Faith in the Age of AI: Christianity Through the Looking Glass of Artificial Intelligence

by Dan Scott

Imagine having lived in the generation that discovered fire. Now, what if current scientific and technological advances reorder our lives every bit as much? Artificial Intelligence, decoding the human genome, links between mind and computer... All these things that were once science fiction are now quickly-and absolutely-becoming science fact. Millions of people feel like aliens in their own country. Like Alice in Wonderland, they no longer understand their families, coworkers, and neighbors. Reality itself has turned slippery. Could machines become sentient? Is "life" really a computer simulation? Does science really have a genetic blueprint for all human life? Believers and unbelievers alike are easily unnerved by such questions. Interestingly though, early Christians, mathematicians, scientists, and philosophers have already addressed these kinds of issues. And they have much to say about our "curiouser and curiouser" new world. In Christianity Through the Looking Glass, pastor, priest, scholar, and counselor Dan Scott invites you to learn what these hallowed ancient voices might have said about faith in the age of Artificial Intelligence.

360 pages, Paperback

Published June 20, 2023

Reviews

[Kenzie Barnett · Rating 1 out of 5]

Use your discernment. I have thought long and hard on how to write this to accurately convey my feelings on this book without being angry. I read this with work colleagues for our job to gain a better understanding of technology (AI specific) with faith as we work at a secular academic institution. This book did not meet those requirements, despite it's advertising. AI is only mentioned briefly in the 23 chapters and more in the theoretical sense. Faith is discussed throughout. However, it does feel more like one individual's philosophical musings on the topic than any sort of researched topic. He even admits in chapter 16 of this book that this book is a result of a set of statement he created from starting to serve as a mental health counselor due to a shortage a few years ago that he then wrote reflections on. I am glad he found a way to make sense of the world, but I cannot condone his attempt to compel everyone else to accept and agree. With my academic profession, it concerns me how little citations there are for his many "facts" throughout the book and the small listing in the back that, when further researched, do not carry them either. I notated my book intensively to gather facts and understand the statements he made, trying to find the link in the few citations or confirm their truthfulness. Somethings cannot be explained away though, such as the paragraphs about slavery in America; that it was a societal evil of the time that the majority of Christians even then were against. (As a history major, I have classes worth of proof disavowing this. For those unaware, they can do a basic Google search of the early years of the Southern Baptist Convention and other similarly named groups to see where this claim falls flat.) I am sure the author means well in sharing his revelations, but his opinions should not be stated as facts nor an educational tool on the topic. He clearly is speaking from his personal experience serving in a church for many years (that are not particularly in step with current Christian culture), about his own interests (which is why 3 chapters are spent explaining how to create a philosophical argument), and about how he personally feels at this time and age (which is valid, but should not be assumed to be the universal experience of everyone as he supposes intentionally and unintentionally throughout the book). I understand this is a long review and I thank you if you've stuck with it for this long. I just feel strongly that it is important to approach this book with the knowledge that it is NOT a resource or information tool; it is a potential discussion or viewpoint to consider. It is an OPINION piece, not an informational text, and should be addressed as such. I do hope it helps people. But I am very concerned with how it strongly is is advertised through current buzzwords than it's actual content or purpose. I advise people reading it to be cautious and take everything with a grain of salt.

[Ross Woods · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dan Scott’s book is about the nature of Christian faith in our times. Let me first say, the book is quite accessible to the non-specialist, and Scott frequently uses personal anecdotes and home-spun illustrations to make his point.

Having said that, he is really looking at big-picture thinking; the book is an ambitious integration of his theology with such diverse fields as physics, mathematics, computing, psychology, comparative religion, and history, to name but a few. It doesn’t really say anything about artificial intelligence itself, although some of the topics come quite close.

He looks for answers to the big questions, such as worldview and perceptions of reality. He explores the brain-mind interrelationship and consciousness. He asks what is mind, meaning, morality, Nature, goodness and evil. He draws a dividing line between humanness and non-humanness, and finally looks at more theological topics such as the role of the Holy Spirit, Scripture, and how faith is a communal experience.

The educated layman will enjoy Scott’s book. And he might be tempted to find out more about the many people and writings to which Scott refers.

[Lisa Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dan Scott is an important voice in our times. His pulse on the modern world and how the changing times inform and impact the past and the future, specifically within the faith community, will be a comfort and compass for many. Faith In The Age Of Artificial Intelligence takes an informed look into the new dimension of AI and provides the reader with important context by which we can apply knowledge to help navigate our changing reality. Dan's love for people, faith, ethics, and academia has culminated in this critical and timely work affecting every part of our lives, from virtual assistance to self-driving cars, healthcare, finances, and manufacturing. It's challenging to understand any of this, but Dan's continued invitation into the complex conversations of our changing times is imperative. To believe that the chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever, the lens we view all wonders is to believe that a greater understanding will light our path.

[Neva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Dan Scott takes a subject that few are willing to address and explains in such a way that causes one to truly examine it. Some of his words may grate on what one has traditionally accepted without truly searching into it, but he does challenge one to dig deeper into why you think what you do. He doesn’t say you are wrong, I am right… he merely asks that you think, and compare what the Bible actually says as he looks into our drastically and rapidly changing world, how and where do we adapt as Christians, and where do we draw the line as we hold onto Godly principals.
Dan Scott has put much research into his writing, and it is evident. While it will challenge the scholar, it is also easily understood by the layman as well.

[Neva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Dan Scott takes a subject that few are willing to address and explains in such a way that causes one to truly examine it. Some of his words may grate on what one has traditionally accepted without truly searching into it, but he does challenge one to dig deeper into why you think what you do. He doesn’t say you are wrong, I am right… he merely asks that you think, and compare what the Bible actually says as he looks into our drastically and rapidly changing world, how and where do we adapt as Christians, and where do we draw the line as we hold onto Godly principals.
Dan Scott has put much research into his writing, and it is evident. While it will challenge the scholar, it is also easily understood by the layman as well.

[Neva · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Dan Scott takes a subject that few are willing to address and explains in such a way that causes one to truly examine it. Some of his words may grate on what one has traditionally accepted without truly searching into it, but he does challenge one to dig deeper into why you think what you do. He doesn’t say you are wrong, I am right… he merely asks that you think, and compare what the Bible actually says as he looks into our drastically and rapidly changing world, how and where do we adapt as Christians, and where do we draw the line as we hold onto Godly principals.
Dan Scott has put much research into his writing, and it is evident. While it will challenge the scholar, it is also easily understood by the layman as well.

[Jules · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this novel so informative and incredibly interesting

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book brought me through a tough time. GOD bless you Dan Scott. You are a testimony that GOD hears prayers!