Musing - Is Artificial Intelligence the Mark of the Beast?

 Hebraic Musing - Is Artificial Intelligence the Mark of the Beast?

Artificial intelligence is intelligence displayed by machines, in contrast with the natural intelligence displayed by humans and other animals.  Is it possible that AI marks perhaps the end-times “Beast” revealed in Revelation?  "And he deceives those who dwell on the earth by those signs which he was granted to do in the sight of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image to the beast ... He was granted power to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed." Revelation 13:14-15 NKJV

What is Artificial Intelligence (AI)?  It is intelligence displayed by machines, in contrast with the natural intelligence displayed by humans and other animals.  Today, most of us regularly talk to Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant or even the artificial intelligence embedded in our cars, refrigerator, or our home.  AI talks back and responds directly to us about whatever it was that we wanted to know from it or to do for us.  Without even realizing it, human daily interaction with AI has become very common, and is continuing to grow more so.  In fact, some scientists and futurists are planning to name AI (artificial intelligence) "Singularity" when it is no longer just the product of man, but has complete control over itself.

Is AI the "Image of the Beast"?   The Greek words mean that the fully deceived men on the earth at that time will be called upon by the False Prophet to construct a likeness of the Antichrist.   This means that the Image of the Beast is not the same as the Beast himself (Antichrist) but is a constructed thing that has "come to life."

The description of the Image having "breath," in Rev.13:15 gives us the impression that it is some kind of self-operating machine, a computer-operated cybernetic robot, programmed so that it can speak and act like it's alive and command the worship of the world.  Artificial intelligence and robotics are advancing so rapidly that this prophecy is no longer futuristic.  I wonder how far fetched this would have sounded in Apostle John’s Day.

Robots are increasingly replacing human functions by automating manual tasks.  Killer robots, digital doctors, and driverless cars are just a few examples of how far technology has gone in taking over our lives and replacing human effort.  Science is racing towards giving life to an "image" already.  Robots today can not only speak and respond to questions but have a "personality" and they understand concepts like sarcasm and humor.  Researchers at the University of Washington have developed artificial intelligence software so powerful that it can put words in the mouth of just about anybody.  Who is in control?

A recent, new religion known as "Way Of The Future", worships a 'godhead' based on AI!  Their stated focus is on "the realization, acceptance, and worship of a Godhead based on Artificial Intelligence (AI) developed through computer hardware and software."  It includes funding research to help create the divine AI itself.  So apparently this is already happening!  Think about the ramifications of this! 

Entire fields of science are now racing towards achieving Singularity (The merging of man's biological thinking and existence with technology to the point there is no distinction between human and machine), scientists are planning it for the future, here's a few examples of recent news headlines:
  - Former Google and Uber engineer is developing an AI 'god'.
  - Why humans will happily follow a ROBOT messiah: to 'worship supreme understanding'.
  - Religion That Worships Artificial Intelligence Wants Machines To Be In Charge Of The Planet.
  - “Inside The First Church Of Artificial Intelligence” & “The Rise of AI: Give Me That New Time Religion”

The world's next great religion could have a ROBOT God because humans are pre-programmed to worship things more intelligent than themselves, according to some experts.

The concept of the Internet was known in scientific circles for many years before it reached the public.  Today the Internet and all the technology surrounding it is used every day by huge numbers of the public.  The same concept holds true with Singularity, that is now taking place.  Humans are already being blended with machines, unaware of by the public.  They make AI look beneficial these days, for example, who can question an artificial eye for the blind, or a microchip implanted into the brain to help a quadriplegic?  However, in the end, the blending of human biology with mechanical technology could very likely be used for evil.

Is this far-fetched?  Time will tell, for now we can only speculate.  Is it possible many of the technologies that Revelation speaks of regarding the Antichrist could become technological deceptions such as the image that speaks in Revelation 13:15?

Revelation 13:16-17 tells us what happens to those who do not worship the beast (or AI).  “He causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, and that no one may buy or sell except one who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.” 

Points to Ponder
Is Artificial Intelligence an oxymoron?

How are we to distinguish between AI and a real person in the End Times?

Might the blending of human biology with mechanical technology be used for evil?

Why does our Bible tell us at least six times “Do not be deceived”?

♫ Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; … He holds the future,… ♫

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd                           June 3, 2025            
Author: “Hebraic Insights – Messages exploring the Hebrew roots of our faith” 
“Biblical Marriage (by Yosef)”     Weekly “Hebraic Musings”

Inspired by Kurt Johnson’s message.
    and excerpted from www.christianevidence.net/2023/01/chatgpt-ai-and-image-of-beast.html