A Question for Stephen Hawking

Dear Mr. Hawking,

You've made it very clear that you are worried about AI and said this week in Lisbon that the emergence of AI could be the "worst event in the history of our civilization."

I agree with you, but wonder if you would still be worried or see the need to regularly voice your concern on this issue if AI was more selective and calculating in its killing of certain segments of the human population?

You have admitted that we--speaking for scientists, philosophers, and humanity at large--just don't know exactly how things will play out, but that is only because you haven't applied the right framework or model for understanding the future.

For just a moment, please put aside what you know or think you know and consider what I am about to tell you. You are an atheist. I am a Christian. I represent an extreme minority view at present but very strongly believe that, as AI progresses, which it will, more Christians will begin to agree with you and me that AI represents a serious threat.

In fact, you know very well that the source of most Christian beliefs and teachings are rooted in the Bible and, even though you most likely do not believe that the Bible contains the inspired writings of prophets given brief glimpses of the future, I do.

You also probably know that a number of visions that were recorded speak of a terrible and horrifying entity that arises at some point in the future called the "beast." The prophet Daniel in the Old Testament and John in the book of Revelation both had very similar visions about this creature or entity and, in both cases, they say that all of humanity is in complete awe because of its power and might.

Obviously, you understand what I'm saying. I agree and believe as you do when it comes to the power of AI, but here's the thing: if you assume that the framework I present is true--that the Bible already predicted the rise of AI long ago and that it will be a terrible force for evil--then, as an atheist, are you still concerned if, as the Bible indicates, the only people it will kill are those who refuse to worship it as a god?

If an all-powerful, superintelligent AI gave you that choice--to accept it as a god or die--what would you choose? More importantly, if you knew this choice will eventually be given and that it'll be mostly Christians that are killed, do you still care to warn the world?