Mega Pastor Issues Chilling AI Warning To Graduates
Bishop T.D. Jakes, founder of The Potter’s House in Dallas, Texas, recently addressed college graduates with a cautionary message about the profound effects artificial intelligence will have on society, emphasizing that only faith in God offers certainty in an unpredictable future. Speaking at Morris Brown College in Atlanta, Georgia, where he was awarded an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree, Jakes delivered his remarks during the commencement ceremony on May 17.
He highlighted that the arrival of AI marks a transformation on a scale unseen since the inventions of the automobile or the airplane. “This will not be your grandmother’s world. You won’t hold your grandmother’s job, nor chase her dreams,” Jakes stated, adding that it’s impossible to fully prepare for what lies ahead because no one truly knows what the future holds. However, he reassured graduates that faith remains a steadfast foundation: “The only thing we can be sure of is who will go with us into whatever we have to face next. And if God is for us, who can be against us?”
Jakes’ remarks echo earlier warnings from prominent scientists like Stephen Hawking and Stuart Russell, who in 2014 expressed concerns that AI might become humanity’s greatest mistake. Their cautionary stance was partly inspired by the film Transcendence, which explores the potential and dangers of highly advanced intelligent machines. The movie’s depiction of AI with human emotions and superior intelligence aligns with fears about the so-called “singularity,” a future point when AI surpasses human intelligence. The scientists noted that current advances—such as self-driving cars and digital assistants—are only the beginning of what AI could achieve in coming decades.
Further highlighting potential risks, former NSA contractor Edward Snowden warned in a 2018 interview about AI’s use in pervasive surveillance, predicting that AI-powered tools like facial recognition could evolve into automated enforcers, infringing on privacy and freedom. His concerns were detailed in his book Permanent Record. While some religious leaders have started to explore AI’s role within their communities, a 2023 Barna Group study revealed skepticism among many Christians. Surveying 1,500 U.S. adults, the study found that a majority either disagreed or were unsure about AI’s benefits to the Church, with only a small percentage expressing strong support.
Despite his cautionary tone on AI, Jakes encouraged the graduates to persevere in their endeavors. Alongside his address, he committed $100,000 to Morris Brown College, reinforcing his support for education and resilience in uncertain times.