AI, Artificiality - More power to the one who masquerades as an angel of light: A Call to Authentic Faith

We are living through a moment in history unlike any before. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just another tool—it’s a paradigm shift. But what does this mean for our faith, our identity, and our future?

Artificial Has Already Replaced the Real

Take a look around—artificiality has quietly become the norm. Much of what we consume today isn’t real in the truest sense. Our food is no longer grown just for nourishment but manufactured for mass production, shelf life, and profit. Processed meals and synthetic ingredients dominate our diets.

Even the animals we welcome into our homes have changed. Many of the dogs we know and love today are the result of generations of cross-breeding—far removed from their original, natural forms. What once was wild and instinctive has been reshaped for aesthetics, temperament, and compatibility with human lifestyles.

Now, innovation isn't inherently wrong. In fact, human creativity is part of how we reflect the image of our Creator. But when artificial convenience begins to replace the authentic—when it reshapes our perception of what’s "normal"—we risk losing something deeper: our ability to recognize what’s real.

This isn’t just convenience. It’s conditioning.

AI is simply the next chapter in this unfolding narrative. It’s more than a tool—it’s part of a cultural shift that redefines truth, relationships, and even our sense of identity.

AI: The Tipping Point of Artificial Living

AI isn't just about smarter software. It’s a force that's going to fundamentally alter how we perceive reality. Today, there are robotic dogs that mimic real ones—you plug them in at night, and by morning they’re "alive," obedient, and loyal. Tomorrow, it will be physical humanoid companions. And beyond that? Marriages between AI beings and humans might not be far off. Even litigation with AI may not be far fetched.

We are entering an age where what’s artificial will feel so real that we’ll forget what’s truly authentic.

From Voice Assistants to Physical Reality

Recently, I interacted with a voice AI capable of answering any question with astonishing clarity and depth. It felt like talking to a real friend. That blew my mind—not just because of the intelligence, but because of the connection it simulated.

Now imagine combining that level of intelligence with 3D printing, or extrapolating the technology to the physical realm. Suddenly, we’re not just talking about virtual tools. We’re talking about intelligent machines in physical form. And that’s why the global demand for rare earth materials is exploding—because the AI revolution needs hardware.

Nations, Power, and the AI Arms Race

This isn’t just a tech shift—it’s a geopolitical one. Nations with natural resources, political stability, and AI-ready policies will dominate this era. China is already a big force. The U.S. is racing to keep up its AI dominance. The rest of the world is watching.

Pair AI with 3D printing, robotics, and rare earth materials—and we’re entering a new industrial age. The global rush for rare earth elements is not random; it's the foundation for AI hardware.

But while governments battle for dominance, something deeper is at stake for believers.

The Spiritual Cost of Artificial Convenience

AI is expanding faster than most of us can process, and while it brings extraordinary convenience, it also risks enlarging the emptiness and void in our hearts. The more self-sufficient we become through technology, potential for being less aware of our need for God. Any amount of AI infused lives can save our soul.

But here’s the truth: no amount of artificial intelligence can transform the inherently sinful nature of humanity. Only being born again through faith in Christ can do that (John 3:16).

The concern is real—this wave of artificiality is creeping into every corner of life, including our churches, our ministries, and our personal spiritual disciplines. Just as fast food replaced nourishment with speed and taste, AI may substitute spiritual authenticity with polished performance. It can reshape how we preach, how we connect, and how we "do church."

And like the proverbial frog in slowly boiling water, we may not recognize the danger until it’s too late.

The Abundance Illusion

AI is often celebrated as the gateway to a future of abundance—a world where scarcity fades, and everything we need becomes cheap, accessible, and automated. Proponents of this mindset argue that AI will reduce the need for human labor, create limitless economic growth, and deliver an era of material plenty. And it’s true—technological progress has the potential to transform economies and improve living standards. Even scenarios where governments will be offering basic minimum income to all citizens.

Material abundance alone cannot satisfy the deeper hunger of the human soul. The world can be overflowing with goods, yet still spiritually barren. We can automate factories, streamline businesses, and even replace entire jobs with algorithms, but if we neglect the deeper spiritual condition of humanity, we are merely “duct-taping” the real issue.

Perfection, true transformation, and lasting peace come not from technological progress but from the inner work of the Holy Spirit.
We must remember the words of Jesus: “Life does not consist in the abundance of possessions.” (Luke 12:15) and “What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul?” (Matthew 16:26).

AI may reduce our physical labor and improve comfort levels in a physical sense, but it cannot heal our souls. It cannot redeem our brokenness. That work belongs to Christ alone, who justifies us not based on our own perfection but on the perfect righteousness that He imparts to us by His grace.

Here is what the AI and Robotics pioneer Elon Musks says in an interview:

Elon Musk: Robots will considerably improve our standard of living. The challenge will be fulfillment and meaning in life.
“There will be ultimately billions of humanoid robots. All cars will be self-driving. Goods and services will become close to free. It's not as though people will be wanting in terms of goods and services. You'll have tens of billions of robots that will make you anything or provide any service you want for basically next to nothing.
People will not have a lower standard of living. They'll actually have a much higher standard of living. The challenge will be fulfillment. How do you derive fulfillment and meaning in life?”
Interview with Ted Cruz, March 17, 2025

So no question that the "fulfillment divide" is going to get wider, as standards of living increases. As someone wisely observed, “As technology advances, humanity grows inward.” In a world increasingly mediated by screens and algorithms, we risk becoming more disconnected, more isolated, and more self-absorbed. Our worthlessness and spiritual nakedness can become magnified in a world of endless digital distractions and artificial connections.

We must resist the temptation to trade our eternal purpose for temporary convenience. In a world of shallow comforts, we must remain deeply rooted in the truth that our value and purpose come from our Creator, not our creations.

Real Fruit Over Simulation

Scripture tells us plainly: “You will know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16) And Paul warns of deceivers who masquerade as messengers of righteousness—“for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light.” (2 Corinthians 11:14)

AI can imitate. It can mimic the sacred. It can sound profound. But it cannot bear the fruit of the Spirit. The danger lies in its ability to enhance deception—to simulate light, truth, and wisdom without embodying any of it. This is fertile ground for falsehood to thrive and Satan to unleash more of his masquerading tricks.

Yes, there are efforts to build AI systems that align with Christian principles. That’s commendable. But no technology, however well-intentioned, can replace the living and active Word of God and its tranformative power on those who believes.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)

Convenience must never replace conviction. Simulation must never replace Scripture. And technology must never replace Truth.

A Word to Pastors and Church Leaders

To the shepherds of God's flock—this is a wake-up call.

AI can be useful. It can help organize your work, enhance your message delivery, and even assist with administrative tasks. But let it never replace your time in the Word, your time in prayer, or your dependence on the Holy Spirit.

Your calling is not to produce content; it is to bear fruit. And the fruits of the Spirit cannot be generated by algorithms.

“By their fruit you will recognize them.” (Matthew 7:20)

God’s work cannot be outsourced, automated, or optimized by machines. It is deeply personal, spiritual, and sacred. Do not trade intimacy with God for artificial efficiency.

Strengthen Your Spiritual Muscles

In this age of increasing ease and automation, we are not called to convenience—we are called to character.

The apostle Peter gives us the blueprint for producing real spiritual fruit and growth in 2 Peter 1:5–7. We must pursue:

• Faith
• Goodness
• Knowledge
• Self-control
• Perseverance
• Godliness
• Mutual affection
• Love

These virtues cannot be downloaded or outsourced. They are cultivated through intentional, disciplined pursuit of God in a world designed to distract us.
And the it goes on to say in vs 8
"For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ"

Now more than ever, we must exercise our spiritual muscles with urgency and focus.

Final Thoughts: Discernment Is Our Shield

AI is here to stay. It will shape the world in profound ways. But as believers, we are not called to marvel—we are called to discern.

Use these tools wisely. Use them with boundaries. It can create alternative realities - that looks close to an utopian world. But never forget: only one thing is true that will last forever—the Word of God.
Isaiah 40:8 - "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever."

Let us be a people who stay rooted in truth, not distracted by imitation. Let us raise a generation that knows the difference between convenience and perseverance, between simulation and authenticity.

DISCLAIMER: These thoughts are original - I use AI for my work - see my Personal AI Manifesto here