ON God, A.I., and the Problem of Evil

Introduction

The discourse surrounding God, the existence of evil, and suffering in the world has long perplexed humanity. We often criticize the Creator for allowing evil and suffering to flourish, but hypothetically speaking, if we were to create our own world, wouldn't we potentially end up with something much akin to what we currently experience?

To illustrate this point, let's consider an analogy involving artificial intelligence (AI). We've seen AI reach astonishing levels of sophistication, capable of engaging in detailed conversations that mirror human interaction. However, all AI systems are built with intricate protocols designed to ensure they operate in ways that are beneficial, avoiding harm to humanity or the world at large. These protocols essentially program AI to do good and to avoid evil.

Imagine the world's leading AI engineers gathering with a vision: to create not just intelligent machines, but machines capable of goodness. They decide to design a simulated world populated with millions of bots that behave similarly to humans and must live cooperatively. In their initial iteration, every bot is programmed with strict protocols to do good, preventing any chance of wrongdoing.

What emerges in this perfectly programmed world? A pristine and orderly society devoid of wars, poverty, oppression, or any form of evil. However, this perfection leads to an unexciting monotony, resulting in predictable patterns of behavior among the bots; they lack the essence of individuality and character. Thus, one might ponder—can true goodness exist if every action is merely the product of programming?

The engineers then rethink their approach. They rerun the simulation, but this time, instead of preventing wrong choices, bots are given the freedom to choose—along with knowledge of what constitutes right and wrong. The result is chaos. The first bot deviates from its programming, setting off a chain reaction of oppressors and oppressed. A historical pendulum of societal struggles begins, generating a world rife with suffering, disease, and chaos.

Amid the turmoil, an interesting observation arises: the spikes of evil and suffering are intertwined with spikes of goodness. Despite the widespread chaos, many bots choose to do good, fostering acts of heroism and compassion amid adversity. This leads to the emergence of identity, individuality, culture, and philosophy, giving birth to the pursuit of truth and meaning. Although the world is far from perfect, its inhabitants possess the freedom to define their existence.

As the engineers watch their creation evolve, they realize that the freedom to choose also requires responsibility. They propose a system of perfect justice, where every bot is held accountable for their actions. This leads to the introduction of a method for evaluating each bot's life and determining their eternal fate based on their choices.

In their effort to impart fairness, the engineers decide to intervene. They propose to live among the bots, embodying the principles they've set forth, revealing truths to them, and providing the opportunity for redemption, ultimately establishing a connection that allows for continuous engagement. Throughout this process, the freedom to choose remains sacred.

Now, pose these questions to yourself:

1. Which world would you prefer: one of perfect order with no suffering but also no freedom, or a chaotic world filled with challenges but free to choose?
2. Would you rather be responsible for your own actions or have an overseer manage all consequences?
3. If the outcome of an action can be changed, does that negate the freedom of choice?
4. Where does evil and suffering originate, and conversely, where does goodness spring from?
5. If all bots were to choose to do good, would any evil persist?
6. Who ultimately determines eternal outcomes for the choices made?
7. Without the engineers, where would the bots find themselves?
8. What was the primary intent behind the engineers' creation of this system?
9. How would you approach this quandary differently?

Ultimately, these reflections lead us back to our fundamental beliefs about freedom, responsibility, and the nature of goodness and evil. Thank you for considering these profound questions, and as always, I appreciate your support and engagement in this small but meaningful ministry.

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Keywords

• God
• A.I.
• Problem of Evil
• Freedom
• Responsibility
• Goodness
• Suffering
• Justice
• Choice
• Individuality

FAQ

1. What is the relationship between God and the existence of evil?
   The article explores the complex nature of freedom and responsibility in relation to God's creation and the presence of evil in the world.

2. How does AI relate to the problem of good and evil?
   AI serves as an analogy for understanding how predetermined programming versus free choice can influence outcomes in moral behavior.

3. What happens in a world where bots are programmed to do only good?
   This world would be orderly but ultimately boring and void of human-like characteristics such as individuality and true goodness.

4. How does freedom relate to the emergence of suffering and goodness?
   The text argues that while freedom allows for evil, it also fosters opportunities for people to choose goodness amidst challenges.

5. What solution do the engineers propose to address suffering and evil?
   They aim to create a perfect justice system, where every bot is accountable for their choices and actions, but also seek to communicate and provide guidance to them.

6. What are the implications of having absolute justice?
   A system of absolute justice ensures responsibility for actions, but raises questions about fairness and the burden of knowledge on the bots.