The Answers In Genesis (AiG) ministry is setting aside A$6 million this year to use artificial intelligence (AI) to develop technologies to teach scripture, a Biblical worldview and apologetics. Chief Executive Martyn Iles concedes AI can potentially be used for ‘great evil.’ But he adds it can also be used for “good things.”
“A lot of people are attacking recent trends in technology, such as AI and VR (virtual reality). Like the printing press, the personal computer, the internet, the smartphone, or social media, they can all be used for great evil. But just like these technologies, they are going to become part of the fabric of existence. They are becoming the way in which a new generation imbibes content and is transformed by it. And old methods will continue to die or become ineffective,” Mr. Iles posted on social media.
He added that the AiG investment “will coincide with massive investments by other educational content creators, to develop AI as a platform that can teach, debate, assess, and engage. The model will also power mixed reality experiences.”
The ministry’s CEO explained that could include a multitude of possibilities: “From bringing the AiG attractions to life through a rich and immersive augmented reality world … to other locations all over the globe where a Biblical worldview can illuminate and inspire. Museums, historic places, archeological sites, and all sorts can be included. The experience can be delivered on a device as simple as a smartphone, or as complex as the Apple Vision Pro.”
“The possibility also remains open (longer term) to create entire virtual worlds … like immersive time-travelling through world history to encounter Biblical events, archaeological sites, and world-changing moments. All this, in any language, anywhere on the planet.”
Martyn Iles concluded: “Yes, bad things will be done with this technology. We can simply let it happen, or we can enter the fray and fill it with good things. I’m glad people did that with books, the internet, personal computers, smartphones, and social media. With God’s help, we will do it again.”
