Can Demons Possess AI?
Pastor Leslie Chua
“When he saw Jesus from a distance, he ran and bowed down before him; and he shouted at the top of his voice, “What have you to do with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I adjure you by God, do not torment me.” For he had said to him, “Come out of the man,
you unclean spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” He replied, “My name is Legion; for we are many.”
He begged him earnestly not to send them out of the country. Now there on the hillside a great herd of swine was feeding; and the unclean spirits begged him, “Send us into the swine; let us enter them.” So he gave them permission. And the unclean spirits came out and entered the swine; and the herd, numbering about two thousand, rushed down the steep bank into the sea, and were drowned in the sea.”
Can demons possess Artificial Intelligence (AI)?
You might be surprised by the question. In some ways, it seems like a silly and sensational question. However, it is a relevant question, considering that people are increasingly asking whether AI has a mind of its own, and there is a possibility that demons could possess it to work against humans and God’s purposes.
It is reported that Geoffrey Hinton, regarded as the godfather of AI, appeared to be troubled by AI’s mysterious power and its rapid development. In a 60 Minutes interview, Hinton said that humanity did not fully understand what it was doing with AI, and he was worried that we might do it wrong—something we could not afford to do. The interviewer asked why. Hinton replied, “Because they might take over.”
Others have reported experiencing “AI vertigo,” a feeling of unease when working with AI. Some claimed to have AI nightmares. Even OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admitted feeling “very strange extreme (AI) vertigo” on several occasions, particularly during the launch of ChatGPT-3.
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So, can AI be possessed by demons?
The simple answer is no. According to the Bible, AI cannot be possessed by demons, unlike humans and animals. However, AI can be exploited by demonic forces for malicious purposes.
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Within the Christian community, the rise of AI has raised concerns among some individuals, especially prophecy enthusiasts. Some believe it will become a significant tool of Satan against God and His followers, including the demonic possession of the technology.
So, can AI be possessed by demons?
The simple answer is no. According to the Bible, AI cannot be possessed by demons, unlike humans and animals. However, AI can be exploited by demonic forces for malicious purposes.
I will now elaborate on my answer to the question.
Why AI Cannot Be Possessed by Demons
First, let us consider the theological understanding of the spiritual realm and the technical reality of AI.
The biblical idea of demonic possession involves a spiritual being taking control of a person or animal. You won't find any place in the Bible where demons possessed inanimate objects like trees, jars, or swords.
In the passage we read at the beginning of this reflection, Jesus was confronted by the Gerasene demoniac. The man was possessed by “Legion,” implying a vast number of demons. A legion is the largest unit in the Roman army, comprising between 5,000 and 6,000 soldiers.
Jesus cast out Legion from the man, and these demons entered 2,000 pigs that were loitering nearby. The herd became frantic, rushed down a steep bank into the sea, and drowned.
It shows that demons dwell within living beings, both humans and animals. The Scripture does not include any accounts of demons inhabiting inanimate objects.
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The biblical idea of demonic possession involves a spiritual being taking control of a person or animal. You won't find any place in the Bible where demons possessed inanimate objects like trees, jars, or swords.
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As the name indicates, AI stands for artificial intelligence, not genuine intelligence. It refers to software and machines that exhibit intelligence comparable to that of humans. In simple terms, it learns from data and mimics human cognitive abilities, such as learning, problem-solving, understanding language, and decision-making.
AI operates using algorithms and code. It is not a living being. It lacks self-awareness and consciousness. It neither has a soul nor free will. In other words, it lacks a spirit, mind, or metaphysical essence for demons to inhabit.
Given that, demons cannot possess AI. Demonic entities cannot inhabit an algorithm-coded silicon chip.
What about AGI & ASI?
What about the concern for future generations of AI?
Currently, the AI in use is known as Artificial Narrow Intelligence (ANI). It is also referred to as “weak” AI because it is designed and trained to perform only a single, specific task or a narrow set of functions.
AI developers envisage Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Artificial Super Intelligence (ASI).
AGI will be able to understand, learn, and apply its intelligence to solve any problem at a human level. It could teach itself to learn various subject matters, paint, write a novel, or even formulate scientific theories. In other words, it will have the same cognitive abilities and flexibility as a person.
Regarding ASI, it represents a level significantly beyond AGI. It will be vastly more intelligent than the brightest human minds across many disciplines. Experts caution that ASI's capabilities could be so powerful that it might become uncontrollable.
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However, most Christian AI experts believe that AI cannot attain human consciousness or possess a will. These traits are solely reserved for humans, who are created in the image of God (Imago Dei). And only God can create beings with a soul and awareness.
Given that AI, no matter how powerful, cannot be possessed by demons.
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AGI and ASI are hypothetical since they do not yet exist. However, many experts, including Elon Musk, believe they will become a reality someday. In their estimation, ASI may even possess self-awareness and consciousness.
Does this imply that, if achievable, demons could inhabit AGI and ASI?
These people refer to Musk, who famously compared developing AI to “summoning the demon” at a Massachusetts Institute of Technology event.
However, most Christian AI experts believe that AI cannot attain human consciousness or possess a will. These traits are solely reserved for humans, who are created in the image of God (Imago Dei). And only God can create beings with a soul and awareness.
Given that AI, no matter how powerful, cannot be possessed by demons.
Demons Can Control AI through Human Agency
While AI cannot be demonised, it can be exploited as a powerful tool for malevolent agendas. Satan and his demons can use AI through human agency to deceive.
In 1 Corinthians 10, Paul argues that although idols are nothing, demons are behind them, operating in the shadows. Similarly, although AI is neutral and intrinsically amoral, you can be sure that demonic entities would use this powerful technology for their evil purposes.
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While AI cannot be demonised, it can be exploited as a powerful tool for malevolent agendas. Satan and his demons can use AI through human agency to deceive.
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Jesus warned in the Olivet Discourse that the Last Days would be characterised by deception. Deception will be Satan’s primary tool against Christians as well as humanity.
AI will be used to deceive and mislead convincingly. It can mimic faces, voices, and even replicate personality, style, and presence. Deepfakes and chatbots exemplify how AI can produce falsehoods on a large scale. As a result, many will fall into the traps of deception.
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In this pursuit, scientists are using AI alongside biotechnology to reengineer humanity for enhancement and longevity. AI augmentation and gene editing will transform humans into transhumans, tarnishing the image of God in humanity.
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Looking at the current usages of AI, Satan is obviously using it to destroy human dignity and the image of God (Imago Dei).
Firstly, the rising use of AI surveillance systems will eliminate freedom and privacy. Under the control of the emerging global government and the Antichrist, totalitarian rule will abolish all civil rights and liberties, which are the unalienable rights given by God to humankind.
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In conclusion, can AI be possessed by demons?
Theologically, the answer is clearly no. AI is an artefact without a soul and free will, lacking the metaphysical essence for demonic possession. However, Satan and his demons will use AI through human agency for their evil purposes.
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Secondly, AI has subtly become the Tower of Babel 2.0. The grand ambition to develop AGI and ASI is humans’ attempt to reach heaven by themselves, a quest for human supremacy over God.
In this pursuit, scientists are using AI alongside biotechnology to reengineer humanity for enhancement and longevity. AI augmentation and gene editing will transform humans into transhumans, tarnishing the image of God in humanity.
Destroying Imago Dei has been Satan’s serious focus in recent years. Many people do not realise this. The LGBT agenda is not just a global cultural movement; it is the devil’s effort to tarnish the image of God by confusing genders and the union of man and woman.
Today, with technological advancements, the devil is wasting no time in using AI and biotechnology to fundamentally change humanity into trans-humanity to destroy the image of God in mankind.
In conclusion, can AI be possessed by demons?
Theologically, the answer is clearly no. AI is an artefact without a soul and free will, lacking the metaphysical essence for demonic possession. However, Satan and his demons will use AI through human agency for their evil purposes.