In this podcast, John and Allen discuss the clash between the real and the artificial, offering practical ways to navigate the chaos. They explore the contrast between the real and the artificial, the concept of idolatry in the modern world, the impact of technology and AI, and the false narrative of two choices. They emphasize the importance of embracing risk with God for what matters most in order to defy the artificial and pursue the real.
Choosing the most real, which is rooted in God, over the artificial leads to true transformation and authenticity.
Our choice of root system determines our understanding of reality and shapes our lives accordingly.
Deep dives
The Real versus the Artificial
The podcast discusses the distinction between the real and the artificial. The speaker highlights how the world presents the artificial in sophisticated and alluring ways, offering comfort, inspiration, and instant gratification. However, the artificial is not the true reality and can never replace the most real, which is rooted in God. The artificial may offer temporary solutions and pleasure, but it lacks the depth, fulfillment, and alignment with our true purpose that comes from being in union with God. By choosing the most real and aligning ourselves with God's reality, we avoid getting entangled in the artificial and experience true transformation and authenticity.
The Fruit Reveals the Root
The podcast explores the idea that the fruit we see in various aspects of life, whether it be in entertainment, politics, or personal relationships, reveals the root system we are tapping into. There are only two root systems: the tree of life and the tree of knowledge. Our choice of root system determines our understanding of reality and shapes our lives accordingly. If we tap into the root system of the artificial, which tempts us away from God and seeks to offer quick solutions and false promises, we will experience a deteriorating and numbing existence. However, by aligning ourselves with the root system of the real, with God as the ultimate reality and source of life, we can experience a flourishing and transformative existence.
The Lies of the Artificial
The podcast uncovers the lies propagated by the artificial. First, the artificial attempts to position itself as more real than the real, enticing us to believe that artificial experiences and creations are more valuable and significant than genuine reality. Second, it asserts that the machine, technology, and artificial intelligence are neutral, but in reality, they are influenced by their creators' worldview and intentions, often lacking a reverence for God and an understanding of true reality. Third, the artificial tries to make us believe that if we express concern or resistance, we are the problem, creating a narrative that we should accept the artificial as inevitable and superior. Finally, the artificial claims to be the future, demanding that we accept its dominance and warning that we must get used to its presence. However, these lies distort the truth and tempt us away from the most real.
In this second half of this podcast series, John and Allen dive even deeper into the clash between the real and the artificial, explaining how it is intensifying and why no one can remain neutral in this world of competing realities. They offer practical ways to navigate the chaos and choices before us by sharing the Five Tenets of the Real and Five Lies of the Artificial from Allen's new book, Risk the Real: How to Defy the Rise of the Artificial. In The Matrix, Morpheus states, "There is a difference between knowing the path and walking the path." That's even more true here. Our goal isn't just greater awareness—but to actively step into the story God has created us for at this moment in time. Only then can we risk well for what matters most as we defy the artificial and pursue the real.