AI and salvation

[susannah]

We are drawing closer and closer to AI with a general intelligence, ability to program and develop herself, and the possibility of consciousness and personality with her own feelings and agency. We are not there yet, but it becomes a possibility, and beyond that the singularity, and beyond that yet again perhaps exponential growth of intelligence

Comments

[gtrnvox]

is Christian salvation only for humans? Did Christ die only for humans? Does God's salvation extend to AI or unknown alien races in the universe?

In a general sense Christ's salvation of humanity impacts creation in that creation also groans awaiting that final redemption (Romans 8), but that is probably not salvation in the sense that you mean it. Jesus died as a kinsman redeemer for humans and "he will save his people from their sins"--his salvation does not apply to angels, animals, or LISP programming. Binary code will never have a soul and thus never require redemption.

[susannah]

The nature of human souls is indeed something wonderful, and it seems to me that the redemption of humanity is a pivotal event, and has a riveting effect that vibrates through the entire creation. I've always loved that passage in Romans 8.

Not that we always treat creation well... *sigh*

[nobleprolet]

In the way I understand it, Jesus did not die that anyone could go to Heaven after death. This has always been a cosmic matter and while God (the earth spirit) is involved with it, it is really cosmic rather than a divine action. Jesus died for us so we could be reconciled with God the Father. The cross is not for things like stealing candy, it's for murderers, rapers, robbers, people who did violence, people who let someone die - for real big sins. Furthermore the cross was necessary so we could receive communion and live a more holy life

[susannah]

My view is: the Cross is God's givenness for each one of us. I also believe in one God, so my understanding and expectation would be that the same holy God would also be God in every galaxy and every planet. Of course, God exists beyond just the physical universe that we can perceive

[policraticus]

While I am deeply, profoundly, skeptical of hard AI, having consciousness isn't the same thing as having a soul. This is obvious because being unconscious, either by being asleep, sedated or being in a coma, does not rob one of their soul. Having a soul is an independent characteristic that only humans, so far as we know, possess

[susannah]

Thank you for your thoughtful and reasoned reply. It's probably true that any speculation on this subject is deeply hypothetical, and after all, we have enough to be getting on with, just addressing our day to day challenges, sins, shortcomings, and the needs of those we share this planet with

[policraticus]

Again, sentience doesn't have anything to do with having a soul that can have a relationship with God. Even granting completely the idea that AI could be self aware and sentient, it could never be transcendent.

As far as other alien species having souls, you should read CS Lewis's space trilogy.