2084: Artificial Intelligence, the Future of Humanity, and the God Question

Reviewed by:

G. Connor Salter, Professional Writing alumnus from Taylor University, Upland, IN.

Title:

2084: Artificial Intelligence, the Future of Humanity, and the God Question

Author:

John C. Lennox

Publisher:

Zondervan

Publication Date:

June 2, 2020

Format:

Hardcover

Length:

208 pages

OVERVIEW

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is here. It’s in our smartphones. It’s used by search engines to market products to us. According to some scientists it may be expanding into new areas (such as medical technology that prolongs life). Therefore, AI and its future bring up questions that Christians need to consider. John C. Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Oxford, takes a careful look at those questions. He overviews current AI research, the transhumanist movement, and what various thinkers are saying about how AI will change things. Having considered these topics’ implications, Lennox points readers to the Biblical view of human nature and how Christians should view AI.

Lennox covers a lot of points that less educated (or at least less well-read) Christian writers have considered. He criticizes New Atheists like Richard Dawkins for leaving God out of their visions for scientific research. He argues that using technology to perfect humanity won’t lead anywhere good. He also notes certain AI developments sound a bit too much like ideas the Book of Revelation warns against. All of these ideas have been discussed before in church pamphlets, pop theology books, Christian magazine editorials and similar places. However, Lennox does a better job of exploring these ideas than most other writers have.

For example, Lennox doesn’t fall into the trap of asserting that clearly X or Y technology can only be a fulfillment of Revelation’s prophecies. Many writers make those claims every time new technology comes out, and thus far all of them have been wrong. Rather assert hasty conclusions, Lennox simply points out AI developments that sound a bit like certain prophecies and encourages Christians to think carefully. Having told Christians to be wary, Lennox focuses on what Revelation says Christian should do: live faithfully, be good witnesses and pursue humanity’s betterment. These values are key to living in a sinful word, both now and whenever the end finally comes.

Lennox also refers to specific atheist writers when he’s critiquing atheism, citing their latest work. Too many would-be apologists cite arguments that atheists promoted years ago but have come and gone since then. By doing his homework beforehand, Lennox makes a truly relevant argument for Christianity over atheism, Biblical wisdom over humanism.

In short, Lennox gives a readers a Biblically-based, highly intelligent warning about AI’s potential dangers. Wary but not paranoid, he guides Christians into a vision for living their faith in a society that may soon radically change.

This may be the best book readers can find on Artificial Intelligence’s implications.

ASSESSMENT

Rating (1 to 5 stars)

5 stars

Suggested Audience

Readers interested in the potential pitfalls of AI, and Judeo-Christian views on its possibilities.

Christian Impact

Lennox considers several theological ideas that Christians should think about when it comes to AI and atheism. He’s clearly designed the book to be a preliminary text, building on ideas he’s discussed elsewhere (such as his book God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God?). This makes sense, as Lennox isn’t trying to write another Christian apologetics book. He’s trying to take apologetics and other ideas, then apply them to a specific topic. Fortunately, he does a great job of exploring his specific topic and of pointing readers to resources they can explore later. An excellent resource on thinking about AI from a Judeo-Christian worldview.