Playing God

Apparently some scientists are hoping to ‘resurrect’ people by the year 2045 through artificial intelligence and nanotechnology. Their goal is “to store data of conversational styles, behavioural patterns, thought processes and information about how your body functions from the inside-out.” Then they’ll code this information, have it built into an artificial body, and use the brain of a
“deceased human”. It sounds like science fiction is becoming reality!

But, if it even becomes possible, is this a real resurrection? The Bible tells us that the one true God, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, is the only One who has power to give life and breath to everything (ACTS 17:25). At best, it sounds like these scientists can only make a copy of people who have died.

These attempts are simply not the same as God-breathed life. But the motivation for resurrection through artificial intelligence shows a God-given desire to live forever. As Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us, “[God] has also set eternity in the human heart.” Although people might make their own attempts to live as long as possible, God tells us that we truly can live forever. He’s placed within us the desire to share life with Him and those we love. And He’s made it possible through His Son Jesus Christ. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (JOHN 3:16).

God alone is the source of our lives—and eternal life. As Paul said, “In him we live and move and have our being” (ACTS 17:28). And one day we will continue our lives forever in heaven with Jesus!

Thinking it over . . .

Read Genesis 11:1-9. How is this attempted A.I. resurrection similar to the story of the Tower of Babel? It reminds us that even people who don’t believe in God want to live forever. How can this truth help you share Jesus with others?