Can AI rescue humanity from God?

July 28, 2023

Artificial intelligence (AI) will free some humans from mythology, and will make others believe even more. As with any other technology, AI will be used and applied for different purposes as convenient to the powers that be. 

Some will use AI to expand scientific exploration for the development of evidence-based knowledge. Others will use AI to expand dogmatic exploitation for the deployment of faith-based indoctrination.

What is mythology?

Mythology refers to fictional stories and legends that typically explain the origin and structure of the world in a particular human tribe, culture, or civilization. Most mythological stories were invented millenia ago, passed down orally from generation to generation, until they were captured in books. Mythological tales about imaginary gods and fictional supernatural forces help us understand different cultures and their foundational beliefs, rituals, and backgrounds. 

Mythologies are found in almost all human cultures and civilizations. Mythologies serve important anthropological functions shedding light on the intricacies of the human condition. Myths often provide imaginary explanations for the creation of the world, the emergence of natural phenomena like the sun, moon, and stars, and the origins of humans. Myths frequently convey the moral and ethical values of a society, illustrating concepts such as justice and wisdom in the eyes of the culture. Many myths have religious significance and are closely linked to the beliefs and practices of the particular religion associated with the myth. Myths often involve interactions between gods, goddesses, spirits, and humans selected or influenced by them. Myths feature archetypal characters like heroes, villains, tricksters, and deities that embody universal human traits and emotions. Myths help shape a cultural identity by reinforcing a sense of belonging and shared heritage among members of a community.

From ancient Egyptian mythology to present day Christian mythology, the narratives share many common themes and allegories of imaginary supernatural forces serving as liaisons between humans and the rest of universe. 

Ancient Egyptian mythology addresses themes of creation, death, and the afterlife, with gods like Ra, Osiris, and Isis. The pharaoh was believed to be a living god, the earthly embodiment of Horus, the falcon-headed god of kingship. One of the most significant aspects of Egyptian mythology was the belief in the afterlife. The Book of the Dead was a collection of spells and rituals intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife and protect them from dangers. Osiris, the god of the dead and the ruler of the underworld, played a crucial role in the journey to the afterlife. Egyptian mythology included various creation myths explaining the origin of the universe, the gods, and humanity. Ra was the sun god and one of the most important deities in Egyptian mythology. Osiris, the god of the afterlife, resurrection, and fertility was often depicted as a mummified figure. Isis, the goddess of magic, motherhood, and protection was associated with the nurturing and protective aspects of motherhood. Anubis was the god of mummification and the protector of the dead. Hathor, the goddess of love, joy, and motherhood was also associated with music, dance, and fertility. Thoth was the god of wisdom, writing, and knowledge. 

Other African mythology often involves spiritism, naturalism, and animism with veneration of ancestral spirits protecting the living; the belief that natural elements, animals, and plants possess spirits or divine essence; and beliefs in different gods, spirits, and supernatural beings. Examples of African mythological figures include: Anansi the Spider (Ashanti mythology), a devilish trickster; Oya (Yoruba mythology), a goddess associated with storms, winds, and transformation; Shango (Yoruba mythology), god of thunder, lightning, and justice, revered for his strength and wisdom; and Mami Wata (West African mythology), a water spirit associated with beauty, wealth, and fertility.

Ancient Greek mythology features a pantheon of gods and goddesses who reside on Mount Olympus. Some of the major Olympian deities include Zeus (king of the gods), Hera (queen of the gods), Poseidon (god of the sea), Hades (god of the underworld), Athena (goddess of wisdom), Apollo (god of the sun and arts), Artemis (goddess of the moon and hunting), Ares (god of war), Aphrodite (goddess of love and beauty), Hermes (messenger god), and Dionysus (god of wine and revelry). Greek mythology includes several creation myths explaining the origin of the universe, gods, and humanity. Greek mythology also features numerous legendary heroes and heroines who embark on heroic quests and face extraordinary challenges. Prominent heroes include Heracles (Hercules), Perseus, Theseus, Jason, and Achilles, among others. Oracles, such as the Oracle of Delphi, played a significant role, communicating the will of the gods and offering prophecies to advice humans. Greek mythology portrays gods and goddesses with human-like characteristics, emotions, and flaws. They often display human passions and engage in interactions with mortals. The story of Pandora, who opened a forbidden box, releasing all the evils into the world, but closing it in time to keep hope inside, is also part of Greek mythology. Ancient Roman  mythology was based on Ancient Greek mythology with gods like Jupiter, the equivalent of Zeus, king of the Roman gods and god of sky and thunder; Juno, the equivalent of Hera, queen of the Roman gods and goddess of marriage and childbirth; and Neptune, equivalent of Poseidon, the god of the sea and water.

Hindu mythology has a vast and diverse pantheon of gods and goddesses, collectively known as "Devas" and "Devis." Major deities include Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the preserver), Shiva (the destroyer), Lakshmi (goddess of wealth), Saraswati (goddess of knowledge), and Durga (goddess of power). The Trimurti, consisting of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva, represents the three principal divine Yugas—creation, preservation, and destruction. Vishnu is believed to take on various avatars (incarnations) to restore cosmic order and protect dharma (righteousness). The most famous avatars include Rama and Krishna. Hindu mythology often uses symbolic elements and allegory to convey profound philosophical insights reflecting on the human condition and the search for truth. Hindu mythology is closely tied to the concepts of karma (the law of cause and effect) and reincarnation (the cycle of birth and rebirth). Actions in this life influence the soul's journey in future lives. Hindu mythology is also filled with epic battles between gods and demons, symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil.

Chinese mythology features deities like Pangu, Nuwa, and the Jade Emperor and emphasizes harmony, balance, and the interconnection of all things. Chinese mythology features a pantheon of gods, goddesses, and celestial beings, collectively known as "Shen" or "Xian." These deities often represent natural elements, virtues, or historical figures. Chinese mythology includes several creation myths that explain the origins of the universe, humanity, and important cultural elements. The myth of Pangu, for example, describes how the universe was formed from the body of a giant named Pangu. The dragon and phoenix are prominent mythological creatures in Chinese mythology, symbolizing power, prosperity, and harmony. The dragon is associated with male energy, while the phoenix represents female energy. Chinese mythology features numerous mythical heroes, legendary figures, and historical characters whose exploits and virtues are celebrated in folklore and literature. Ancestor veneration is an essential aspect of Chinese mythology and religious practices. Ancestors are believed to continue to influence the lives of their descendants and are honored in rituals and festivals. The concept of Yin and Yang is central to Chinese mythology and philosophy. Yin and Yang represent the complementary and interconnected dualities in the universe, such as light and dark, male and female, and hot and cold. Many Chinese myths and legends serve as folktales that convey moral lessons and societal values, often highlighting the importance of filial piety, respect for elders, and harmony with nature. Examples of famous figures in Chinese mythology include: Nuwa, a goddess credited with creating humanity and repairing the pillars of heaven after a great flood; Guanyin (Avalokiteshvara), a compassionate bodhisattva associated with mercy and compassion in Buddhism; Erlang Shen, a hero with divine powers, often depicted with a third eye on his forehead; and Nüwa and Fuxi, sister and brother who are credited with creating humanity and establishing marriage.

Northern European (Norse, Germanic, Celtic) mythology centering around deities and epic origins, battles, and adventures. Prominent deities include: Odin (Woden), the chief god, often associated with wisdom, knowledge, war, and death. Odin was the father of many other gods, including Thor and Balder. Thor (Thunor), the god of thunder, lightning, and storms was super strong and a protector of humanity; Freyja (Frigg), the goddess of love, fertility, and beauty; Tyr (Tiwaz), the god of law and justice, known for his courage and valor. Germanic mythology includes a creation myth that tells the story of the cosmos and the origins of the world, involving the slaying of a primeval giant (Ymir) whose body forms the world. Similar to the concept of Apocalypse in other mythologies, Ragnarok is a significant event in Germanic mythology representing the end of the world and the final battle between gods and giants, leading to the destruction of the universe and a rebirth. The Germanic people used a runic alphabet, and runes had magical properties for divination and communication with the gods. Celtic gods included Cernunnos, god of nature, fertility, and the hunt, often depicted with antlers; Brigid, goddess of fire, poetry, and healing; and Lugh, god of light, craftsmanship, and arts.

Native American mythology varied throughout the Americas with many deities such as the Aztec gods like Huitzilopochtli, patron god associated with war, the sun; Quetzalcoatl, a deity associated with wisdom, art, and knowledge; and Tlaloc, the god of water and rain, responsible for agriculture and fertility. Mayan gods such as Itzamna, a creator god associated with knowledge, writing, and the calendar; Chaac, the god of rain, agriculture, fertility, and prosperity; and Kukulkan, similar to Quetzalcoatl. Inca gods included Inti, the sun god associated with agriculture, prosperity, and the Inca rulers; Viracocha, the creator god who created the universe, humans, and the Inca civilization. Northern Native American Plains Tribes with Manitou, spiritual forces, deities, or spirits that inhabited the natural world; Wi, the sun god, revered for bringing light, warmth, and life to the Earth. Native American Southwest Tribes with gods like Kokopelli, a fertility deity associated with agriculture and the arrival of spring.

Middle Eastern Judeo-Christian mythology revolves around Yahweh, a creator god with all superpowers imaginable including omnipotence (all the power), omnipresence (simultaneous magical presence everywhere); and omniscience (knowledge of everything). Middle Eastern mythology is fairly unique in that it does not include any female goddesses, or any other gods. The only one god is a judge of humanity, picking and choosing special sons (prophets) to disseminate his word. Middle Eastern mythology includes credence in angels and spirits, some of which may be trickster and evil such as Satan, a fallen angel turned evil. Middle Eastern mythology includes stories about the creation of the universe, the world, and humans. Stories are centered on an existential battle between good and evil, salvation for an afterlife, and a final judgment of sinners under an apocalyptic view regarding the end of the world. 

Human myths reflect the cultural heritage of various societies and civilizations. Although mythologies are fictional by nature some include the cultural notion that they are the only correct or "true" mythology to the exclusion of all others. Middle Eastern mythologies like Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, for example, generally believe that all mythologies are false and primitive except their own. Although mythological beliefs tend to be abandoned once their true origins are known, billions of humans still believe in mythologies to this date in July of 2023. 

Why is mythology so popular?

The human mind is wired to believe. Humans can believe anything that gets connected in neural synapses in the brain. Whatever is connected in your synapses can feel like true and may be completely believable in the human brain.

Mythological indoctrination precedes scientific formation by millennia. Before there were alphabets and books, there were already myths and oral stories. To this date, children are indoctrinated at super early ages with mythologies about imaginary god(s) and supernatural powers. Politicians and religious entrepreneurs also market mythologies as technologies (tools and methods) of mass control. A population that is indoctrinated and trained in the art of believing by faith, is easier to control. Doctrine does not require proof or evidence, and must be believe in by blind faith. 

Unlike scientific beliefs requiring evidence and validation by experimentation, faith does not require any evidence or objective verification. By definition, faith is believing in something by mere conviction and tradition without any evidence or proof. In a religious context, faith often refers to a belief in a deity or supernatural power. Religious faith involves trusting in the teachings, doctrines, and scriptures of a particular religion and living one's life in accordance with those beliefs. Spiritual faith may not be tied to a specific religious tradition but encompasses a belief in a higher purpose or meaning. Spiritual faith can involve practices like meditation, contemplation, or seeking personal growth and enlightenment.

Faith both powerful and convenient. Faith can sooth the human mind when confronted with the fear of the unknown and other pains of the human condition. Faith can provide comfort, strength, and motivation during difficult times. Faith can shape human values, actions, and perspectives. Faith plays a significant role in human experience, influencing how individuals perceive and navigate the world and their place in it.

Evangelical Generative AI  

AI will contribute to the development of critical thinking and scientific proliferation. However, like computers and the internet, AI will also be used to spread misinformation and expand mythological indoctrination. Any technology (tool and method) can be used and applied for different and seemingly contradictory purposes.  

Religious institutions will hire AI developers and entrepreneurs to train generative AI language models to spread religious indoctrination. Think about an AI priest. AI can be trained to recite the bible or any other religious text. AI can be trained to regurgitate mythological doctrines on any prompt or query. 

Training AI systems will be a popular job in the remaining of the 2020s. By the 2030, most AI systems should be able to train themselves. Christian bots are already prevalent in social media. Christian AI systems will also be prevalent in the upcoming decades. 

Religious mythology is a fundamental aspect of the human condition. It will not go away any time soon. The gods, including the "only one" and "true" god of Middle Easter tradition that conquered Europe, and by extension the Americas, are simply a reflection of what every human wishes it could be: supernaturally powerful. 

Every past human culture and civilization has relied on mythology to carry the day. Present cultures and civilizations are still doing the same thing. AI will change and impact everything, yet AI will not immunize humanity against the mental virus of mythology. The "virus" of mythology spreads from brain to brain by the transfer of mythological indoctrination. AI, like computers and internet before, like radio and TV before, like paper and ink before, like stories and songs before, will be used to spread the virus of mythological indoctrination. You bet.

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