Abundantly Hopeful about Technological Advance

Does the thought of AI bring you excitement or dread? Do we need more energy or less? How should people of faith engage with and react to technological progress?

Taylor Barkley of the Abundance Institute is both excited where innovation is taking us – and views energy abundance as the key to expanding human flourishing. 

In a “fireside chat” entitled “Optimism and Opportunity; Faithful Perspectives on Technological Advancement,” Taylor and his wife Rachel Barkley discussed the intersection of AI, energy abundance and faith. The two co-host a podcast and newsletter entitled Radical Optimism.

Taylor described the concept of abundance in deeply personal terms. “My wife had a life-ending illness which is why she is using a wheelchair.” Taylor credits an abundant economy and technological progress for “why Rachel is sitting here alive today.”

What about the spiritual perils of  “this relentless pursuit of “more, more, more” even if it is for the betterment of society? Likening advances in AI to the ill-fated Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), Rached asked, “Isn’t this just us just building our towers to the heavens … maybe not even relying on God but on ourselves?”

In response, Taylor described the technologies – broadly speaking – that preceded Babel. After the fall, when Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves for clothing, God gave them a technological “upgrade” with clothing made from skins. Descendents of Cain are credited with developing animal husbandry, music, metallurgy and urban planning (Genesis 4). That said, technological advance can come with spiritual temptation. Christians need to “practice serious critical thinking, [asking] how am I relying on God when most of my material needs are met.”

Citing concerns with social media raised in Jonathan Haidt’s book, The Anxious Generation, Rachel asked about downsides such as overuse, pornography and other societal ills related to abundant digital content. “Why should we be optimistic and not afraid?” 

Acknowledging the challenges, Taylor encourages us to “zoom out” and consider the history of technological progress. The pessimistic view that past times were better is challenged by historical records of similar fears over inventions like bicycles and teddy bears. Ultimately, while technological disruption requires empathy and adaptation, the focus should remain on the greater good and long-term benefits of progress.

“The default in American culture right now is big problem = policy solution. [But] not every problem has a policy solution.” As has happened in the past, cultural, institutional and community norms will evolve to curb abuse. To take a simple example, it’s now considered rude to use a phone at the dinner table or take pictures in a locker room. These sorts of cultural adaptations are “much more flexible and can change as tech changes.”

Regarding AI policy, Barkley warns against enshrining hypothetical harms into law before fully understanding the benefits. Similarly, energy advancements—such as geothermal and nuclear technology—have immense potential but are hindered by regulatory barriers.

“We have this cosmic hope that even if things are awful, God’s in charge. Keeping that in mind and heart is important.”

We thank the Abundance Institute for sponsoring this positive conversation about technological advance.