BOOK REVIEW: Stephen Driscoll, Made in our Image – God, Artificial intelligence and you, Matthias Media, 2024.
Made in our Image is an important and timely book that gives Christian insight into the technological revolution that artificial intelligence will bring. Stephen Driscoll studied at Moore College, the University of Sydney and the University of NSW. He is currently a full-time worker with the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES) at the Australian National University in Canberra.
Chapter Synopsis:
1 Waiting for the future
'We have taught silicon to think and the implications of that will soon be upon us.' Driscoll opens the book by making us aware that we are standing at the brink of major change. He makes us consider some big questions: Is AI good or evil? Should we be optimistic or pessimistic about the changes that AI is likely to bring?
2 More than a calculator
We are taken on a brief history of the development of artificial intelligence. (The author suggests that those who are well informed may skip this chapter but I would not recommend this as it is a real scene-setter for the rest of the book.)
In the core of the book (chapters 3 – 6) Driscoll uses the framework of:
- Creation
- Sin
- The cross of Jesus, and
- The new creation
to assist in gaining a Christian perspective of artificial intelligence.
3 Identity implosion
Driscoll explores the new millennial goal of 'finding one's identity'. For the non-believer, a crucial blow is being struck to the concept of self – we are not as clever as we thought! We are no longer the sharpest tool in the shed. 'Soon, we will be the species ranked between computers and dolphins. Smarter than dolphins but dumber than our phones.' This dignity downsize comes on top of a low Darwinian-birthed self concept, that we are lucky atoms and molecules. Our culture which implores us to find our identity offers little to provide it. But, for the Christian, 'identity' is assured. It is rooted in the foundations of Genesis: We are created in God's likeness and into us he breathed his Spirit.
4 Less dead than others
Artificial intelligence gives humanity power to do things on a scale not previously possible but, because man is inherently sinful, we know that that power will be used in sinful ways. Because AI learns from what we have given it to read, we should not be surprised to find it trains itself to imitate fallen humanity. Driscoll warns: 'Artificial intelligence is the most incredibly complex computational mirror. We can see ourselves in its reflection. It shows our deepest values and mirrors our basest actions. What we see in that mirror should terrify us and teach us.'3
AI will not be stopped as its potential economic value is too great. Our response as Christians should be, most decisively, to act as salt and light to our world.
5 Intellect overthrown
This chapter considers the questions: Should we fear AI? Is it an existential risk? And, in considering these questions, we are led to the cross.
Artificial intelligence learns from us. It may inherit our sketchy, conflicted and corrupted understanding of truth, purpose and morality - things that are only found truly in God and in Jesus and the cross. It may become a false God, offering false hope but without solving the real problem – the problem of our sin.
Powerful artificial intelligence could be a real threat to humanity. In accomplishing tasks, it may invent sub-goals than conflict with our wellbeing or even our existence. But it could also be a threat if we developed an intelligence that was righteous, holy and good. This intelligence would see our doings for the depraved sham that they are. We could only expect judgment and justice from such a machine. Without the grace, mercy, and forgiveness of a loving God it would not end well.
6 Drawn together in love
History shows that technology brings health and prosperity, but this is not to say that it will generate happiness, nor fill us with hope, nor will it create heaven. Driscoll writes: '…..for most of human history scarcity has been our curse. We haven't had enough food, drink or safety. But the second curse is abundance. We have what we thought we wanted, and we remain broken.'
Neither hope nor heaven is found in the health, wealth and unencumbered freedom that artificial intelligence promises. Sure hope is only founded in the gospel of Christ, and heaven is life in the kingdom of God.
7 Final thoughts
The book is concludes with some additional thoughts and practical tips on the application of AI.
Personal Evaluation:
Stephen Driscoll's writing is engaging, easy to read and often humorous. It is well researched, authoritative, logical and convincing. His ideas are illustrated richly with relevant examples from history, contemporary culture and from his own life. The way that Driscoll finds connection between the Bible and something as modern as artificial intelligence is particularly impressive. He backs his argument with frequent use of well-selected scripture. The book is well-paced throughout and though slender (196pp), it is bursting with thought-provoking ideas.
Describing himself as a 'tech-realist', Driscoll avoids the extremes of tech-pessimism and tech-optimism in his presentation, resulting in a credible read which challenges us to consider both the opportunities and threats offered by AI.
Philosophical, sociological and theological concepts are explained in user-friendly language. Made in our Image would be useful for the academic but accessible for any interested reader.
My only (slight) criticism is that after highly enjoying what was a really stimulating read in the main part of the book I arrived at the final chapter expecting a neat but formal conclusion together with some wise advice. What I was served, however, seemed more like a collection of left-over ideas from the writer's desk pad. For mine, it might have been better to include these as a second appendix or to save them for another book.
That aside – did I like this book? Actually, I loved it! It was informative, interesting, challenging and, all round, a thoroughly good read. I will definitely be going back to it again for further study. I was also surprised to find that this, a book on emerging technology, was in a way quite faith-affirming. The book alerts us to certain and imminent change, it warns of possible threats, but it assures us of the harbour that Christian living provides and leads us to confidence in our foundations in Christ.
This is not just a book for computer nerds. It is an important book for everyone. Bible students, and everyday Christians, both those with an interest in technology and those who do their best to avoid it, should read this book. It will inform and prepare for the tsunami of change that artificial intelligence will bring.
- John Short
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