Blog Post: AI, the Soul, and What It Means to Be Human

Introduction

In a world where artificial intelligence (AI) headlines dominate our newsfeeds, it’s natural to wonder: What does it mean to be human? Can technology replace what human interaction looks like “on the other side”?

Cheating Death and the Search for Legacy

If you searched for movies about “cheating death” on IMDB, the top 3 results are “Final Destination: Bloodlines”, “The Lion King” and “Frozen”. We have this fascination with transcending mortality. This theme isn’t just cinematic; it’s deeply human. We all grapple with questions of purpose, legacy and what it means to leave a mark that outlasts our physical existence.

Studies on legacy reveal that the desire to be remembered is universal. Whether through extending life itself or somehow making an eternal mark, we seek ways to go beyond ourselves. This quest for legacy is echoed in modern concepts like transhumanism and even in pop culture, such as the Amazon series “Upload,” where consciousness is digitally preserved after death.

AI and the Human Experience

AI, at its core, is about mimicking human behaviour—predicting, responding and learning from data. It tries to engage with us like a human would. And sometimes, it can feel that way. But predictability can’t always replicate the nuance of personal experience or the unpredictability of the human spirit.

This raises profound questions: If we could upload our memories and personalities, would that digital version truly be “us”? Or is there something more—something that can’t be captured by algorithms and data points?

The Soul: More Than the Sum of Our Parts

To explore this, we turn to ancient wisdom. The creation story in Genesis (Genesis 2:7) describes humanity as formed from dust, animated by the breath of life—a soul. The soul, or “nephesh” in Hebrew, is a mysterious and foundational aspect of our being. It’s referenced throughout scripture as the core of who we are, the part of us that loves, grieves, and seeks meaning (Deuteronomy 6:5, Matthew 22:37).

Jesus emphasized the soul’s value, teaching that it’s worth more than the whole world (Matthew 16:33). But what is the soul, really? Pastor and author John Ortberg describes it as the deepest, most sacred part of our existence—fragile yet indestructible and essential to our identity. The soul encompasses our will (the ability to choose), our mind (consciousness and thought), and our body (habits and desires), all shaped by our relationships and environment.

Technology, Grief Bots, and the Limits of Imitation

Today, technology offers new ways to “extend” ourselves—pacemakers for the body, “grief bots” that simulate conversations with lost loved ones. While these innovations can be comforting or even therapeutic for some, they prompt us to ask: Is a digital replica truly the person we knew? Most of us sense that there’s a difference between interacting with a set of data and connecting with a living soul.

Caring for the Soul in a Digital Age

As we navigate a world increasingly shaped by AI, it’s more important than ever to care for our souls. This means nurturing our will, mind, and body; building habits that align with our deepest values; and seeking connections that go beyond the superficial. It means recognizing that our worth isn’t defined by data or achievements, but by the unique, irreplaceable soul within each of us.

Conclusion

AI will continue to evolve, offering new possibilities and challenges. But at the heart of our humanity is the soul—a gift that can’t be replicated or replaced. As we embrace technology, let’s also honour and care for the soul, ensuring that in our quest for progress, we don’t lose sight of what makes us truly human.