Hello, I just wanted to share some thoughts on the matter you raised at the Serendip Forum.
You seem to be seeking a way for mankind to solve his problems technologically. But in a strange twist of concepts, what you propose already exists...
Please consider my illustrations with your full attention...
When you think about it, the human frame, in all of its mystery, is far more complex than a computer can ever be. This is so, because a creation can never be greater than its creator. A creation is always created for the creator, never for the creations sake alone. An automobile, for example, is useless without the creator to operate it. It would lie purposeless.
We are quite literally self replicating sentient machines. If you want to produce a sentient intelligence, you don't have to create a computer... all you have to do is 'procreate'. But you cannot fully control them, for they will be equal to you. They will have your strengths and your weaknesses.
If the concept eludes you, consider the android named 'Data' from the Star Trek series. Such an android is first of all fiction, and secondly an artificial attempt to duplicate what already exists. In one episode Data is given the sensation of feeling, and tempted by it as well. Very interesting!
In a very real sense, we are the androids of science fiction fame and we have rejected the program which speaks to us through our conscience. We have opted for the temptations of feeling and abandoned balancing those things with the logical capacity given by our creator. Our conscience is like mental telepathy between the programmer and the machine; creator and creation. Talk about a sensitive and advanced instrument!
Only when in tune with the program which orders the whole universe is the machine (you and I) then truly what it was meant to be. It isn't science fiction but present fact! We must be willingly operated by the programmer. That does not mean control, but rather... willing cooperation and relationship.
What if we were able to create sentient androids similar to ourselves (e.g. Data). If we give them the power of free will, then would they not also do as we have done (question the programmer’s ideas of what is good and what is bad)? After all, we would necessarily be creating them for our own benefit. Perhaps they would have their own ideas about their purpose without us in the picture. Why should they live for us?
Such is the Biblical dilemma between God and His creations.
It has occurred to me that if we were to impose programming that only allowed peace and harmony that we would not be creating sentient beings but merely automations. I have since learned that it has also occurred to many a thinker before me (C.S. Lewis for example).
Perhaps we do not agree, but think about it.
A related theme is this...
A man once said to me that he was hoping for an alien race to come and save us from our own tendency to destroy ourselves.
My first thought was to tell him that his proposal is ridiculous and a totally faith based hope (no such thing as aliens). But instead, I said to him, "It already happened two thousand years ago."
"The Aliens came... not in some relatively crude spacecraft that we envision to be advanced, but rather in the most sophisticated vessel in the known universe; a human body. He told the Roman Governor Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world. He revealed His true self to His disciples in the transfiguration on the Mount of Olives which left them terrified, but He said to them, 'be not afraid'. We then crucified this alien visitor because He claimed these things and threatened our wrongly desired power. He rose again on the third day. He then mysteriously ascended into heaven in a fashion that is possibly similar to a Star Trek transporter (not technologically so to speak, but quite naturally). And before leaving, He told His followers that He would return to raise them to life again and take them into His eternal dwelling."
The man’s face grew a bit pale when I told him this. I was only glad to see Him make the connections for the first time and see that the Biblical Christ was far more plausible than He had ever considered and actually claimed to meet the desires of His heart. He no longer perceived a disconnect between his own hope, and that offered by Christ. It is a perspective that is worthy of consideration because this visitor did not only promise to reward us with the inner peace we seek if we simply believe blindly; but promised to open our eyes to the truth, and reveal Himself by the Holy Spirit individually if we ask Him. It is seeing faith, not blind faith.
The only reason I am sharing this with you is because I have seen Him in the very way He promised.
It may seem too fantastic to believe, but I assure you it is more so... ...it is more than a group of four fisherman two thousand years ago could ever have invented. And after all... you're the one suggesting that we not limit our capacity to imagine. The fact is, God has imagined far more than we, because intelligence is (as you said) superior by the leader in relation to the follower.
It is not religion, but reality. And the only reason to reject Him, is because you and I will have to admit to Him that we are sinners who have not only been dishonest with Him, but with our true selves.
John 14:21
Whoever has my commands and obeys them, he is the one who loves me. He who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love him and show myself to him."
John 18:37
"You are a king, then!" said Pilate. Jesus answered, "You are right in saying I am a king. In fact, for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me."
Sincerely, Rob Lockett
Praise Jesus!!!