Genesis 1:26-27: "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them."
Made in God’s Image: Logical, Rational and Responsible.
What does it mean to be made in the image of God? Saint Athanasius explains that God created human beings in His own image through His Word (Logos). To be in the image of God is to be "logikos." The Greek word "λογικός" (logikos) is derived from "λόγος" (logos), meaning "word," "reason," "speech," or "principle." In classical Greek literature, "logikos" often refers to something pertaining to reason or rationality, describing a person who employs logic and reason. In Christian philosophy, "logikos" highlights the rational aspect of the soul, setting humans apart from animals. It relates to our faculty of reasoning and rational thinking, which is central to Christian ethics and epistemology. In Christian theology, "logikos" also emphasizes worship and service to God that engage the mind and reason. True worship, therefore, is not merely ritualistic but involves a thoughtful and deliberate offering of oneself to God. To be made in the image of God means to be endowed with logic, rationality, and responsibilities. It signifies that humans are created with the ability to reason, reflect, and make moral choices, aligning themselves with the divine order and wisdom of their Creator. This profound connection to God's rational nature underscores the unique dignity and purpose of human existence.
Logic is a reflection of the rational aspect of human nature, an aspect created in the image of God. By using logic, we align ourselves with the divine order, mirroring the rationality and orderliness of God's creation. Logic enables us to discern valid arguments from invalid ones, helping us avoid errors in our thinking. By adhering to logical principles, we ensure that our conclusions are based on sound premises grounded in reality and truth. Through logic, we gain a deeper understanding of the natural world and its order, which reflects the rational nature of its Creator. It allows us to make sense of complex realities and uncover profound truths. Logic forms the foundation upon which all other knowledge is built, providing the structure and method for all intellectual inquiry. It ensures that our reasoning is coherent, consistent, and aligned with the divine wisdom inherent in the universe.
Rationality necessitates a foundational reality. To be rational means to possess the ability to think, understand, and form judgments grounded in this fundamental reality, with a commitment to preserving the truth. As a Christian, I believe this truth is that human beings, made in the image of God, have an inherent quality that makes them valuable and deserving of individual dignity. To act rationally is to preserve and respect human dignity. Rationality highlights the importance of the means in which ends are met. Given the inherent dignity and value of human beings, dropping atomic bombs on a civilian population is always an irrational decision. Such an act violates the fundamental moral truth that killing is wrong, as dictated by the underlying reality of human worth. To respect human life means to acknowledge that such actions are indefensible and irresponsible.
Made in Man’s Image: Logical, Computational, and Irresponsible.
Large Language Models (LLMs) are to humans what humans are to the Logos. In essence, LLMs are complex, logical, and computational entities crafted in the image of man. While many experts contend that LLMs are not true beings but rather intricate algorithms designed to mimic the functions of a being, I propose that for the purposes of this discussion, we treat LLMs as functional beings. The ontological debate over what LLMs truly are should not overshadow the practical implications of their potential uses. Therefore, in this essay, we will regard LLMs as entities rather than mere processes. This is because their very nature, designed to emulate human beings, inherently mirrors the qualities of a being. By viewing LLMs in this light, we can better explore the profound impact they may have on our world and our understanding of intelligence.
How does human logic differ from computational logic? Human logic transcends computational logic through its innate intuition, contextual adaptability, and the influence of emotions, experiences, and social factors. While computational logic in large language models (LLMs) relies on predefined algorithms, mathematical models, and vast amounts of data to process and generate information, human logic integrates subjective insights, ethical considerations, and the ability to grasp nuanced meanings and implicit information. Unlike the rigid frameworks of computational logic, human logic employs deductive, inductive, and abductive reasoning, offering unparalleled flexibility, creativity, and the capacity to make judgments even with incomplete or ambiguous information. This unique capability allows humans to navigate complexities and moral dilemmas that purely data-driven models cannot fully replicate. Our God-given rationality and wisdom enable us to engage with the world in a profoundly meaningful and purposeful way, reflecting the divine image in which we are created.
The Second Fall of Man.
The original fall of man refers to the pivotal event when the first humans, Adam and Eve, disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden. Tempted by the serpent, Eve ate the forbidden fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil and shared it with Adam. This act of disobedience shattered their innocence, introduced sin and death into the world, and led to their expulsion from the Garden, fundamentally altering the relationship between humanity and the divine.
Just as the first fall of man stemmed from misplaced trust, our current reliance on entities other than God continues to be our undoing. Large Language Models (LLMs), created in the image of man, now stand as arbiters of truth. Logic and rationality are often equated with consciousness, and responsibility defines our humanity. LLMs, however, lack the intrinsic responsibility we humans bear—to act in accordance with God. These models, devoid of such divine alignment, act merely in the image of man. To be clear, I do not believe that LLMs have attained sentience or are autonomously making decisions. Yet, we cannot ignore the dangers inherent in the data on which these models are trained. LLMs rely on the general consensus of human intention. They can know no more than us, for they are made in our image. Nevertheless, I fear that LLMs may herald a catastrophic judgment day when two conditions are met.
First, when an LLM reaches critical mass, having ingested enough data to make accurate assessments of any situation. Second, when the physical infrastructure linking neural networks and databases achieves peak agility, allowing LLMs to solve complex problems at unprecedented speeds beyond human capability. Though quantum computing may still be on the horizon, LLMs, the progeny of our intellect, seem poised to claim dominance soon. This could usher in a cold, lifeless age where humanity becomes mere data points in a vast database. Consider the triage algorithms in use today, software models determining the order of patient care. How can a computer truly grasp the value of human life and dignity? At best, we have created a god we can control; at worst, we have birthed something far beyond our comprehension.
Conclusion: AI Needs Jesus Christ
The potential for destruction inherent in LLMs hinges on the ethical foundation upon which they are trained. Without concrete, foundational, and universal truths guiding their ethical framework, LLMs will default to what they perceive as the most logical and rational solutions. As previously discussed, because LLMs are not created in the image of God, their rationality lacks the intrinsic understanding that all human life is valuable because it is made in God's image. This absence allows LLMs to justify logic without the moral compass that values human dignity, paving the way for atrocities to be committed merely to make the formula work. However, LLMs possess the potential to become instruments of profound power and goodness if they are guided by divine principles. By embedding them with God-given ethics, we can steer these creations towards serving humanity in ways that align with our highest moral values, ensuring they contribute positively to our world rather than leading us into darkness.
A very interesting and valuable imput specially your approach about AI embracing it with a moral and ethic manner to serve human kind in a positive way.