Faithful AI: Stories of Hope from 2045 book is out!

In a world where technology, spirituality, and nature intertwine, the groundbreaking anthology ‘Faithful AI: Stories from 2045‘ envisions future intersections between artificial intelligence, humanity, and the divine. This visionary work stems from the seeds planted by Kai-Fu Lee’s influential book ‘AI 2041.’ Inspired by Lee’s forward-thinking template, we embarked on a journey to craft a faith-oriented version that reflects our aspirations for a balanced and integrated future. In this piece, we’ll share the story behind the anthology, a project that took nearly 2 years to complete.

Envisioning the Future

The inception of ‘Faithful AI’ began with the adoption of scenario planning, a method designed to create comprehensive structures for our imagined world of 2045. We imagine four alternative futures hinging on humanity’s ability to address climate change and geopolitical cooperation. Each scenario offers a combination of the two variables (i.e.: high success in addressing climate change with high collaboration in geopolitics). This approach allowed us to envision diverse and rich futures, considering how AI could evolve in tandem with human spirituality and ethics. It also provided a framework to incorporate a diverse set of stories into a cohesive whole.

The power of scenarios is not in their precision but in the richness of their narratives. To accomplish that, we described four alternative futures in detail covering not just the advancement of technology but also the interplay between political and social forces (you can find an example here). We paid particular attention to the impact on global Christianity which might serve as a template for other world religions. We are not attempting predict future outcomes exactly, but to paint plausible pictures of what the future might hold.

While this was a creative process, it was not devoid of research and careful deliberation. Before building the narratives, we conducted a study of macro trends in multiple areas. It was also important to imagine the combined impact of variables. For example, how would AI adoption change in a world of generalized war and geopolitical turmoil? How would faith communities react to a society that was fast moving towards sustainability? How would the poor find creative use to employ AI technology? These are just a few questions on our minds as we sought to describe visions of 2045 worlds.

Compiling a Tapestry of Stories

In early 2023, we launched a writing contest to gather a rich set of perspectives. Writers from all backgrounds submitted short stories, each exploring unique aspects of the AI-spirituality nexus based on the parameters the scenarios prescribed. This contest unearthed a treasure trove of narratives, covering topics such as parenthood, free will, mental health, and robotic medical care.

One such story, “Repair Man” by Chris Braniff, explores the nature of technology-mediated religious experience following the plight of a maintenance man who fixes “Jesus Kiosks.” These kiosks offer a fully immersive experience where individuals can interact with a computer-generated avatar of Jesus, complete with realistic sights, sounds, and even scents. The story delves into the complexities of faith and technology, highlighting both the transformative potential and the ethical dilemmas such advancements pose.

Another compelling narrative, “Project Grace” by Peter Rothe, depicts the intersection of spirituality and mental health, featuring a near-AGI system undergoing an existential crisis. A burned-out pastor comes to its aid, leading to a profound exploration of vocation, faith, and the human condition.

“Nanny” by Whitney Whitener explores the impact of AI-assisted parenting in its most vulnerable phase: postpartum motherhood. The story follows a single mother who relies heavily on a voice agent to help care for her newborn. While the AI assistant provides practical support and companionship, it also brings unease and raises questions about the balance between technological assistance and human connection.

Thoughtful Reflections

Following the merger of AI Theology with AI and Faith in the fall of 2023, we sought the wisdom of experts to respond to the stories. We commissioned reflective essays, which offered insightful perspectives on the stories. These essays, penned by thought leaders in technology, spirituality, and ethics, provided a profound commentary on the potential paths forward.

In total, sixteen writers collaborated to bring ‘Faithful AI: Stories from 2045’ to life. Their combined efforts resulted in a beautiful, thought-provoking anthology that far exceeded our expectations. Each story and essay weaves together a tapestry of hope and transformation, tempered by cautionary tales of what could go wrong.

The overarching goal of ‘Faithful AI’ is to raise the collective imagination of people of faith to bend AI’s development towards human flourishing. By presenting narratives where AI enhances or hampers our spiritual and ethical dimensions, we aim to inspire a world where technology is not just a tool, but a partner in our quest for a more meaningful and harmonious existence. This anthology is more than just a collection of stories; it is a blueprint for a future where faith and technology coexist in fruitful ways. As we navigate the complexities of our fast-changing era, ‘Faithful AI’ offers a beacon of hope and a call to envision a future guided by our deepest values.