Just" is the next word. The word just has a ring of correctness. When things are just, they are correct and appropriate. Based on the continual debate over justice in the news cycles, there is little consensus about what is just. Things are much clearer in the Bible. Amos 5:24 declares the Bible instructions related to things that are just. It says "But let justice run down like waters, and righteousness like a mighty stream."

Philippians 4:8 goes on to add three other words as objects of our meditation. We are to meditate on things that are pure, lovely and of good report. What a contrast these three words are to the descriptive terms that are used to describe life as it is currently unfolding! Chaotic, ugly, disturbing and deadly would be more apt today. What is does not have to be what will be. Philippians is the blueprint for a better way. Things that are virtuous and praiseworthy are also within our grasp if we will simply reach for them.

AI offers some incredible possibilities. How can it possibly aid in medical research and combating disease? No doubt AI has the potential for good. I'm convinced that BI, biblical instruction, can be a friend and ally for AI.

Biblical instruction is for all of life because it covers the whole of life from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible is the treasure of divine instruction. According to Proverbs 1:7 "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge..." As smart as AI is, it is inferior to the knowledge of God. Let us seek and yield to BI, biblical instruction.