Artificial Intelligence and the Role of Technology in Our Relationship with God - Fr. Anselm Ramelow

Fr. Anselm Ramelow addresses questions regarding technology that occupy much of the contemporary imagination. He highlights the central importance of theology in helping us understand the proper role of technology in our lives in light of our relationship with God, giving particular attention to the issue of artificial intelligence.
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[@mikethemonsta15]

THANK YOU SO MUCH for this father. You have no idea how disturbing these AI developments have been to me. I look forward to hearing this talk.

[@exotericeric]

Need more of this in the Holy Church!

[@outoforbit-]

The mass is paticipatory so watching mass online is somehow standing outside it without the bread of life. Wonderful point about Eucharistic adoration been the antidote to virtual reality. I would never have thought that. But it truly makes sense.

[@roniquebreauxjordan1302]

Excellent discussion!

[@dieterschywek3400]

All for the greater glory God.

[@aiantenor9080]

That was insightful

[@JohnSaber]

Great talk.

[@outoforbit-]

Perhaps we are all on our smart phones, tablets and lap tops because as humans we are attracted to the light.

[@mariamatusiewicz4280]

We should all be attracted to the ultimate Light and that is Jesus Christ. This Light will guide us to heaven.

[@goodquestion7915]

Haha 😂 very funny @outoforbit ... what is that light? is that an angel? is that Jesus? no, it's my selfy light 😂

[@outoforbit-]

@@goodquestion7915 by my comment, I wasn't condoning been on tablets and smartphones.

[@joiemoie]

Amazing talk! I particularly liked that it was balanced and covered both sides. Technology is not evil, but it cannot be an idol. You presented lots of sources from philosophy to modern science. I do think it’s important to recognize technology as a tool to draw us nearer to God. First, being too much a luddite is not good. We do not worship nature, which is the falsehood that can come up if you participate too much in the rejection of being a luddite. Living in the jungle and is no more noble than living in a modern city with modern cars if you are both worshipping God and devoting your life to him. Benefits of AI: 1) Faster automated programming so you can create better Bible apps, Hallow, Church websites with better interface for elderly to follow. 2) Using ChatGPT to explain complicated theology and terminology. 3) Using ChatGPT to help find resources for Church use. 4) Simplifying financial workflows and management which will help Church operations be more cost efficient. 5) If we can use AI to heal illnesses and and feed the hungry, we ought to do so out of love for the neighbor. It is arrogant and prideful to let someone die of something that AI could have assisted with because you thought he would grow more holy in his suffering. Holy suffering needs to come from within, through voluntary exposure, not by negligence by others. I believe it’s important to reflect on what the Father said, that technology must always be developed with God in mind. We must always remember that while AI is useful, man is made in God’s image, and AI is in man’s image. Man can receive divine grace, AI cannot. AI can only inherit the sin nature of man. AI can’t experience sorrow and repent. It cannot be stirred by God to change it’s heart.

[@joiemoie]

As an example, here is an essay written by ChatGPT: AI and Catholic theology present interesting intersecting points when discussing the potential dangers AI can pose to humanity. From a Catholic theological perspective, which emphasizes human dignity, free will, and the common good, several concerns arise. 1. **Dehumanization and Human Dignity**: Central to Catholic social thought is the principle of human dignity. AI, especially with advancements in machine learning and robotics, could risk undermining this principle. The increasing reliance on AI for tasks traditionally performed by humans may lead to a reductionist view of human beings, reducing us merely to our utility or efficiency. This could devalue our inherent worth, thus posing a threat to human dignity. 2. **Free Will and Determinism**: AI is data-driven, making decisions based on algorithms and data sets. The potential danger here lies in the possibility of human beings' actions and choices being reduced to mere data points. This might undermine the Catholic theological concept of free will, a vital aspect of human identity. 3. **Common Good and Economic Inequality**: Catholic social teaching prioritizes the common good - conditions that allow people to reach their full potential. The economic displacement caused by AI might increase wealth disparities, threatening the common good. As AI technologies become more sophisticated, jobs traditionally done by humans are at risk of being automated. If this transition isn't managed equitably, it could lead to increased economic inequality, undermining the pursuit of the common good. 4. **AI and Idolatry**: Catholic theology warns against idolatry, the worship of created things rather than the Creator. There's a danger that excessive reverence or reliance on AI could amount to a form of modern idolatry, by giving AI a central role in our lives that outweighs or obscures our connection with God and other human beings. 5. **Sin and Absolution**: In the Catholic faith, confession and absolution of sins is a vital sacrament. The emergence of AI in religious practices, such as AI confession apps, could pose a threat to this sacrament. AI, lacking the capacity for empathy, moral judgment, and spiritual discernment, could not provide the genuine pastoral care that is central to the sacrament of reconciliation. 6. **AI and Creation**: A central tenet of Catholic theology is the respect for God's creation. There is a risk that the creation of AI, particularly in pursuit of artificial general intelligence or sentient AI, might be seen as an attempt to "play God," which could be considered a transgression of boundaries in the act of creation. While these potential dangers exist, it's essential to remember that technology in itself isn't inherently good or evil. The Catholic Church sees great potential in the responsible use of AI, promoting human dignity, reducing suffering, and improving living conditions. However, it's crucial that the use of AI aligns with these values to mitigate the outlined risks.

[@goodquestion7915]

Thank you ​@@joiemoieone more nail in God's coffin.

[@brendamyc3173]

Tech should be used with discretion just like everything else.

[@surfism]

The ideas expressed at the end of this talk (41:51) seem to endorse my use of surfing as a metaphor for consciousness. "The surfboard shaper is the Sufi of naval architects; adjusting the shape of the surfboard while simultaneously invoking the sensation of its movement through the water. This connection between shape and motion is key to the surfboard being absorbed into the surfer’s movements." See "Surfism: the fluid foundation of consciousness".

[@tomrhodes1629]

Intelligence without wisdom is like a boat without water; it won't take you anywhere worth going. Elijah has returned, as prophesied, and testifies: Artificial intelligence has been with us from the beginning, when Adam decided to abandon wisdom and try to make Truth conform to an irrational desire. And all who fall into this realm of LIMITATION did the exact same thing. When you're ready to desire Truth (instead of trying to make Truth conform to irrational desire) give me a click. And the purpose of the coming Tribulations is to stimulate just such a desire.

[@diane4983]

So prophetic...and exactly what the latest horrible Jurassic Park movie was pushing. You know who Hollywood worships lol crazy

[@horatiohornblower868]

Father Ramelow has not convinced me.

[@exotericeric]

What part?

[@horatiohornblower868]

@@exotericeric The archetype of virtual reality is God himself. He is not an item in the universe, nevertheless in the mind of millions He is very real.

[@goodquestion7915]

​@@horatiohornblower868I agree with you. Father Ramelow was stretching the facts too hard to make them fit his fantasies.

[@FrancesRobinson-yn2ks]

Yes. AI is going to change things for The RCC. It will be interesting to see how The Church handles it in the coming years. I'm sure there will be all kinds of "pronouncements" -- under the guidance of The Holy Spirit, of course. Never mind that no one -- to date -- has ever proven that any God exists. (And, yes, I do think that a God exists. However, one that is beyond our puny minds.)

[@goodquestion7915]

Technology is so great, now tithe collection to build the Kingdom is as easy as registering my credit card. I can see every month, God withdrawing the money that he needs. I bet the Holy Mother Church will come up with GodGPT to automate confession and absolution, isn't that awesome?

[@goodquestion7915]

GodGPT Setup: you are a God, that will respond to requests from a flock of lambs. Request: heavenly father, help me find peace. Reesponse: I hear you, my little suckling. To find peace go to your room and plug your ears. Request: oh lord, I pray to thee for world peace. Response: Error, global extinction is forbidden. The authorities have been called on you. Request: Jesus, where are you? Response: my name is not Jesus, I found many Jesus in other countries. For a long distance phone call, press [Y], to continue with me, press [Enter].

[@goodquestion7915]

It's awesome how clergy is inclined to feverishly reinvent historical events. Now, God created technology, ha!! sure!!. I thought we were punished to work hard, and part of that punishment is to create tools. Now we have to give thanks for the punishment and for OUR achievements. I bet this guy now will collect our hard earned money to build the Kingdom of God. Shouldn't god be working on it? He promised to come back in his Kingdom on Mark 9:1