The Unsettling Nature of Rapid Technological Advancements

It’s a curious time we live in. Teenagers, armed with just a smartphone, are capable of tasks that entire governments struggled with just a few decades ago. This observation comes from Glenn Beck, who expresses unease about this reality. He believes the advancements we’re seeing now are just the tip of the iceberg. “Something’s now being built that will give every one of us abilities that we haven’t really earned, or personally developed,” he cautions. “We weren’t meant to carry such responsibilities.”

What he’s alluding to is, of course, the swift development of artificial intelligence. Many experts share concerns that this technology could spin out of control and pose a threat to humanity.

Although it seems like a modern dilemma, Glenn argues that it’s actually an age-old issue. On his program, he connects various biblical stories, asking a crucial question: What unfolds when our technological advancements outpace our ability to manage them?

He references Genesis and the book of Enoch to explain the origins of the Nephilim, the mythical giants born from the union of humans and demons. “Two hundred Watchers descended upon Mount Hermon, binding themselves with an oath, knowing that one might falter,” he recounts. “So, as a part of this, they start a sort of school.”

“One individual teaches metalworking—swords, knives, armor. Alongside that, they share knowledge on how to create paints and dyes. Others delve into astrology and the properties of plants, even casting spells,” he adds. “Interestingly, the narrative doesn’t suggest they were teaching untruths. It states they shared truths, which ultimately led to ruin.”

He finds it particularly striking that what was true brought about great destruction, including the catastrophic flood. “The issue was the timeline. The knowledge arrived too soon and without being earned, coming from a source that held no concern for its consequences,” he reflects. The resulting giants represent the byproducts of this knowledge transfer, hungry for more than the Earth could sustain, he argues.

He notes a parallel with the Tower of Babel, which also faced divine intervention.

Yet, in contrast, Enoch is mentioned in some scriptures for transforming a society united as “one heart and one mind,” leading to their elevation to heaven. “It’s similar construction, but with an entirely different foundation. One emerged from what people were becoming, while the other stemmed from what some could engineer,” he points out.

Glenn ponders whether the current rise of artificial intelligence could parallel that ancient moment. “We’re being sold this version of the Tower of Babel—a merged intelligence, several problems solved through unification. It resembles Enoch’s city, but without the sacrifices that were required then,” he states.

Considering that both the era of Nephilim and Babel were annihilated for seizing power too early, he questions what would prevent it from happening again.

To explore that, Glenn turns to a warning from the book of Malachi: “I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. He will restore the hearts of fathers to their children.”

He interprets this as a warning of a potential repetition in history, emphasizing that the verse only cites familial relationships as a means of avoiding destruction— not rulers or laws.

Glenn elaborates, “The Watchers on that mount were imparting wisdom without the necessary relationships. It’s like having power without understanding—handing a child a weapon with no guidance leads to chaos.”

He cites the simultaneous advancements in human flight and nuclear fission by completely disconnected groups, attributing this to divine timing. “That knowledge was earned and controlled; we had a sense of responsibility.”

However, he argues that artificial intelligence isn’t following this cautious approach, as it parallels the rapid developments seen during the chaotic times of the Watchers and Babel builders.

Remarkably, he notes, Enoch and Elijah are the only two biblical figures who did not experience death, which he believes is significant. “Enoch’s role involved delivering the consequence of that initial, reckless knowledge transfer. Elijah is here to mend father-child relationships, which might be needed once more during another perilous knowledge handoff.”

“The true danger in new technology is rarely the technology itself; it’s the gap between acquiring capabilities and developing the character needed to handle them,” he suggests.

With artificial intelligence, he questions whether this technology was “received” or “seized.” While he’s skeptical that advancements in AI will decelerate before it leads to grim outcomes, he does maintain some faith in humanity. “Let’s turn our hearts towards family,” he urges.

For a deeper understanding, he invites viewers to watch the full video of his discussion.