Date: October 9, 2024
Time: 9:00 PM
Location: MAS Golden Lounge, Heathrow Airport
Johan Lim sat in the luxurious MAS Golden Lounge at Heathrow Airport, awaiting his midnight flight back to Kuala Lumpur. The lounge exuded an air of serene sophistication, with its plush leather chairs, ambient lighting, and the faint hum of soft jazz playing in the background. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and the subtle scent of polished wood added to the tranquil atmosphere, offering a stark contrast to the bustling terminal outside.
Johan was scrolling through his phone, reading a WhatsApp message. Michael had added an Arab guy named Habib to their group. The simple message read, "Hi everyone. Habib here. Mike told me about the NGO. It's awesome." Johan quickly replied, "Welcome to the club, Mr. Habib. Johan here." Not long after, Emily's text appeared, "Ahlan wa sahlan ya Habib. I'm Emily. Nice to have you join in."
While Johan was busy with the chat, a voice startled him. "May I take this seat?"
Johan looked up to see Professor Arif Rahman, a well-known philosopher from the University of Malaya, standing before him. Professor Rahman, a distinguished figure with a mane of silver hair and piercing eyes, was in London to attend a talk on "Faith and AI" at Cambridge. Johan had read several of his works and was intrigued by his perspectives on technology and spirituality.
"Professor Rahman, what a surprise to see you here," Johan greeted, standing up to shake his hand. "I'm Johan Lim from Petronas. What a wonderful coincidence to meet such a towering academician here."
"It's good to see a fellow Malaysian here," Professor Rahman replied, his voice warm and resonant. He chuckled, "I'm not that tall, am I? Like the Twin Towers."
"Please, join me, Tuan," Johan offered, gesturing to the seat next to him.
The professor settled into the comfortable chair, his eyes thoughtful. After taking his first sip of English tea, Johan broke the momentary silence. "What brought you to London, Tuan? Hope I'm not being too nosy," Johan chuckled.
"Our generous MU paid me to get my brain cooked with Faith and AI at Cambridge," Professor Rahman replied with a grin, sipping his tea. Johan was in awe, his eyes wide with disbelief.
"What a stroke of luck. Is heaven really on my side?" Johan mumbled to himself. "Oh my God, heaven is really on my side," he repeated, louder but controlled. "I am in the middle of researching AI and its potentials, both positive and negative. It would be an honor if Tuan would share the recipe that cooked your brain."
"Are you another guy who loves the same extra hot recipe?" Professor Rahman chuckled, leaning back in his chair. "Well, the seminar talked about how AI is indeed transforming many facets of our lives, including how we practice our faith. It's a fascinating yet complex intersection."
"In what sense?" Johan leaned forward, eager to delve deeper.
"One AI researcher from Cambridge shared about how different religions are integrating AI. Robots delivering sermons, offering advice, even praying with individuals. For instance, there's a robot named Santo that acts like a 'Catholic Alexa.' But this raises concerns about AI taking over roles traditionally held by spiritual leaders," Professor Rahman explained.
"That's an important point," Johan agreed, waiting for more.
"AI can certainly assist in religious practices, making them more accessible. However, it also risks reducing the depth of spiritual experiences to mere interactions with a machine. The essence of faith is deeply human, rooted in emotions, experiences, and personal connections," Professor Rahman added, sipping his tea thoughtfully.
Johan nodded, intrigued. "I recently read about a Buddhist temple in Japan using a robot named Mindar, designed to resemble Kannon, the goddess of mercy. And in Poland, there's the first-ever Catholic robot, Santo, created during the COVID-19 lockdown when people couldn't attend church. These robots can engage in religious dialogue, provide spiritual guidance, and offer biblical wisdom."
"Yes, technology can offer companionship and information, especially in times of isolation. But we must tread carefully. The risk lies in over-reliance on technology, leading to a scenario where machines dominate our spiritual lives," Professor Rahman cautioned.
"In Islam, prayer apps have been downloaded by millions, and the Vatican has introduced a smart rosary bracelet," Johan added. "The Church of England links with Alexa, and in the United States, there's 'Robo Rabbi,' an AI algorithm offering personalized daily challenges inspired by religious teachings."
"These innovations make religious practices more integrated into daily life," Professor Rahman acknowledged. "Yet, they also pose the danger of AI becoming a substitute for human interaction. Faith is not just about following rituals; it's about the human connection, community, and the moral and ethical guidance provided by spiritual leaders."
"It's a delicate balance. AI can enhance religious practices, but it must not replace the essence of faith. There's a real danger that people might place too much faith in artificial intelligence, even starting to worship machines," Johan sighed.
"Indeed," Professor Rahman agreed. "We must ensure that AI complements rather than replaces human interaction. The ongoing discussions within faith communities are crucial. This technology is here to stay, and it will likely continue to shape how people practice their faith."
Their flight announcement broke the contemplative mood, signaling it was time to board. Johan seemed a bit frustrated as both of them stood up. Johan took his name card and handed it to Professor Rahman. "Just take my number. Feel free to drop me a text."
Professor Rahman smiled and gave his mobile number to Johan while following the crowd out of the lounge. The sound of rolling luggage and the chatter of fellow travelers filled the air. Johan followed behind closely. He was determined to stay in touch with Professor Rahman soon, knowing that their conversation had only just begun. The future of AI in religion was a path that needed careful navigation, ensuring that technology served to enhance rather than overshadow the profound human experience of faith.