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2084 and the AI Revolution, Updated and Expanded Edition: How Artificial Intelligence Informs Our Future
Will technology change what it means to be human? You don't have to be a computer scientist to have discerning conversations about artificial intelligence and technology. We all wonder where we're headed. Even now, technological innovations and machine learning have a daily impact on our lives, and many of us see good reasons to dread the future. Are we doomed to the surveillance society imagined in George Orwell's 1984 ? Mathematician and philosopher John Lennox believes that there are credible answers to the daunting questions that AI poses, and he shows that Christianity has some very serious, sensible, evidence-based responses about the nature of our quest for superintelligence. 2084 will introduce you to a kaleidoscope of In straight-forward language, you'll get a better understanding of the current capacity of AI, its potential benefits and dangers, the facts and the fiction, as well as possible future implications. The questions posed by AI are open to all of us, daunting as they might be. And they demand answers. 2084 is written to challenge and ignite the curiosity of all readers. No matter your worldview, Lennox provides clear information and credible answers that will bring you real hope for the future of humanity.
384 pages, Hardcover
First published June 2, 2020
732 people are currently reading
2531 people want to read
About the author
John C. Lennox
71 books942 followersJohn Carson Lennox is Professor of Mathematics in the University of Oxford, Fellow in Mathematics and the Philosophy of Science, and Pastoral Advisor at Green Templeton College, Oxford. He is also an Adjunct Lecturer at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford University and at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics and is a Senior Fellow of the Trinity Forum. In addition, he teaches for the Oxford Strategic Leadership Programme at the Executive Education Centre, Said Business School, Oxford University.
He studied at the Royal School Armagh, Northern Ireland and was Exhibitioner and Senior Scholar at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University from which he took his MA, MMath and PhD. He worked for many years in the Mathematics Institute at the University of Wales in Cardiff which awarded him a DSc for his research. He also holds an MA and DPhil from Oxford University and an MA in Bioethics from the University of Surrey. He was a Senior Alexander Von Humboldt Fellow at the Universities of Würzburg and Freiburg in Germany. He has lectured extensively in North America, Eastern and Western Europe and Australasia on mathematics, the philosophy of science and the intellectual defence of Christianity.
He has written a number of books on the interface between science, philosophy and theology. These include God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? (2009), God and Stephen Hawking, a response to The Grand Design (2011), Gunning for God, on the new atheism (2011), and Seven Days that Divide the World, on the early chapters of Genesis (2011). Furthermore, in addition to over seventy published mathematical papers, he is the co-author of two research level texts in algebra in the Oxford Mathematical Monographs series.
He studied at the Royal School Armagh, Northern Ireland and was Exhibitioner and Senior Scholar at Emmanuel College, Cambridge University from which he took his MA, MMath and PhD. He worked for many years in the Mathematics Institute at the University of Wales in Cardiff which awarded him a DSc for his research. He also holds an MA and DPhil from Oxford University and an MA in Bioethics from the University of Surrey. He was a Senior Alexander Von Humboldt Fellow at the Universities of Würzburg and Freiburg in Germany. He has lectured extensively in North America, Eastern and Western Europe and Australasia on mathematics, the philosophy of science and the intellectual defence of Christianity.
He has written a number of books on the interface between science, philosophy and theology. These include God’s Undertaker: Has Science Buried God? (2009), God and Stephen Hawking, a response to The Grand Design (2011), Gunning for God, on the new atheism (2011), and Seven Days that Divide the World, on the early chapters of Genesis (2011). Furthermore, in addition to over seventy published mathematical papers, he is the co-author of two research level texts in algebra in the Oxford Mathematical Monographs series.
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June 3, 2022
Very well written, intelligent and thoughtful.
I appreciate the biblical references and how they apply to our world today.
Tremendous scientific research went into writing this book.
I appreciate the facts, quotes and proof that science does not conflict with the bible.
I appreciate the biblical references and how they apply to our world today.
Tremendous scientific research went into writing this book.
I appreciate the facts, quotes and proof that science does not conflict with the bible.
October 7, 2020
So…I’m not quite sure what to do with this book. John Lennox is a bona fide genius (PhD, DPhil, DSc, Professor Emeritus at Oxford). He’s the intellectual that comes out to dispute Dawkins, Harris, and the other New Atheists as the resident British scientist in the field of Christian apologetics. And usually he’s quite good. I was very curious what his take on technology and artificial intelligence would be even though those ideas are a bit out of his normal wheelhouse.
Despite its small size and marketing to a general audience, the book is rather dense. If you’re a newcomer to the field or a newcomer to Lennox, you may find yourself lost amid his myriad of scientific and cultural references. I also found that the book leaned too heavily as a response to Dan Brown’s novel Origins and Yuval Harari’s non-fiction books Sapiens and Homo Deus. Readers who do not have a working knowledge of these titles are at a disadvantage as Lennox often writes as if he is providing commentary on those books. There is literally an entire chapter devoted to reviewing Origins and explaining why this fictional novel does not comport with reality.
Lennox shines brightest when he is simply explaining the technology behind artificial intelligence, how it has advanced in recent years, and where top people in the field believe it is going. In these sections, Lennox acts as a journalist rather than a commentator and its in those sections I found Lennox most helpful.
His most helpful commentary comes as a response to Yuval Harari. This is unfortunate because, unless you are familiar with his books, you miss out on a fair amount of context (as well as being able to determine if his critique of Harari is contextual and fair). Readers who are unfamiliar can muddle through, but 2084 fails to stand on its own and is instead propped up by these other works.
In the end, I honestly can’t decide if my disappointment in 2084 comes from my high opinion of Lennox’s previous work, my incorrect expectations, or Lennox’s failure to provide a cohesive, standalone critique of AI. I think it’s a bit of all three. Despite its short size, this was a difficult book to get through and relies too much on other works to construct its own narrative.
Despite its small size and marketing to a general audience, the book is rather dense. If you’re a newcomer to the field or a newcomer to Lennox, you may find yourself lost amid his myriad of scientific and cultural references. I also found that the book leaned too heavily as a response to Dan Brown’s novel Origins and Yuval Harari’s non-fiction books Sapiens and Homo Deus. Readers who do not have a working knowledge of these titles are at a disadvantage as Lennox often writes as if he is providing commentary on those books. There is literally an entire chapter devoted to reviewing Origins and explaining why this fictional novel does not comport with reality.
Lennox shines brightest when he is simply explaining the technology behind artificial intelligence, how it has advanced in recent years, and where top people in the field believe it is going. In these sections, Lennox acts as a journalist rather than a commentator and its in those sections I found Lennox most helpful.
His most helpful commentary comes as a response to Yuval Harari. This is unfortunate because, unless you are familiar with his books, you miss out on a fair amount of context (as well as being able to determine if his critique of Harari is contextual and fair). Readers who are unfamiliar can muddle through, but 2084 fails to stand on its own and is instead propped up by these other works.
In the end, I honestly can’t decide if my disappointment in 2084 comes from my high opinion of Lennox’s previous work, my incorrect expectations, or Lennox’s failure to provide a cohesive, standalone critique of AI. I think it’s a bit of all three. Despite its short size, this was a difficult book to get through and relies too much on other works to construct its own narrative.
July 3, 2020
I came upon this book rather randomly and was immediately excited about the prospects it offered. The first couple of chapters drew me in as Lennox introduced some truly fascinating and important issues in the world's of technology, evolution, philosophy and religion.
It is hard to express my true disappointment in what followed. Lennox appears to shift gears suddenly; and goes from a man who seems well educated, reasoned and capable of coherent argument to a man who does nothing but make wildly outlandish remarks with little to no merit whatsoever.
He wages a war against Yuval Harari and his popular collection of books, and in doing so completely embarrasses himself to the point where I actually feel pity for him and those who resonate with what he is speaking.
Lennox feels that he can disregard credible scientific information, quote the bible as his source of evidence for ridiculous, completely illogical arguments... And then turn around and act like he himself is a man of science.
Overall I was simply blown away by how terrible this book was.
It is hard to express my true disappointment in what followed. Lennox appears to shift gears suddenly; and goes from a man who seems well educated, reasoned and capable of coherent argument to a man who does nothing but make wildly outlandish remarks with little to no merit whatsoever.
He wages a war against Yuval Harari and his popular collection of books, and in doing so completely embarrasses himself to the point where I actually feel pity for him and those who resonate with what he is speaking.
Lennox feels that he can disregard credible scientific information, quote the bible as his source of evidence for ridiculous, completely illogical arguments... And then turn around and act like he himself is a man of science.
Overall I was simply blown away by how terrible this book was.
August 15, 2020
Extremely timely, very readable, and thought-provoking. I think everyone should read this book, whether or not you are a believer or an agnostic.
November 1, 2021
If the title of this book had been: “A christian interpretation of the future of Artificial Intelligence” I probably wouldn’t have had such sense of disappointment when reading it. The initial chapters are very promising, the author then introduces way too many references to three secular books: Origins, Sapiens and Homo Deus, openly criticizing them only to support and reinforce his personal point of view. This is a petty, the title 2084 could have inspired a much deeper reflexion on the evolution of the Big Brother through the lenses of modernity and extrapolating some of the recent trends (i.e. the concept of Metaverse), that are expected to transform reality, with the risk of recreating some of the dystopian experiences described by Orwell in his novel 1984.
July 11, 2023
Incredible. I've never heard an evangelistic argument made quite like this. The central message of this book: The goal of AI and transhumanism to create a man-God misses the point: the God-Man already exists and he was God taking on humanity, not humanity taking on divinity.
I did not expect this book to focus on eschatology so much at the end but it makes sense, AI and the technology world will be the driving force in those end times.
Stephen Hawking once said, "Heaven is a fairy story for those afraid of the dark" and John Lennox responded, "Atheism is a fairy story for those afraid of the light".
Bucket List: Get my copy signed by the man himself at the Sing! Conference
I did not expect this book to focus on eschatology so much at the end but it makes sense, AI and the technology world will be the driving force in those end times.
Stephen Hawking once said, "Heaven is a fairy story for those afraid of the dark" and John Lennox responded, "Atheism is a fairy story for those afraid of the light".
Bucket List: Get my copy signed by the man himself at the Sing! Conference
May 19, 2021
This started really well, talks about AI etc then post chapter 10 turns into evangelical biblical rant. Author takes 2+2 and gets 49 using the new testament.
The author really needs to read a history of the bible and how it has been put together, aramaic to greek to latin to english, the words lost in translation come to mind!
I am a person of faith and believe in God but his extrapolation from AI to the books of Paul and revelations was too much. May as well have gone to church and listened to a priest waffle on!
The author really needs to read a history of the bible and how it has been put together, aramaic to greek to latin to english, the words lost in translation come to mind!
I am a person of faith and believe in God but his extrapolation from AI to the books of Paul and revelations was too much. May as well have gone to church and listened to a priest waffle on!
July 26, 2020
Have you ever wondered how life in the future will be affected with advances in technology and human ingenuity and how that will fit in with Christian theology? Me neither. (Thought this was going to be a book of science, but once the scripture citations started it was difficult to take it seriously from then on.)
January 2, 2021
I’m so grateful for John Lennox, a Christian author of substance and rigour and breadth who models engagement with his subject, who looks into the thoughts behind ideas, who streps into the lion’s den of alternatives and contends for his position in the light of the views of his opponents.
Although a brief book, 2084 is a substantial book. Lennox undertakes a broad consideration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), citing both researchers and philosophers who see a hopeful future made possible by technological emulation - and perhaps exceeding - of human intelligence and being.
This makes for a book which is both informative and probing. Despite Lennox’s clear Christian conviction the tone and content holds value for believer and unbeliever alike. The first two thirds of the book is largely describing the development, uses, future, expectations - and aspirations - of AI.
Lennox then purposefully and generously addresses a Christian approach to human identity, purpose, potential and destiny. Neither AI and its champions nor the the author’s biblical responses are superficial. The great value to be found in this book for Christian and non-Christian alike.
Without dismissing his stated subject, Lennox probes the ideas and worldviews that underlie AI and AGI. The result is a book that has value beyond simply considering technology, but questions of what it means to be human, the existence of God, the predicament of evil, the limitations of mortality and the prospect of life and reality beyond the physical, naturalistic system.
A deep, accessible, timely and masterfully crafted book by a treasured thinker and mentor.
Although a brief book, 2084 is a substantial book. Lennox undertakes a broad consideration of AI (Artificial Intelligence) and AGI (Artificial General Intelligence), citing both researchers and philosophers who see a hopeful future made possible by technological emulation - and perhaps exceeding - of human intelligence and being.
This makes for a book which is both informative and probing. Despite Lennox’s clear Christian conviction the tone and content holds value for believer and unbeliever alike. The first two thirds of the book is largely describing the development, uses, future, expectations - and aspirations - of AI.
Lennox then purposefully and generously addresses a Christian approach to human identity, purpose, potential and destiny. Neither AI and its champions nor the the author’s biblical responses are superficial. The great value to be found in this book for Christian and non-Christian alike.
Without dismissing his stated subject, Lennox probes the ideas and worldviews that underlie AI and AGI. The result is a book that has value beyond simply considering technology, but questions of what it means to be human, the existence of God, the predicament of evil, the limitations of mortality and the prospect of life and reality beyond the physical, naturalistic system.
A deep, accessible, timely and masterfully crafted book by a treasured thinker and mentor.
October 22, 2025
This is my first book by John Lennox, and I am hooked. He speaks so clearly on current affairs in technology and is bold in giving the gospel and relating these issues to the Bible.
2084 will serve as a primer on the current state of technology, more than just AI. Lennox delves into the benefits and advancements that artificial intelligence has made in the past few years and also paints a desperate picture of uses by devious governments and individuals alike.
The end of the book is very helpful in thinking about what consciousness really is and how it relates to us as human beings Lennox ends with where the world is ultimately headed according to the Bible and how technology will get us there.
2084 will serve as a primer on the current state of technology, more than just AI. Lennox delves into the benefits and advancements that artificial intelligence has made in the past few years and also paints a desperate picture of uses by devious governments and individuals alike.
The end of the book is very helpful in thinking about what consciousness really is and how it relates to us as human beings Lennox ends with where the world is ultimately headed according to the Bible and how technology will get us there.
May 11, 2025
As a person with average computer knowledge, I thought Lennox explained the difference between narrow and generative AI in an understandable way. As someone afraid of AI in my career, I appreciated how Lennox gave the pros and cons of AI in the workforce. I still feel nervous, but I now feel a tad more relaxed. Choosing to think changing my job and not ending my job. He continued to reference scripture and he logically made his points. A good portion of the book he was rebutting a couple secular books that I haven’t read, but I followed along just fine. I would recommend this to anyone who’s trying to grasp the Christian life in an AI world.
*I read the 2024 updated edition. A lot has happened in the last year, so he might to do a 3rd update.
*I read the 2024 updated edition. A lot has happened in the last year, so he might to do a 3rd update.
July 10, 2020
Artificial Intelligence is no longer just a science fiction dream. AI is part of our present and part of our future. But what is Artificial Intelligence and what does this penumbra of technologies mean for the future of mankind? Will AI overtake humanity, and if so, will AI operate within an ethical construct? These questions and more are addressed in “2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Humanity” by Dr. John Lennox.
Dr. Lennox is a Professor of Mathematics (Emeritus) at Oxford University, England. He is a thinker and writer who has debated the likes of Richard Dawkins. But more importantly, Dr. Lennox is a follower of Jesus Christ. So, when this august academic writes on the topic of science he is writing based not only on substantial academic credentials, he also writes from a historic Christian worldview. And that is the real value of this book. Dr. Lennox covers the panoply of issues involved with AI while always bringing to the fore the age-old questions, such as: What does it mean to be human? Where do I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going?
In fact, Dr. Lennox masterfully uses AI as the substrate on which to overlay a biblical theology of God’s plan for man in the context of time and eternity. Lennox nails the meta narrative of Scripture while addressing head-on the compelling issues involved with AI. Lennox explains, at length, how mankind wishes to use AI to become god, while in reality the God of the universe became man so that man could live eternally with God.
This is a fascinating and most relevant book. Read the book, then buy a few copies and then give them to your friends who are fascinated with Science and Technology. In doing so, you will introduce them to the God Man, Jesus Christ. Happy reading!
Dr. Lennox is a Professor of Mathematics (Emeritus) at Oxford University, England. He is a thinker and writer who has debated the likes of Richard Dawkins. But more importantly, Dr. Lennox is a follower of Jesus Christ. So, when this august academic writes on the topic of science he is writing based not only on substantial academic credentials, he also writes from a historic Christian worldview. And that is the real value of this book. Dr. Lennox covers the panoply of issues involved with AI while always bringing to the fore the age-old questions, such as: What does it mean to be human? Where do I come from? Why am I here? Where am I going?
In fact, Dr. Lennox masterfully uses AI as the substrate on which to overlay a biblical theology of God’s plan for man in the context of time and eternity. Lennox nails the meta narrative of Scripture while addressing head-on the compelling issues involved with AI. Lennox explains, at length, how mankind wishes to use AI to become god, while in reality the God of the universe became man so that man could live eternally with God.
This is a fascinating and most relevant book. Read the book, then buy a few copies and then give them to your friends who are fascinated with Science and Technology. In doing so, you will introduce them to the God Man, Jesus Christ. Happy reading!
July 7, 2020
In this short book John Lennox plays off of George Orwell’s “1984” and looks to the year 2084 in light of the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). Lennox looks at the human infatuation with AI through a biblical lens. His primary focus of the book is showing whether or not AI, as autonomous computers, is ethical in light of the world we live in with a holy creator God. The last half of the book is spent look at Daniel and Revelation has he highlights the reality that in seeking to create AI we are seeking to creat a god in our own image that we can ultimately control. His whole objective is to show that AI cannot save us, and the ultimate intellect and hope that we have is in Jesus.
June 18, 2021
A most needed contribution to public discourse. Lennox achieves a great feat by providing a solid response to the "Homo Deus" project and feelings behind Yuval Noah Harari's book. He contextualizes this discussion through a brief survey of AI research and the futuristic claims made by AI enthusiasts. These are analyzed against the backdrop of history, ethics and a Christian perspective.
The book is carefully written and very well-researched. It reminded me why I'm thankful for Lennox as a credible public voice for Christianity.
The book is carefully written and very well-researched. It reminded me why I'm thankful for Lennox as a credible public voice for Christianity.
September 4, 2020
Not a terrible book by any means. As someone who picked up the book based on it seeming interesting upon first glance without knowing who Lennox was. Consequently, I wasn’t anticipating this to be argued from a religious perspective. With myself being irreligious I likely wouldn’t have agreed with a purely philosophical argument of AI from a religious perspective, and Lennox takes this a step further making a biblical argument.
This is where Lennox lost me. While it was still mildly interesting from this point on, Lennox lost of intellectual credibility from me as he would cite biblical passages as “evidence” of purported claims that were often other biblical passages. Lennox seemed to lack a genuine philosophical understanding of the difference between propositions and evidence, which is pretty rudimentary in philosophy of logic. The end result was that no real argument was put forth as he was arguing in a circle.
This is where Lennox lost me. While it was still mildly interesting from this point on, Lennox lost of intellectual credibility from me as he would cite biblical passages as “evidence” of purported claims that were often other biblical passages. Lennox seemed to lack a genuine philosophical understanding of the difference between propositions and evidence, which is pretty rudimentary in philosophy of logic. The end result was that no real argument was put forth as he was arguing in a circle.
June 3, 2020
Lennox takes an honest at the current state of AI development and how Christians should respond to things like the transhumanist movement which present a view of human nature far outside what the Bible teaches. His arguments are intelligently made, his research is very well-done (taking the time to look at specific things that transhumanist and atheist writers have recently written on the subject and then deconstructing their ideas). All told, a wonderful book on the theological implications of AI.
December 9, 2020
Excellent! Having read all the books Dr. Lennox is responding to as well as those that appear to inspire this work, he put the thoughts I had at different time into a more systematic contemplation. Excellent book for apologetics of the future. A great response to futuristic forms of materialism. Highly recommend.
April 30, 2022
Relatively more lucid than other books on the topic in recent years - still too focused on details to see the bigger picture clearly. But still, Lennox should be credited for at least glimpsing some of the problematic aspects of the transhumanist, post-scarcity idealism and the technocratic dream of a thoroughly optimized human society that are subtly but insistently championed by many other voices in the AI conversation.
Now, the problem with Lennox is that he is also, apparently, a Christian with whacky creationist notions of his own, including classics like "evolution can't explain the origin of life, it already needs life to be there to get started. Checkmate, atheists!"... and for some reason he insists on dedicating at least a couple sentences of every chapter to making a fool of himself with excursions into these personal delusions of his, which will make it all too easy for critics to dismiss this book without actually having to address his well-justified fears for the future of humanity now that we're learning how to summon daemons.
Now, the problem with Lennox is that he is also, apparently, a Christian with whacky creationist notions of his own, including classics like "evolution can't explain the origin of life, it already needs life to be there to get started. Checkmate, atheists!"... and for some reason he insists on dedicating at least a couple sentences of every chapter to making a fool of himself with excursions into these personal delusions of his, which will make it all too easy for critics to dismiss this book without actually having to address his well-justified fears for the future of humanity now that we're learning how to summon daemons.
December 29, 2025
If you are looking for THE book about AI from a Christian perspective, this needs to immediately go to the top of your list! Mr Lennox is an incredibly gifted thinker and this book offers an excellent overview of the pros, cons, potential benefits and very real dangers (current and future) of AI, all unashamedly based in a Christian worldview. (The only parts of this book I didn’t like were the Reflections in Chapters 8/9, which he actually revealed later to have been written by ChatGPT as an experiment! :D )
I’ve read a lot of books about AI at this point, and this is by far one of the absolute best!
Favorite Quote: “It is important to point out that idols were, and still are, things that people trusted rather than things they loved. They often feared their idols. “Worship” meant more of an acceptance of superior authority, a “bowing down” before the authority, rather than any sense of affection or positive devotion. “
I’ve read a lot of books about AI at this point, and this is by far one of the absolute best!
Favorite Quote: “It is important to point out that idols were, and still are, things that people trusted rather than things they loved. They often feared their idols. “Worship” meant more of an acceptance of superior authority, a “bowing down” before the authority, rather than any sense of affection or positive devotion. “
February 24, 2024
Lennox shines in the first half of the book where he challenges readers to consider not only the question of “what can we use AI for” but also “should we use AI for these tasks?” Though Lennox seeks to show how the gospel truly fulfills the desires behind many of the advances in AI, his exegesis often falls flat which dampens the prophetic nature of the book.
June 28, 2025
Great discourse on the role of religion in moulding an ethical and sentiment omnipotent AI. Nice work on discussing machine learning and AI potential to advance humanity and the potential ramifications.
November 1, 2024
Interesting concepts and a wildly different approach to thinking about AI development. I enjoyed how in-depth Lennox goes into the secular beliefs about AI and humanity and their ramifications versus a Christian perspective.
December 14, 2023
As a christian who is interested in technology and mostly digital minimalism, I read this book in hope of learning more about a subject in technology I know barely anything about and to learn from a biblical perspective, how to go about thinking about A.I.
However, I was really let down with this book.
John Lennox is obviously a really intelligent man, a bioethicist and a mathematician (and fun fact - he's from the same place as my boyfriend, which is probably one of the reasons I was gifted this book haha), but you can tell that this guy is an christian academic just by reading this book.
It felt like reading an essay the whole time, and a lot of the time, Lennox fills up his pages with quotes from other authors and scholars, and so it didn't flow well and we don't get to see much of his own opinion in this book as it's mostly what other people think.
Another issue is 2084 is more so large essay on a christian perspective of three books, these being Origin by Dan Brown, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, and Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. But if you, like me, haven't read these books then it's difficult to fully grasp what Lennox is getting at.
There are other books that do this well, such as Amusing Ourselves to Death, a personal favourite of mine, which compares 1984 and Brave New World, but doesn't do so by just simply quoting the text and explaining it but by showing us in examples how our world is like Brave New World. My point here is that I have never read Brave New World and yet I didn't struggle to understand what was going on while reading the book, while I did in 2084.
2084 actually starts off really strong, in fact Lennox quotes Amusing Ourselves to Death in the first chapter, which peaked my interest straight away. He explains what AI is and a few issues with it which I can tell he's strong in. But when he goes into talking about the ethical issues of AI he loses momentum and starts waffling on a bit, to the point where it seems like he's been asked by a lecturer to write an ethical essay on something he knows nothing about (I say this from personal experience)
I didn't actually learn anything new about A.I and I think this book was quite inaccessible and its a shame he took on the title 2084 when 1984 was such a masterpiece.
2084 really wasn't it.
I will say that the last few chapters about A.I and end times was interesting but I think he could have written it in a way that was a lot easier to understand.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone thinking about christian ethics and A.I
However, I was really let down with this book.
John Lennox is obviously a really intelligent man, a bioethicist and a mathematician (and fun fact - he's from the same place as my boyfriend, which is probably one of the reasons I was gifted this book haha), but you can tell that this guy is an christian academic just by reading this book.
It felt like reading an essay the whole time, and a lot of the time, Lennox fills up his pages with quotes from other authors and scholars, and so it didn't flow well and we don't get to see much of his own opinion in this book as it's mostly what other people think.
Another issue is 2084 is more so large essay on a christian perspective of three books, these being Origin by Dan Brown, Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow, and Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind. But if you, like me, haven't read these books then it's difficult to fully grasp what Lennox is getting at.
There are other books that do this well, such as Amusing Ourselves to Death, a personal favourite of mine, which compares 1984 and Brave New World, but doesn't do so by just simply quoting the text and explaining it but by showing us in examples how our world is like Brave New World. My point here is that I have never read Brave New World and yet I didn't struggle to understand what was going on while reading the book, while I did in 2084.
2084 actually starts off really strong, in fact Lennox quotes Amusing Ourselves to Death in the first chapter, which peaked my interest straight away. He explains what AI is and a few issues with it which I can tell he's strong in. But when he goes into talking about the ethical issues of AI he loses momentum and starts waffling on a bit, to the point where it seems like he's been asked by a lecturer to write an ethical essay on something he knows nothing about (I say this from personal experience)
I didn't actually learn anything new about A.I and I think this book was quite inaccessible and its a shame he took on the title 2084 when 1984 was such a masterpiece.
2084 really wasn't it.
I will say that the last few chapters about A.I and end times was interesting but I think he could have written it in a way that was a lot easier to understand.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone thinking about christian ethics and A.I
December 30, 2020
This book is incredible. It grapples with the origin of humanity - along with our past and future - while navigating the complex questions that rise when we think of AI.
December 21, 2024
We need more Christian thought on artificial intelligence
November 8, 2025
(I read the updated and expanded version, “2084 and the AI Revolution”)
I have an interest in and use AI on a daily basis, I work within the AI space and I am a Christian, so this was a really enjoyable read for me. Lennox is also my favourite Christian scientist and apologist, which probably adds a bit to my bias.
Despite its title, the book isn’t an imagined dystopia in the Orwellian sense. After setting the scene with the bigger questions, Lennox systematically outlines the current state of AI, with its positives (e.g., advances in medicine and diagnostics, efficiency gains, affective AI) and negatives (e.g., job losses, erosion of privacy, surveillance, and increased state control). I found it super helpful to see this horizontal overview of how deeply AI now reaches into every area of life, from banking to medicine, gaming to politics.
Lennox also highlights the likely future developments of AI, both good and bad. In particular, he distinguishes between narrow AI and AGI (artificial general intelligence). The latter refers to a hypothetical intelligence equal to or surpassing human cognition in all its aspects, which might be a potential technological “springboard” for transhumanism, where humans might merge with or even be replaced by intelligent machines.
Unsurprisingly, Lennox argues that “machines may simulate intelligence, but simulation is not the same as consciousness,” and remains overall sceptical of AGI. Still, he engages at length with its philosophical and theological implications. He frequently references Harari’s Homo Deus (literally, “humanity as god”), drawing parallels between its vision and the temptation in Genesis 3: “You shall be like God.”
“The dream of Homo Deus is as old as Eden. What is new is the technology that makes it seem almost plausible.”
As expected, there’s a rich discussion on the theology of the imago Dei, and what it means to be human in the Christian worldview. Lennox also preaches the Gospel throughout, which I love:
“Harari offers humanity as its own saviour. Christianity offers humanity a Saviour.”
This book is substantial, and there’s much more I could say about it (not least his interesting perspective on the book of Revelation!). But I’ll end on a more personal note. As someone working in AI, the book was a timely and crucial reminder that we need Christians in the AI space! We need believers in God, “men and women with strong moral convictions and (…) professional insiders to sit at the ethics table when it comes to the all-important moral questions raised by AI.” It reminded me that I need to do my part, in my small area of influence, to ensure that the research I produce is ethical and advocates for the human being and their unique value in a world that increasingly prizes efficiency over humanity.
Even reading the goodreads reviews, people are split on this book. And I understand why. Lennox is a Christian and that shines through, especially in the second half of the book. If you’re not open to the teaching of Christianity, you might find aspects of this book a little irksome. I recommend it regardless — shouldn’t we engage with different viewpoints?
I have an interest in and use AI on a daily basis, I work within the AI space and I am a Christian, so this was a really enjoyable read for me. Lennox is also my favourite Christian scientist and apologist, which probably adds a bit to my bias.
Despite its title, the book isn’t an imagined dystopia in the Orwellian sense. After setting the scene with the bigger questions, Lennox systematically outlines the current state of AI, with its positives (e.g., advances in medicine and diagnostics, efficiency gains, affective AI) and negatives (e.g., job losses, erosion of privacy, surveillance, and increased state control). I found it super helpful to see this horizontal overview of how deeply AI now reaches into every area of life, from banking to medicine, gaming to politics.
Lennox also highlights the likely future developments of AI, both good and bad. In particular, he distinguishes between narrow AI and AGI (artificial general intelligence). The latter refers to a hypothetical intelligence equal to or surpassing human cognition in all its aspects, which might be a potential technological “springboard” for transhumanism, where humans might merge with or even be replaced by intelligent machines.
Unsurprisingly, Lennox argues that “machines may simulate intelligence, but simulation is not the same as consciousness,” and remains overall sceptical of AGI. Still, he engages at length with its philosophical and theological implications. He frequently references Harari’s Homo Deus (literally, “humanity as god”), drawing parallels between its vision and the temptation in Genesis 3: “You shall be like God.”
“The dream of Homo Deus is as old as Eden. What is new is the technology that makes it seem almost plausible.”
As expected, there’s a rich discussion on the theology of the imago Dei, and what it means to be human in the Christian worldview. Lennox also preaches the Gospel throughout, which I love:
“Harari offers humanity as its own saviour. Christianity offers humanity a Saviour.”
This book is substantial, and there’s much more I could say about it (not least his interesting perspective on the book of Revelation!). But I’ll end on a more personal note. As someone working in AI, the book was a timely and crucial reminder that we need Christians in the AI space! We need believers in God, “men and women with strong moral convictions and (…) professional insiders to sit at the ethics table when it comes to the all-important moral questions raised by AI.” It reminded me that I need to do my part, in my small area of influence, to ensure that the research I produce is ethical and advocates for the human being and their unique value in a world that increasingly prizes efficiency over humanity.
Even reading the goodreads reviews, people are split on this book. And I understand why. Lennox is a Christian and that shines through, especially in the second half of the book. If you’re not open to the teaching of Christianity, you might find aspects of this book a little irksome. I recommend it regardless — shouldn’t we engage with different viewpoints?
December 27, 2025
This book in a way had unfortunate timing. It was published in 2020, slightly before the launch of ChatGPT in late 2022. But that’s ok, the content is still relevant.
Mostly it’s talking about the ethics of AI.
Chapter 1
What is AI? And the difference between narrow AI and AGI.
Chapter 2
Where do we come from? The difficulties science faces around the origin of life. Note that this is not about evolution but rather the origin of DNA and the first single celled organisms. References to Dan Brown’s Origin.
Chap 3
Trans-human and singularity stuff
Chap 4
All the benefits of AI - medicine detection of cancers in X-rays, watch monitoring etc, language translation
Chap 5
Downsides - potential job losses, mass surveillance, Chinese credit system, military usage
Chap 6
Trans-humanism - the abolition of man as he now is, to create a superman - references to the soviets and Hitler
Chap 7
AGI - is the brain a computer? - many think not - some sort of quantum effects happening. Also argument of Chinese room experiment. Discusses various scenarios for what may happen with superintelligence - from benevolent through to awful
Chap 8
What is a human? From Genesis. Attributes about humans that AI can’t really have - things like an aesthetic sense - AI may be able to produce aesthetic things via their algorithms but you can’t really say it’s conscious of that.
Chap 9
Human moral sense
Even if an AI does not have a conscious conscience, it may still have to make ethical choices, which will have to be guided by the programming and prompts given to it. Thus it’s worthwhile for there to be input to this programming from people in society. Just like we have governments to create laws which ultimately come from our ethics, it would be good to have a similar process, even though it’s messy if these super AI’s start having a controlling or management influence on our society. One example is AI being used in the hiring process - you need to ensure it doesn’t display bias against certain groups.
Next 4 chapters is where some people may turn off.
Chap 10
The true homo deus - ie god-man- is Jesus
One trans-humanist goal is the elimination of death. Already fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection.
Goes through various prophecies about Jesus
But not only elimination of death but a better upgrade that deals with sin
Chap 11
Talks about utopias - the enlightenment was supposed to bring about - which Marxism grossly failed at.
Talks about the return of Christ - divine intervention
Chap 12
Explores the themes in Revelation, the rise of authoritarian control, have to have the mark of the beast to buy and sell, social point system in china, face recognition
Chap 13
Cautions against ultimate trust in tech progress. Recognise benefits of AI but remain vigilant to downsides.
So it's kind of a grab-bag of stuff related to AI. It's not just one neat idea. And it's not pro or anti - it's just discussing all the various aspects of AI and the consequences and ethics surrounding it. This may cause some people to feel a bit lost by the book but I think it's a good overview.
Mostly it’s talking about the ethics of AI.
Chapter 1
What is AI? And the difference between narrow AI and AGI.
Chapter 2
Where do we come from? The difficulties science faces around the origin of life. Note that this is not about evolution but rather the origin of DNA and the first single celled organisms. References to Dan Brown’s Origin.
Chap 3
Trans-human and singularity stuff
Chap 4
All the benefits of AI - medicine detection of cancers in X-rays, watch monitoring etc, language translation
Chap 5
Downsides - potential job losses, mass surveillance, Chinese credit system, military usage
Chap 6
Trans-humanism - the abolition of man as he now is, to create a superman - references to the soviets and Hitler
Chap 7
AGI - is the brain a computer? - many think not - some sort of quantum effects happening. Also argument of Chinese room experiment. Discusses various scenarios for what may happen with superintelligence - from benevolent through to awful
Chap 8
What is a human? From Genesis. Attributes about humans that AI can’t really have - things like an aesthetic sense - AI may be able to produce aesthetic things via their algorithms but you can’t really say it’s conscious of that.
Chap 9
Human moral sense
Even if an AI does not have a conscious conscience, it may still have to make ethical choices, which will have to be guided by the programming and prompts given to it. Thus it’s worthwhile for there to be input to this programming from people in society. Just like we have governments to create laws which ultimately come from our ethics, it would be good to have a similar process, even though it’s messy if these super AI’s start having a controlling or management influence on our society. One example is AI being used in the hiring process - you need to ensure it doesn’t display bias against certain groups.
Next 4 chapters is where some people may turn off.
Chap 10
The true homo deus - ie god-man- is Jesus
One trans-humanist goal is the elimination of death. Already fulfilled in Christ’s resurrection.
Goes through various prophecies about Jesus
But not only elimination of death but a better upgrade that deals with sin
Chap 11
Talks about utopias - the enlightenment was supposed to bring about - which Marxism grossly failed at.
Talks about the return of Christ - divine intervention
Chap 12
Explores the themes in Revelation, the rise of authoritarian control, have to have the mark of the beast to buy and sell, social point system in china, face recognition
Chap 13
Cautions against ultimate trust in tech progress. Recognise benefits of AI but remain vigilant to downsides.
So it's kind of a grab-bag of stuff related to AI. It's not just one neat idea. And it's not pro or anti - it's just discussing all the various aspects of AI and the consequences and ethics surrounding it. This may cause some people to feel a bit lost by the book but I think it's a good overview.
February 3, 2026
John Lennox is a Northern Irish mathematician and Christian apologist known for exploring the relationship between science and faith. He has authored numerous books, debated prominent atheists, and teaches at Oxford. He was recommended to me by a family member and boy am I glad I found his work. We are so fortunate to have this kind of mind on our side of things in regard to a worldview from a Christian, God-centered basis. I feel like now; after reading his updated version of this book, I am an expert in AI. There are so many ways to look at this phenomenon that will probably dominate our future sooner than later. He has an abundance of quotes and takes on all the atheists and writers that look at this technology from a materialistic and humanistic point of view. I thought it was humorous that in chapters 8 & 9 he had ChatGPT create his action or reflection points. He points out over and over again just how far things have progressed. As Yuval Noah Harai writes: "Once Big Data systems know me better than I know myself, authority will shift from humans to algorithms." It is very evident that the billions of dollars being spent will give me an outcome that as an induvial who values my freedom may not like. Look at China for example which is already terrorizing its citizens especially with the Uyghur people using the technology at their disposal. As Putin is quoted: "Whoever becomes the leader in this sphere will become the ruler of the world." The USA has probably already lost the battle if not the war with China and maybe Russia if we do not wake up. I thought the book took an interesting turn and in my opinion for the better when Lennox focused, starting in chapter 12, on the Genesis record from the Bible along with the end times laid out for us in the books of Daniel and Revelations among others. I had never contemplated that an advanced robot with AI capability could be used by the Antichrist to rule the world during the tribulation. Fascinating, very interesting and also very scary stuff contained in his book which makes it a must read.
September 7, 2020
This is a very interesting book on a topic that is becoming increasingly important, and John Lennox does a good job giving an overview of developments and different strands in Artificial Intelligence research, and then giving a biblical response.
The book is focused on two questions: (1) Where did we come from, and (2) Where are we going? He addresses these questions by first considering them from the viewpoints of various AI researches, and then considering them from the Bible.
The first part on AI research is fascinating, and although Lennox is repetitive at times, it was eye-opening where we might be headed very quickly. The second part on the biblical material is very level-headed, and while I didn't agree with every exegetical conclusion, he is very helpful here. This is a book that, because of the rapidly developing subject, will need regular updates for future divisions. The core message, however, is the timeless gospel of the true Homo Deus—Jesus Christ.
The book is focused on two questions: (1) Where did we come from, and (2) Where are we going? He addresses these questions by first considering them from the viewpoints of various AI researches, and then considering them from the Bible.
The first part on AI research is fascinating, and although Lennox is repetitive at times, it was eye-opening where we might be headed very quickly. The second part on the biblical material is very level-headed, and while I didn't agree with every exegetical conclusion, he is very helpful here. This is a book that, because of the rapidly developing subject, will need regular updates for future divisions. The core message, however, is the timeless gospel of the true Homo Deus—Jesus Christ.
June 10, 2025
An informative read on AI that takes a somewhat unexpected turn by the end to describe the history of the world according to Christian doctrine and ends by speculating about the beasts from Revelation. While I'm not sure that adds much to the book as a whole, I do appreciate the author's argument that he has every right to approach this topic from an explicitly Christian worldview, counter to the standard atheistic worldview assumed in most Western scientific writings. But for those looking for information on AI, the first half of the book will be the most interesting and rewarding.
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