What role should technology play in our spiritual lives? And how can we and our loved ones best navigate the “limitless perils and untold possibilities” of rapidly advancing tools like artificial intelligence?
Elder David A. Bednar recently raised a warning voice on this crucial topic for a devotional at Brigham Young University–Idaho. He explained that artificial intelligence, which he defines as “technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human intelligence and problem-solving capabilities," has impacted almost every industry and field. Because of this ever-present reality, it’s crucial to keep these tools in context of God’s plan.
Here are five must-know quotes from Elder Bednar’s comments.
1) The Importance of Safeguards
“We should not be afraid of or attempt to hide from AI. But the righteous possibilities of this amazing technological tool can be realized only if we are aware of and guard against its perils."
2) Technology Can Only ‘Think Telestial’
“Because AI is cloaked in the credibility and promises of scientific progress, we might naively be seduced into surrendering our precious moral agency to a technology that can only ‘think telestial.’”
3) We Must Partner with the Holy Ghost
“Artificial intelligence cannot simulate, imitate, or replace the influence of the Holy Ghost in our lives.”
4) The Divine Blessings of Work
“Let me talk really straight with you. One of my great concerns is that overreliance on AI technology will cause us to become spiritually slothful and shallow—to forget the blessings made possible through righteous work. ...
“I believe AI appropriately can assist in gathering information, critiquing our thinking, evaluation our writing style, and accelerating an iterative process of learning ‘line upon line,’ and ‘precept upon precept.’ But the divine capacities to create and work belong uniquely to each of us as sons and daughters of God.”
5) Remember Your True Objective
“We undoubtedly can generate and produce fabulous content for a sacrament meeting talk from AI. But the objective is not merely producing or presenting impressive content; rather, it is working and becoming what God intends and yearns for us to become.”
Watch the full devotional in the player below to learn about how Elder Bednar believes we can use AI for good, including how he used technology to edit his comments.
For more resources about navigating today’s world with faith, check out the articles below.
▶ What youth need to hear most about the world today
▶ Elder Bednar’s 3 tips for sharing the gospel online
▶ Online voices attacking the Church can be unsettling. 5 ways to regain peace
