The Cost of Innovation Without Connection: Keeping God at the Center of Human Progress

The Cost of Innovation Without Connection

By Brenette Wilder

“Genesis 11:4 Then they said, “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.” ─ NIV

In a world racing towards innovations, we must ask what happens to humanity if electronic inventions become the primary connection with mankind? Today, any information we seek can be found on programmable devices. We can find the who’s who of notable people or learn how things work on the computer. Through satellite technology, the brilliance of the deep universe becomes visible to us.

Scientific data is being used to find cures for diseases. Microchips can be implanted into the brain to help the body perform functions. Prosthetic limbs are able to aid physical mobility. There’s no limit to future scientific explorations. Whether it is improving productivity or serving humanity, technology is on the front line of mind-boggling discoveries. Some scientists are even working towards building androids with human intelligence.

All of this can be very helpful, but in regard to technology with human intelligence, we should proceed with caution. It’s easy to forget that the world greatest innovative design came from God, whose creation of the heavens and earth detailed a thoughtful balance between man and every living thing.

During creation, God said, “Let us make human beings in our image. Make them reflecting our nature so they can be responsible for the fish in the sea, the birds in the air, the cattle ─ And, yes, Earth itself, and every animal that moves on the face of Earth. God created human beings; he created them godlike, Reflecting God’s nature. He created them male and female. God blessed them: Prosper! Reproduce! Fill Earth! Take charge! Be responsible for fish in the sea and birds in the air, Genesis 1:26-28.”

It was not until man disobeyed God by eating from the tree of knowledge of good and evil that sin entered into the world and life became tainted. And it didn’t take long before we became self-driven innovators that stopped seeking God’s presence to determine how we should design and maintain community.

Recently I heard Dario Amodei, CEO of Anthropic express his concerns about the potential job losses due to Artificial Intelligence (AI) advancements. “He warned that AI could eliminate up to 50% of entry-level white-collar jobs and increase unemployment rates to as high as 20% within the next one to five years.” He believes that the development of AI is moving too fast and needs to be slowed down. By doing so, it gives us time to implement solutions like regulations to prevent negative outcomes, transparency, and open discussions about future concerns.

I would also add that slowing down gives us time to collaborate with our Creator, allowing Him to guide us in forming meaningful and workable bonds that connect men and women throughout the design process.

Take Genesis 11:4 for example, after the flood the entire world spoke one language. Innovative thinkers during this time discovered the consequences of self-sufficiency outside of God’s will and collaboration when they put their brilliant minds together to build an architectural design for a novel advancement. For prideful reasons, their mindset was ─ “Come, let us build ourselves a city, with a tower that reaches to the heavens, so that we may make a name for ourselves; otherwise, we will be scattered over the face of the whole earth.”

When I hear words like “let US build” and “so that WE may make” they feel rooted in self-centered perspectives. And, similar to our fast-paced world, they didn’t wait to hear from God. They wanted to be the first to build something original, something innovative that wouldn’t scatter them here and there across the Earth.

Instead of unity with God, they disunited themselves from His opinion because they wanted to be admired and make a name for themselves. Later in the story we learn that God was disappointed in what was happening, so He scattered them and turned their language into babble. ─ Genesis 11:6-9.”

It’s important to note that when motives become sinful, don’t think for one moment God doesn’t recognize it. And if He decides to redirect our motives to be more in line with His purpose, be ready for disruptions, divisions, or our plans coming to a halt. That is exactly what happened in Genesis 11, the very thing they were afraid of happened anyway.

Their lack of connecting with God centered around a tower, now I am afraid it may be AI.

Let’s learn from history. Let’s not separate our purpose from God's purpose. Build workable opportunities between man and AI with God’s help. Invite Him to the table when you are brainstorming and experimenting with new computer intelligence that can exponentially affect human careers and lifestyles.

He is the best person to help create an outcome that is equitable for all.

Continue Fishing with - Net.

Brenette Wilder Author of Netted Together