Welcome back, Pilgrim. Here’s what’s happened in town since you’ve been away…
Welcome back to the Reformer Newsletter, where we can take a dive into various projects and activities from around web3 and across the Christian community. You have joined this network to contribute to our collective mission of building for Christ’s Kingdom, and we will use this newsletter as a platform to enable that.
Around Web3
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) are not strictly synonymous with web3, which we have loosely defined as the tools and networks enabled by the blockchain. However, they represent another very exciting, and often misunderstood, frontier for those excited to build and create for the Kingdom.
Much like web3, artificial intelligence is both looked to as a savior from the dark times which engulf us, and is feared as a real-life SkyNet or Matrix which will enslave/destroy humanity. Let’s step back and recognize that the use of machine learning models to improve computer performance is a tool, and like any tool (including the blockchain, as we often say) we ask ourselves- how might we leverage this to augment human productivity and creativity to build for the Kingdom and glorify God?
Augmented Intelligence and Art: For many of us, using machines to increase human productivity is a no-brainer. We all live in the computer age and are surrounded by the tools which make aspects of work and life easier (when used well). Using machines to augment human creativity is a slightly more unique outlook. Here are two links for using machine learning models to improve design, art, film, and even music.
Augmented Intelligence and Decision Making: I’m sure most people have already watched the clips for Tesla’s AI day. Some were impressed, many more were underwhelmed when compared to other humanoid robots (see Boston Dynamics). However, it raises a key question- is Tesla building a robot to be lifelike? Or is it leveraging machine learning to optimize for spatial awareness and decision making to eventually build self-driving cars? Seriously, I have no idea with this guy… it could be either one.
All I know is that “autopilots” don’t actually need a functioning representation of a human behind the controls of a vehicle to operate. Except that one time…
Around the Kingdom
What is This Thing Called Virtue?: The world is full of AI evangelists and prophets of doom, and both of them base their beliefs on the flawed logic of materialism. Their flawed premise is simple when deconstructed:
The human brain- and therefore the human mind- senses objects and performs tasks based on electrical impulses.
Computers can sense objects and perform tasks based on electrical impulses.
Therefore, the human brain is just a computer…
Logically, we will eventually create a computer which replicates the complexity of a human brain.
There is something about the human mind which defies material logic and understanding. We were imbued by our Creator with qualities which reflect His image (Imago Dei for the Latin speakers among us). All attempts to reduce the intangible aspects of humanity- love, honor, virtue, humor- into material cause-and-effect chemical or atomic interactions have proven completely inadequate and stand at the root of much of the brokenness we see around us. This article dives into the concept of “honor”, why we abandoned it, and how we as a Church should fight to bring it back as a cultural norm.
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The Call
The Reformers is a community of Christ followers who want to continuously explore new tools which can extend the reach of His Kingdom. If you want to lean in and support that mission, check out a Reformers NFT, become a patron of the community, get news and updates to start building with us, and help us run this race with endurance.