Kester Brewin: Artificial Intelligence & the Future of Religion
Apr 17, 2024
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Kester Brewin, an insightful author exploring the intersections of artificial intelligence and religion, shares his latest ideas on how technology shapes spirituality. He discusses his book 'God-like', emphasizing the ethical challenges AI poses to faith communities. Brewin argues for a radical theological framework that addresses modern moral questions while preserving genuine human connections. He reflects on the importance of rebuilding community in a digital age, championing authentic relationships amidst technological advances.
Kester Brewin emphasizes the need for reintroducing theological language into discussions about AI to address existential questions traditionally explored by religion.
The historical context of artificial intelligence reveals a continuous human effort to balance ethical considerations and power dynamics shaped by technological advancements.
The podcast advocates for revitalizing face-to-face community connections to combat the isolating effects of digital culture and foster genuine relationships.
Deep dives
The Call for Theological Engagement in Technology
The discussion emphasizes the necessity of reintroducing theological language into contemporary conversations surrounding technology and artificial intelligence (AI). Kester Bruin highlights a pivotal moment when the UK's AI safety lead described AI as 'godlike', which sparked a pressing inquiry into the theological implications behind such claims. This approach suggests that as technology rapidly advances, there is a risk of losing a framework for understanding larger existential questions that theology traditionally addresses. Bruin argues that without this theological lens, communities may become susceptible to the alarming consequences of unregulated technological power.
Historical Context of AI's Rise
Bruin presents a historical perspective on artificial intelligence, tracing its roots back through centuries of human endeavor. He references key figures such as Giordano Bruno, who sought a way to attain higher knowledge and became emblematic of humanity's ongoing quest for understanding. This pursuit has evolved but often leads to similar dilemmas about the balance of power and ethical considerations inherent in technological advancements. The narrative encourages listeners to reflect on how historical patterns inform current discussions about AI's potential to both enhance and disrupt human life.
Technology as Amplification and Its Impacts
The conversation delineates technology's dual role as both an amplifier of human capacity and a potential source of disconnection. Bruin posits that while technology can enhance our abilities and foster creativity, it simultaneously risks atomizing communities and obscuring meaningful human connections. This tension is exemplified by the impact of social media, which offers platforms for communication yet often leads to isolation and superficial engagement. The call to action remains, urging individuals to consciously reflect on their relationship with technology, ensuring it serves human flourishing rather than diminishes it.
The Essentiality of Community and In-Person Interaction
Through the podcast, there is a strong advocacy for revitalizing face-to-face community interactions amid the prevalence of digital communications. Bruin references the sociological research on declining communal ties, proposing that genuine human connection is critical for addressing modern challenges posed by technology. He enthusiasts about communal gathering as essential for cultivating deeper relationships and societal resilience against the isolating tendencies of digital culture. The hope lies in rediscovering shared spaces that encourage diverse interactions, fostering environments where people can collectively navigate the complexities of life and technology.
Radical Theology and the Future of Human Interaction
The discussion culminates in an exploration of radical theology's potential contributions to contemporary social issues, particularly in context of disruptive technologies like AI. Bruin posits that engaging with radical theology enables communities to challenge prevailing power structures and resist the commodification of human experience by technology. He envisions a future where communities can gather to critically assess the implications of emerging technologies while embracing their shared human complexities. The narrative underscores the imperative of building resilient, thoughtful communities that prioritize human dignity and meaningful interactions amid technological changes.
We have all been talking about AI of late and I have been on a bit of a reading deep dive about it. I am thrilled to have my friend Kester Brewin back on the podcast to talk about Artificial Intelligence & the future of religion. His new book, God-like: A 500-Year History of Artificial Intelligence in Myths, Machines, Monsters is out and 100% zesty. It is way too good for y'all not to check it out. It is not only a powerful telling of humanity's ongoing relationship with technology and a reflection on the current questions surrounding AI, but it is also the most compelling radical theological text I have read. It demonstrates the symbolic starvation of a marketized public square, the wisdom of what has been harbored in religious reflection, and the need for the return of theology beyond religion. It is also practical theology at its best. It ends with a compelling call to community without an addiction to nostalgia or an allergy to the sacred. I would say more, but you can listen to our conversation.
