Artificial intelligence (AI) has transcended its traditional domains to permeate novel realms, and now, religious institutions like The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are contemplating its integration into their religious processes. Elder Gerrit W. Gong, a prominent figure in the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, has been deliberating on the potential applications of AI in the continuous restoration of the gospel.
Over the centuries, technological breakthroughs have catalyzed the advancement of religious activities, extending from construction and communication to transportation. These innovative technologies have been instrumental in disseminating the gospel’s message to every corner of the globe. Elder Gong accentuated the importance of viewing AI as a supplement to, rather than a replacement for, the significance of divine revelation.
The Church is actively exploring diverse avenues to leverage AI in its services to the members. Whether it’s genealogy research, language translation, process automation, or auxiliary services, AI holds the promise of optimizing and streamlining various facets of religious endeavors. Nevertheless, Elder Gong advocated for a tempered approach, cautioning against excessive zeal or apprehension regarding AI usage, and underscoring the necessity for equilibrium and discernment.
To ensure the ethical and responsible utilization of AI within the Church, Elder Gong and Elder John C. Pingree Jr., a General Authority Seventy, have delineated seven principles endorsed by the First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles. These principles double up as a guiding beacon for individuals navigating the swiftly evolving landscape of AI. The principles encompass:
Core Principles
- Spiritual Integration:
- AI should fortify and bolster the bond between individuals and God.
- All AI applications must align with the Church’s principles, ethics, and values.
- Transparency:
- Users should be informed when interacting with AI.
- The Church will acknowledge content generated by AI as required to avert confusion.
- Confidentiality and Security:
- The protection of sacred and personal data is the Church’s utmost priority in AI utilization.
- Responsibility:
- AI implementation will comply with Church policies and pertinent regulations.
- Regular scrutiny and assessment of AI outputs will ensure precision, veracity, and conformity.
Elder Gong accentuated the significance of seeking sagacity and relying on credible sources when engaging with AI. While AI can furnish rapid access to information, it cannot supplant divine revelation or engender absolute truth. Thus, individuals are advised to exercise discernment and corroborate AI-acquired information with their spiritual discernment and knowledge.
The Church encourages its members to repose faith in the Holy Ghost’s influence, exercise prudence, and draw from trustworthy sources like scriptures, prophetic teachings, and the official Church platforms. Elder Gong reassured that the Church stands prepared to counter any fallacious content propagated by individuals through official channels. He concluded by urging members to embrace the potentials of AI judiciously and thoughtfully, acknowledging its capacity to enrich individuals’ spiritual expedition and draw them closer to their Heavenly Father.
FAQ
Q: What is Artificial Intelligence?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) encompasses the development of computer systems capable of executing tasks that conventionally necessitate human intelligence. These systems can process data, make decisions, and learn from experiences.
Q: How is the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints employing AI?
The Church is evaluating various AI applications spanning genealogy research, language translation, process automation, and supportive services. The objective is to refine and streamline religious practices while upholding the Church’s values and principles.
Q: Can AI supplant divine revelation?
No, AI is incapable of replacing divine revelation. Despite providing information and insights, AI lacks the capacity to generate absolute truths or substitute the guidance of the Holy Ghost. Prudence, discernment, and reliance on credible sources are pivotal when utilizing AI in matters of faith.
Q: How can individuals ensure responsible AI usage?
Individuals can adhere to the principles enunciated by Church leaders to deploy AI responsibly. These principles underscore the importance of preserving spiritual connections, transparency, privacy, security, and accountability. Furthermore, exercising wisdom, discernment, and validating data from reliable sources are essential components of responsible AI usage.
Q: What role does the Holy Ghost play concerning AI?
The Holy Ghost serves as a source of guidance and discernment for Church members. While utilizing AI, members are encouraged to rely on the Holy Ghost’s influence to ascertain truth and evade deception. The Holy Ghost, alongside spiritual prudence and trustworthy sources, aids individuals in navigating the intricacies of AI in harmony with their beliefs.
The source of the article is from the blog agogs.sk