The rise of artificial intelligence has sparked a mix of excitement and anxiety across the country. Some people see it as the dawn of a new era, while others are bracing for impact.
In the not-too-distant future, AI could replace customer service reps, truck drivers, paralegals — maybe even your doctor. Some have even speculated AI might give rise to a new religion. Imagine people one day walking into a Church of AI.
Supporters say the technology — now widely available through apps like ChatGPT — could make life more convenient, efficient, and innovative. But critics warn of ethical challenges and the potential for mass unemployment as machines take over more and more of what humans do.
So, is AI something to fear — or something to embrace? And what does it mean for the rest of us?
Big inventions have always disrupted the job market. Economists argue these transitions are part of a natural evolution. As old jobs vanish, new ones emerge. At one point in history, most Americans were working in agriculture. The cotton gin revolutionized farming, and the loom transformed how we made clothing. These machines put a lot of people out of work — but they also moved society forward and paved the way for new industries.
A famous example of people resisting innovation was the Luddites, textile workers in 19th-century England who destroyed looms to protest job losses. Today, the term “Luddite” is often used to mock those who push back against progress.
It’s worth noting that back in 1800, economist Thomas Malthus predicted global famine because he believed population growth would outpace food production. At the time, the global population was around 300 million. Today, it’s more than 8 billion — and we’re living longer, healthier lives. What proved Malthus wrong? Innovation. Technology. And our ability to adapt.
Of course, AI isn’t just about productivity. It also raises deep ethical questions. As the saying goes — made famous by Spider-Man but rooted in scripture — “With great power comes great responsibility.” The Bible puts it this way: “To whom much is given, much is required.”
From gunpowder to television to nuclear energy, the tools we create have always carried the potential for both good and harm. AI is no different. The challenge isn’t the technology itself — it’s whether we’re wise enough to use it responsibly.
Like it or not, the AI genie is out of the bottle. Whether it becomes a tool that builds a better world or one that deepens our problems depends on us.
