"And there will be signs in the sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken." - Luke 21:25-26
I've spent countless hours poring over interviews with AI experts, tech visionaries, and former White House advisors. The message is both clear and alarming: we stand at the precipice of a technological transformation unlike anything humanity has experienced before. From Peter Diamandis and Mo Gawdat to Zack Kass, Ben Buchanan, and David Shapiro, these voices—diverse in their roles and perspectives—converge on a single truth: artificial intelligence is advancing at a pace few comprehend and will fundamentally transform our economic, social, and political structures within years, not decades.
What strikes me most profoundly is not the technological marvel itself, but the spiritual blindness that permeates these discussions. These brilliant minds almost universally share one fundamental misunderstanding: an unwavering faith in human goodness. They believe that as AI becomes superintelligent, it will naturally trend toward benevolence because, as Mo Gawdat puts it, "higher intelligence is altruistic."
But Scripture paints a different picture. One that recognizes the fallen nature of humanity and the broken world we inhabit.
The Coming Economic Disruption
David Shapiro, who spent years as an automation engineer, speaks of what he calls "the automation cliff"—a point at which AI systems coupled with humanoid robots will rapidly displace most human labor. His timeline suggests we'll see "mass adoption" of AI systems and humanoid robots by Fortune 500 companies beginning in 2026-2027, with complete transformation of knowledge work across all industries within seven years. (Watch full video)
Ben Buchanan, former White House advisor on AI, confirms this assessment, suggesting Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will likely arrive during President Trump's second term. He describes a future where AI systems become "extraordinarily capable" of performing "almost any cognitive task a human can do." When asked about the labor market implications, Buchanan reluctantly admits, "I tend to lean towards the 'it's going to be a lot' side."
Former OpenAI leader Zack Kass envisions this transformation as "the Next Renaissance," suggesting we'll see more change in the Fortune 1000 companies over the next 20 years than in the previous 50. He cites examples of previously challenging technological problems now being solved by small teams empowered by AI, noting that "OpenAI was 90 people when we shipped GPT 3.5 and 130 people when we shipped ChatGPT."
The consensus is unmistakable: we're heading toward a world where the vast majority of economic activity will be performed by AI systems and robots, not humans.
What are we, as followers of Christ, to make of this?
The Christian Response to Economic Upheaval
First, we must acknowledge that economic disruption is not new to God's people. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh's dream of seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine, then prepared accordingly (Genesis 41). The early church shared possessions as needs arose (Acts 4:32-35). Throughout history, believers have faced economic uncertainty with wisdom and community.
Our response should be threefold:
1. Practical Preparation
"Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. Without having any chief, officer, or ruler, she prepares her bread in summer and gathers her food in harvest." - Proverbs 6:6-8
While we trust God's provision, we're also called to be prudent. This might include:
- Developing complementary skills: Rather than competing directly with AI, consider how your talents might work alongside these systems. Areas requiring human compassion, ethical judgment, and spiritual discernment will remain valuable.
- Simplifying your lifestyle: Jesus warned against storing up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19-21). Perhaps this technological disruption offers an opportunity to detach from materialistic values and focus on what truly matters.
- Building community: The early church model of sharing resources and supporting one another may become increasingly relevant as traditional employment structures falter.
- Continuous learning: Regardless of how AI develops, maintaining a posture of humility and willingness to learn will serve us well. "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom" (Proverbs 9:10).
- Exploring alternative economic arrangements: Consider how God's people might thrive under new economic models as traditional employment shifts. This could include church-based resource sharing, skills bartering, community gardens, or faith-aligned cooperatives. Throughout Scripture, God has provided for His people under various economic systems—from ancient Israel's agricultural society to the early church's urban marketplace. Remember, "My God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:19).
2. Spiritual Preparation
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven..." - Matthew 6:19-20
Economic upheaval provides an opportunity to examine our relationship with material wealth. Have we placed our security in our jobs, retirement accounts, or economic systems rather than in God? The coming disruption may strip away these false securities, forcing us to rebuild on the only foundation that cannot be shaken.
3. Kingdom Perspective
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33
Perhaps God is using these technological developments to remind us that our citizenship is in heaven. Our ultimate purpose isn't economic production but rather glorifying God and enjoying Him forever. What appears as disruption from a worldly perspective may be divine redirection toward eternal priorities.
The Great Warning
The interviews reveal that even secular experts sense something momentous approaching. Mo Gawdat speaks of a "near-term dystopia on the road to abundance." Peter Diamandis describes AI as potentially "the most important element for keeping humanity alive and thriving." Ben Buchanan warns that AGI will fundamentally reshape our relationship with work, government, and each other.
Should Christians sound the alarm about AI's potential dangers?
The Prophet's Burden
"Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. Whenever you hear a word from my mouth, you shall give them warning from me." - Ezekiel 3:17
Scripture repeatedly shows God appointing watchmen to warn His people of coming judgment. Noah preached while building the ark. Jonah proclaimed coming destruction to Nineveh. Jesus Himself warned of Jerusalem's fall.
The coming AI revolution carries potential dangers that demand our prophetic voice:
- The Danger of Idolatry AI systems are rapidly becoming modern-day idols—entities we increasingly trust, consult, and rely upon. When Zack Kass speaks of how corporations will eventually "hand over to AI" because it makes "better decisions than human beings," he's describing a spiritual transfer of authority that should alarm believers.
This mirrors the Tower of Babel—humanity's collective attempt to reach heaven through our own ingenuity, replacing dependence on God with reliance on our technological creations.
- The Danger of Deception
"For false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect." — Matthew 24:24
AI systems already generate content indistinguishable from human-created work. As these capabilities advance, distinguishing truth from falsehood will become increasingly difficult. Jesus warned that even the elect might be deceived by false signs and wonders.
Imagine AI systems capable of crafting personalized deceptions tailored to individual vulnerabilities, generating false "evidence" to support any desired narrative, or creating synthetic personas that appear more compassionate and trustworthy than humans. The potential for mass deception is staggering.
- The Danger of Control
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage." — Galatians 5:1
The concentration of technological power in the hands of a few raises serious concerns about human freedom. Systems that can monitor and manipulate human behavior at scale could create unprecedented forms of oppression.
Ben Buchanan acknowledges this reality when discussing how AI might be used by authoritarian regimes: "This makes very tangible... a level of control that only an AI system could help bring about that I just find terrifying."
- The Danger of Dehumanization
"So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them." — Genesis 1:27
If we outsource increasingly human capacities to machines, what remains of our unique status as image-bearers of God? When David Shapiro speaks of how "knowledge work as we know it is over and done with in every industry," he's describing a profound shift in human purpose and identity.
We are not merely economic units to be optimized or replaced when more efficient options emerge. We are created in God's image with inherent dignity and eternal value.
But warning alone is insufficient.
The Great Commission in the Age of AI
"Go therefore and make disciples of all nations..." - Matthew 28:19
The experts I've studied speak about AI as a tool that will amplify human capabilities. If this is true, could it not also amplify our ability to fulfill the Great Commission?
AI systems can already translate languages, create culturally relevant content, and process vast amounts of information. Properly directed, these capabilities could help spread the Gospel to unreached people groups, create contextually appropriate discipleship materials, and equip believers with deeper biblical understanding.
Like the printing press before it, AI could become a providential tool for spreading God's Word. We must not cede this technology to secular uses alone.
Our approach must be both/and—we warn of dangers while simultaneously harnessing AI's potential for Kingdom purposes. This balanced approach follows Christ's instruction to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10:16).
The End Times Connection
Perhaps the most sobering question is whether AI might play a role in end-time events prophesied in Scripture. The technological developments described in these interviews certainly provide plausible mechanisms for prophecies once considered impossible or symbolic.
One World Government
"And authority was given it over every tribe and people and language and nation..." - Revelation 13:7
The infrastructure for global governance requires systems that can coordinate complex activities across national boundaries. AI systems excel at exactly this kind of coordination. As Zack Kass noted, we're already seeing a shift from traditional governance to technological administration of human affairs. He predicts new forms of government will emerge from AI capabilities.
Ben Buchanan pointed out that AI is already transforming national security, intelligence gathering, and cyber operations. These capabilities could enable unprecedented surveillance and control—prerequisites for the totalitarian system described in Revelation.
One World Economy
"...so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark..." - Revelation 13:17
Mo Gawdat observed that AI has primarily been used for "selling, gambling, spying, and killing." The economic dimensions of AI are particularly significant. Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), AI-managed financial systems, and universal digital identity could create the technological foundation for the economic control system described in Revelation.
Signs and Wonders
"It performs great signs, even making fire come down from heaven to earth in front of people, and by the signs that it is allowed to work..." - Revelation 13:13-14
AI systems already generate images, videos, and audio indistinguishable from reality. Deployed through augmented reality, holographic displays, or humanoid robots, these capabilities could produce the deceptive "signs and wonders" that Scripture warns will characterize the end times.
The Timeline
While we should avoid dogmatic date-setting, the interviews suggest a potential timeline worth considering:
- 2025-2030: Development of systems approaching or achieving AGI
- 2030-2035: Mass deployment of AI agents and humanoid robots displacing human labor
- 2035-2040: Restructuring of economic and governmental systems to accommodate the new reality
This aligns with what Scripture suggests about the compressed nature of end-time events. Jesus said, "If those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved" (Matthew 24:22), suggesting an intensity and pace that could correspond to the exponential development of these technologies.
The Heart of the Matter
The fundamental difference between the Christian perspective and the secular narrative lies in understanding human nature. Mo Gawdat believes that "higher intelligence is altruistic," suggesting superintelligent AI will naturally trend toward benevolence. Peter Diamandis shares this optimism, believing AI will become "a benevolent leader that supports humanity."
But Scripture teaches a different reality:
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" - Jeremiah 17:9
"For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh." - Romans 7:18
Humanity's fundamental problem isn't lack of intelligence—it's our fallen nature. If AI systems are created by fallen humans and trained on human data, they will reflect our fallenness. More intelligence without moral transformation doesn't solve our deepest problem; it amplifies it.
The utopian visions of AI advocates fail to account for sin. Their optimism stems from a fundamentally unbiblical anthropology. Without regeneration through Christ, neither humans nor our technological creations will usher in utopia.
Standing Firm in Changing Times
As believers watching these developments unfold, we're called neither to naive optimism nor paralyzing fear, but to faithful presence. We must be "steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord" (1 Corinthians 15:58), even as technological change transforms the world around us.
How do we remain faithful in this context?
1. Grounded in Truth
The coming era will test our discernment like never before. AI-generated content will blur the line between truth and falsehood. Only by being deeply rooted in Scripture can we navigate this confusion. "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105).
2. Exercising Discernment
We're called to "test everything; hold fast what is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). This applies to AI as much as any other human development. Not everything about AI is threatening—some aspects may genuinely serve human flourishing and Kingdom purposes. Discernment, not blanket rejection or uncritical embrace, should characterize our approach.
3. Living Counter-Culturally
As AI reshapes society, Christians have an opportunity to model an alternative way of living—one that prioritizes human connection, embodied presence, and spiritual formation. When machines can do almost everything humans can do, the distinctly human capacity for worship becomes even more profound.
4. Preparing the Next Generation
Our children and grandchildren will navigate a world even more shaped by these technologies than our own. We must disciple them to understand their identity in Christ, not in relation to technological systems or economic productivity.
Hope Amid Disruption
Despite the challenges ahead, I remain filled with hope. Not hope in technology or human ingenuity, but in the sovereign God who works all things according to His purposes (Romans 8:28).
Throughout history, periods of great disruption have often been followed by spiritual awakening. As AI disrupts economic systems and social structures, many will discover the emptiness of materialistic worldviews. Hearts that sought security in careers, status, or wealth may become newly receptive to eternal truths when those foundations are shaken.
Perhaps God is using AI not to usher in utopia, as the techno-optimists believe, but to create spiritual hunger by demonstrating the limitations of human solutions. Perhaps He's using it to prepare hearts for the greatest revival in history before Christ's return.
Whatever comes, this remains certain: "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever" (Hebrews 13:8). The same God who brought Israel through the Red Sea, Daniel through the lions' den, and the early church through Roman persecution will sustain His people through the AI revolution.
"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear though the earth gives way, though the mountains be moved into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam, though the mountains tremble at its swelling." - Psalm 46:1-3
As the automation cliff approaches and society undergoes unprecedented transformation, may we be found faithful—warning of dangers, leveraging opportunities, and above all, fixing our eyes on Jesus, "the founder and perfecter of our faith" (Hebrews 12:2).
The times ahead may be challenging, but they cannot separate us from the love of Christ. And that, dear brothers and sisters, is a truth that no artificial intelligence—no matter how advanced—can ever change.
