Ethical and Social Implications of Artificial Intelligence

: -A famous book authored by a Chinese;The Three Body Problem’s main protagonist Wang Miano made a statement that probably would provoke all to think, “Where will be the end of science? Is it immortal?”[1]This question may lurk or peep through the window of every cognitive mind especially in the context of the discourse revolving around the consternation that‘AI will probably shape and design the 21st century’.[2]

George Orwell envisioned that one-day people would love the technology so much that they would allow themselves to be under the deluge of its influence. Mankind would be deprived of its autonomy, maturity and history. Even man’s cerebral faculty would be replaced by artificial super intelligence.[3]Anotherauthor, Issac Asimov, who became prolific in providing the details of the time when machine supersedes human intelligence in his famous science fictions.[4]These predictions on unprecedented and revolutionary scientificinnovations and their proliferation have come to pass probably in the form of Artificial Intelligence. Eventually the development of Artificial Intelligence contributes to the quality of life, medical innovations and human enhancement on the one hand, but on the other, an apprehension for the possibility of losing employments and surveillance societies looms large.[5] The emergence of an era when AI communicates with human beings and develops a deep relationship with them breeds questions of different dimensions: what is AI? Can it create an artificial life? Does it have the potential to produce super intelligence? What will be the ethical and societal implications?Wrestling with these questions and grappling with the appalling issues become a paramount importance today.

Artificial Intelligence can hardly be defined exhaustively as it has an oceanic expanse with an embedded enormous complexity. Providing an expert’s approach to its definition is not the writer’s intention. Rather, a functional approach to it has been adopted through a simplified manner to curve out a space for discussion on ethical and social implications of Artificial Intelligence.

A generalised definition has been provided by Selin Akgun and Christine Greenhow, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the branch of Computer Science that deals with the simulation of intelligent behaviour in computers and their capacity to mimic, and ideally improvehuman behaviour.”[6]  John MacCarthy at the Dartmouth Conference (1956) attempted to define AI “as the science and engineering of making intelligent machines.”[7] So, AI is a technique to behave like humans. Human intelligence comprises planning, learning, problem solving and making choices. The genesis of Artificial Intelligence can even predate the Dartmouth Conference with the Turing Test conducted by Alan Turing in 1950. It was conducted to ascertain human intelligence in machines. The machine was engaged in a conversation with other human by means of interpretation. If the human could interpret what the computer said or indicated or if the human failed to differentiate between man and the machine, the machine passed the test.[8]

Elaine Rich and others have shed adequate light on the task domain of Artificial Intelligence as they affirm that it incorporates ‘Mundane task (vision, speech, comprehension, generation, translation, reasoning capacity with general logical sense and Robotic control. Under the Formal task it undertakes games of super intelligence such as Chess, Backgammon, Checker’s-Go and it even solves complicated mathematical calculations such as Geometry, Logic, Integral calculous and proving properties of programs.  And designing, fault finding, manufacturing plan along with scientific analysis, medical diagnosis and financial analytical explanation are subsumed under the Expert task.’[9]

Therefore, it is voluminous in nature, it is hard to characterize accurately as it is not subject to immutability and it differs from data by being organized in a way that corresponds to the ways it will be used.[10]Grand Master Gary Kasparov was defeated by the IBM Deep Blue computer in 1997 in chess. A machine defeated him! [11] All these point to the fact that AI may not operate like a mere machine, but like an inorganic human.  The range of its utility can be from facial recognition to the most critical surgery from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, from AI based clouds (Amazon Alexa, Google Go or Apple Siri) and nomenclature of digital payment in India ChatGPT.[12]From buying preferences of Narrow AI to building of systems surpassing human intelligence of Artificial General Intelligence.[13]In the movie ‘Her’ the self-operating system called Samantha can even name itself.[14]

Now, another critically core element of AI is algorithms which is a set of rules for computers to abide by in problem solving operations to accomplish an intended endeavour.Algorithm derived from the mathematician Muhammad-Ibn-Musa al Khwarizmi (c.a. 780-850).[15]In essence, it can be said that the all-computer programs are algorithms. AI algorithms are applied where human behaviour is essential. Even in Machine learning data use and algorithms are employed which is typically done by humans.[16]In other words, ‘it is (algorithms) precisely defined set of mathematical or logical operations for the performance of a particular task.’[17] Not only that it will enable the computer to learn a system by which it brings a solution to a problem. For an instance, Amazon uses algorithms to develop statistics to trace what products people may buy or purchase, algorithms used to sort job applications and makes suggestions on the applicants most suitable for the jobs, it even makes comparisons among many X-ray plates. Self-riding vehicles will probably dominate the roads.[18]

Now, as far as the achievements of AI are concerned, it seems to be on its way to the pinnacle of success and has invaded almost all the domains of human intelligence and activity such as business, logistics, manufacturing, transportation, health care, education, state governance, etc.[19] Machine Learning (ML), natural language processing and computer vision are increasingly permeating and spreading to various disciplines and aspects of our society. In other terms, if it is said that AI, which is an inorganic human intelligence, is snatching away the authority and power from the hands of its masters, in no way it will be an exaggeration. In fact, AI has opened a new horizon of human development that will eventually add a unique dimensionto the modus-operandi of every sphere of human function ability.

As the fact of the matter, AI has revolutionized the application of science to ensure efficiency, improvement and cost effective that may accelerate economic growth, augment social development and supposed to be enhancing human well-being all across human civilization in the world.Few instances such as AI chatbot can facilitate client’s inquiries at any time that may trigger customers’ satisfaction and increase in its productions and sell. AI curves out opportunities for doctors to treat patients through telemedicine services even from very distant places.[20]  AI takes over repetitive and tedious tasks, meticulous calculations and frees up human handsfor doing other specialized works. In addition to these, AI can truly impact the field of medical treatment as well as health care.Our society will harvest immense benefits with autonomous transportation and clearance of traffic congestion issues. Facial recognition technology will enable the cops to catch criminals and terrorists. Even the deployment of Robotic security guards, police personnel, border security forces, army personnel will be the ushering of an unprecedented era of superfast technological explosion.[21]There is little doubt that AI may turn into boon for billions. It will be effective tools for health, education, public policy, defence mechanism and business strategy.

Nevertheless, it can cause harmful hazards for humanity, potential peril for civil society and will endanger the very existence of human beings.On the negative side, ‘serious questions are raised to address the genuine issues like joblessness, existential threat by inorganic beings. More concern raised by AI when it picks up language and human communication skills. Humans or Homo sapience are distinct from the other creatures in many ways. But these two aspects are somethings that keep them as special. Now, once language is mastered it can eventually influence critical thoughts, feelings and actions. From hospitals to markets, from religions to restaurants words used to communicate. So, with the mastery of language machines will have the power to create text, content, portray pictures, compose music, write codes and even can engage itself in manoeuvring and it can even hack human operating system and ‘deep fakes’ are created and the viewers are not able to differentiate.’[22]Thus, an illusory world is created and people are misled into a potential trap. Sometimes fake news is fabricated and spread by means of AI or AI is used to allure customers to buy particular products, even governments can manipulate and produce false manifesto with unthinkable speed.[23]

‘Artificial Intelligence can easily and completely assimilate all the cultural products of all societies. It can, then, create its own output – music, paintings, novels, recipes. AI does not have emotions or feelings yet. Nevertheless, it will be capable of kindling feelings and enable emotions to well up. A printing press is not endowed with the capacity to produce a book, it can only print the one which already exists. A gun on its own cannot create another superior gun. But AI can update as well as upgrade itself and create superior AI. It appears to be very astonishing that AI will evolve itself by interacting with humans. AI will register an individual’s beliefs, likes and dislikes, preferences, personal history and the total personal history and subsequently it will have its control over the mind of the individual. AI will learn from the humans endlessly and it is apprehended that within next five years AI will probably rule over human life and culture. In so doing it is likely to disrupt and dominate human existence. It will probably be climaxed in diminishing the democratic dissent and insecurity gains ascendency.’[24]

‘Fromtime immemorial the ecological system of the planet earth contained only organic life-forms. But the organic Homo Sapience does not seem to have much future left and his existence will be at stake as the earth is likely to be dominatedby an unusual inorganic entity very different from the humans.Authority seems to be slipping away from the hands of the humansand the AI Algorithms are thought to be the new masters. Previously humans received authority from above, but with the passage of time and especially in the threshold of the post-modern epoch feelings became pivotal and the sole decider for ethical issues. Now, in 21st century human feelings are thought of bio-chemical Algorithms. The scientists are of the opinions that if there is adequate data and power, external algorithms can be created.When external algorithms turn into excellent algorithms by understanding human emotions and feelings better. In the second decade of this century infotech is becoming more biotech as there is hardly any difference between these two. The social media like Facebook or Google will be able to understand an individual better than himself owing to the data available to them. And they possess the computing power to understand human feelings.Thus, the authority shifts away from humans to algorithms. Now, AI makes choice for humans and they will be the mere recipients.[25]

This generates unpredictability and creates the scope for abuse. For an instance, facial recognition algorithms are used to ensure public security by the detection of potential criminals. But it may turn out to be disastrous if the detection is done based on their facial resemblance. Such ethical issues and dilemmas of lack of transparency popularly known as black box. The opacity of ML makes the algorithms or models mysterious both to consumers and even to the developers.The imprudent, malicious use of data may culminate in leakage or tempering personal information of an individual, institution or organization. Criminals may have more ways to obtain personal privacy data with lower costs and greater benefits. Data security incidents have commonly occurred in recent years.[26]

If AI fails in any way the accountability becomes an ethical issue. AI Robots are used for multiple purposes such as health, hotel, security even in other fields. But AI Robots are always granted a certain degree of autonomy, intentionality and responsibility.That intentionality is probably calculated within the range of morality. Nevertheless, if the AI fails to play its desired role in a context it has not been prepared for, then who will be responsible for the catastrophe created by the inorganic irony? Irony in the sense that what was expected to be a problem solver turns out to be a trouble maker! Besides without training in human rights laws, they may infringe and breach essential human rights without even realizing it.[27]

As far as the social impacts are concerned AI as well as automation may cause colossal chaos for the job replacement. Factory workers are already being replaced by automated systems that involved Robotic machinery in various fields of work. On the contrary, it seems to be unethical for the privileged elites to be the only beneficiaries.Not only that the AI that goes against the flow of ethical conscience can distort truth and create loss of trust which disarms the power of a society. Eventually a community wages war against the other.Racialand religious discrimination will be a natural outcome of AI. Inequality, inhuman bias has been an integral part of AI application. AI continues to enhance its skill while humans gradually shrink. Such unhealthy and unfair competition with monopolistic nature of AI will surely have an impact on social stability, liberty in the market, fairness, equal value and it becomes apparent that the interest of the consumers is killed and the scope for social welfare development is hindered.[28]

‘Historically, societies have understood early that certain professions need stronger oversight owing to their substantial potential to cause damage.Someone has rightly said,

“Society’s granting of power and privilege to the profession is premised on their willingness and ability to contribute to social benefit and to conduct their affairs in a manner consistent with broader social values.”[29]

Camenisch says,

“The autonomy of a profession is a privilege granted by society, which in turn leads to a moral duty of it to work for societal benefit. Professional codes not line with societal good will be rejected by society.”[30]

Medicine is an ancient profession with the first written records dating back to Sumeria 2000 B.C. Hippocratic oath, the first recorded document of medical professional codes, Geneva declaration and declaration of Helsinki for ethical conduct of medical research are examples of ethical codes for controlling this particular profession.[31] Likewise, some of that sort must be done to have a check on AI.

But before any remedial treatment is prescribed the root cause has to be diagnosed. First of all, unlike other creatures in the world man has been made in the image of God (Imago – Dei) [Gen. 1:26-27]. This divinely shaped image created an eternal vacuum in man. The vacuum is nothing but the deepest hunger and the deep-seated yearning for the tangible presence of the Creator. It is a strong inner urge to worship the Creator with which man has been made. As long as man remained in His presence in the garden of Eden, they were fully satisfied by it. Unfortunately, a chasm was created by sin between God and man and man had to be away from His presence(Gen. 3:23-24).But that that deep spiritual hunger remained as an incessant integral part of his whole being. That hunger drove him to invent many things like Religions[32] and other things. When everything else failed, man started worshipping himself. It climaxed in self-obsession or selfie-culture.Gradually it took the form of Narcissism. It is an abnormal mental state in which man has irrational, unreasonably high sense of their own importance. He cannot think of anything other than himself. And AI is stemming out of that abnormal state of mind.

Secondly, Ecclesiastes 3:11 declares, “God has planted eternity in the human heart…” (New Living Translation). It implies that God created man for eternity and He never expected man to taste death. But man chose to be the subject of death and decay. However, man wants to live forever even when his physical existence is no more.Cyborg is something that man created to taste immortality in his own limited sense and capacity. Humans attempted to make himself eternal apart from Christ by inventing Cyborg, a CyberneticOrganism, a rare blend of biology and technology to proceed into a new vista of Trans-humanism, the issue of becoming god.[33]As man wants to prolong his existence on earth if not physically, but virtually, he made prosthetic hands and feet that he can run faster than man’s usual speed. Even he will upload his memory into a new devise in which he can keep his digital existence alive even after his mortalexistence is gone.[34] Thus, he desires to immortalize himself! ‘Even the Neuromorphic computing is a computer engineering in which elements of a computer are modelled after the pattern of human brain and nervous system.’[35] Such points to the fact that man has rejected God and tries to take his place and creates the super intelligence without conscience and no wonder it will suffer from the situation characterised by utter lawlessness,ethical as well as moral bankruptcy.

BBC news expressed their dreadful, serious warnings with respect to AI, saying that global governance becomes indispensable to have control over AI. Moreover, in near future this Artificial Intelligence will change the way people think, reciprocate in the society, make policies both local and national. So, there may be a tectonic shift with the new inorganic AI civilization that comes as a Tsunami or a mountainous wave![36]

Even AI has its bad odour with the new smart electric Meter which is going to replace the previous one. The new meter will be under the control of AI and people are apprehensive about that it may ruin them with huge meter reading and there are public agitations already in different parts of Bengal.[37]

Bertrand Russell, the notorious atheist once said, “We want to stand upon our own feet and look fair and square at the world — it’s good facts, it’s bad facts, it’s beauties and its ugliness; see the world as it is and be not afraid of it”[38]

If not everything, but surely his openness and keen interest to explore the truth should be agreed upon and cherished.   But at the same time, it brings out the ugliness on the other side of the spectrum.The Greek mythological tale of a Craftsman named Daedalus and his son Icarus provides a clarion call even in post- modern era that not to lose sight of the reality, elevated too high on something that did not provide him with a long stay up in the sky and it climaxed in falling from the hight! Likewise, if the articulation of science and its practice are not done based on the reality and the truth, it might suffer the same fate of Icarus of the Greek mythology.

[1]Saunak Dutta, “ManusherAyana Hoye Othar PotheEgochchheKrittimBudhhimotta” (Artificial Intelligence Is Going to Be the Mirror of Mankind), The Ananada Bazar Patrika, 17th September, 2023.
[2]Anup Sinha, A Mechanical Future. The Telegraph, 8th September, 2023.
[3]John C Lennox, 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of humanity. (http: youtu.be/bvf_n6Cnp8s).
[4] https://www.theatlantic.com/books/archive/2023/03/ai-robot-novels-isaac-asimov-microsoft-chatbot/673265/
[5]See… John C Lennox, 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of humanity
[6] Selin Akgun and Christine Greenhow, http://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-021-00096-7
[7]Latha Christie, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of human Society. https://youtu.be/ytNZLyKHOIY
[8]Ibid
[9]Elaine Rich and others. Artificial Intelligence. (Chennai: McGraw Hill Education (India) Private Limited, 2009), p.5.
[10]Ibid…p. 7
[11]Pathik Guha, “JontroHariye Dilo BuddhimanManushkeo”(Even machine defeated Intelligent Human Being), Rabibasariyo,  The Ananada Bazar Patrika, 17th September, 2023.
[12]See… Saunak Dutta, “Manusher Ayana Hoye Othar PotheEgochchheKrittimBudhhimotta” (Artificial Intelligence Is Going to Be the Mirror of Mankind),The Ananada Bazar Patrika, 17th September, 2023.
[13] See…John C Lennox, 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of humanity.
[14]https://www.quora.com, See… Saunak Dutta, “Manusher Ayana Hoye Othar PotheEgochchheKrittimBudhhimotta” (Artificial Intelligence Is Going to Be the Mirror of Mankind),
[15]See…John C Lennox, 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of humanity. 
[16]See… Selin Akgun and Christine Greenhow, http://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-021-00096-7
[17]Ibid…p.433.
[18]See… John C Lennox, 2084: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of humanity
[19]Changwu Huang, An Overview of Artificial Intelligence Ethics Vol. 4, August 2023. (http://creativecommons.org//licences/by/4.0
[20]Ibid
[21] Bernard Marr, What Is the Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) On Society? (http://bernardmarr.com/what-is-the-impact-of-artificial-intelligence-ai-on-society/)pp.4-5
[22]See… Anup Sinha, A Mechanical Future. The Telegraph, 8th September, 2023.
[23]Yuval Noah Harari, AI and Future of Humanity (https://youtu.be/LWiM-LuRe6w?si=QO5-yBMvHchZ7Sv_)
[24]Ibid
[25]Yuval Noah Harari, Homo Deus. (https://youtu.be/4ChHc5jhZxs?si=Gxe0ilsJzdzh9CE)
[26]See…Changwu Huang, An Overview of Artificial Intelligence Ethics Vol. 4, August 2023. 
[27]Ibid
[28]Ibid
[29]Inga Strumke, Marija Slavkovik and others, The Social Dilemma in Artificial Intelligence Devdelopment and Why We have to Solve It. (https://doi.org/10.1007/s43681-021-00120-w)
[30]Ibid
[31]Ibid
[32]Prakash Pal, An Appraisal of Samartha’s Dialogue as Mission and Their Relevance to the Context of Hindutva Ideology (An unpublished M.Th. Thesis). (Bangalore: _______, 2019), p.47
[33]Latha Christie, Biblical Theological Perspective of AI   (https://youtu.be/bQnEhfF0iTA)
[34]Ibid
[35]https://www.techtarget.com
[36] Bbc.co.uk/news
[37]https://youtu.be/MAI-NqKe3Oc?si=dazZQ9_6gTRP2iMP
[38]Karl W. Giberson, The Wonder of the Universe. (Illinois Books, 2012), p.9
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An Approved Workman for the Master’s Use

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In every household, a variety of vessels play a crucial role in food preparation, storage, and serving, each designed for specific cooking methods and dietary needs. Now in a house, there are not only expensive cutlery but vessels of wood and clay. Some are used to honor some honorable guests, while others are used for daily uses or ordinary purposes. In 2 Timothy 2:20-21, Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of household utensils to illustrate how believers can be used for noble purposes in God’s kingdom, depending on their purity and willingness to be sanctified for His service.  By the time Paul wrote this letter to Timothy, he had been ministering to the church at Ephesus for four years. As Paul comes to pen this letter from a dark and damp Roman prison cell, just before his impending death. Paul understood that the ministry would only become more difficult for Timothy with the apostle’s impending death.

In this letter Paul exhorts Timothy for ministerial endurance and an appeal to doctrinal soundness. In doing so, apostle Paul reminded Timothy that the house Paul refers to, stands on the firm foundation of God. Upon that firm foundation, who is the Lord Jesus Christ, God has placed a seal as a guarantee. Paul knew that Timothy’s task of keeping the church within the bounds of sound doctrine while encouraging believers to live their lives well for the sake of Christ would be an often thankless and difficult task. Though hardship would come, Paul wanted Timothy to continue in those things he had learned, drawing on the rich heritage of faith that had been passed down to the young pastor, not just from Paul but also from his mother and grandmother (2 Timothy 1:5–6; 3:14–15).

In his personal letter to Philemon, Paul is addressing Philemon, a Christian believer and a master of a slave named Onesimus. Onesimus had somehow run away from Philemon, and during that time, he encountered Paul, while Paul was in prison. Through their interactions, Paul led Onesimus to faith in Christ, and Onesimus became a transformed man, no longer the same as he was before.

When Paul writes in Philemon 1:11, “Formerly, he was useless to you,” he’s acknowledging that before Onesimus’s conversion, he had not served his master in a meaningful or beneficial way. However, Paul goes on to say, “But now he is indeed useful to you and to me.” This marks a dramatic shift.The transformation of Onesimus’s heart, resulting from his newfound faith in Christ, has turned him into someone who can now contribute positively to the lives of both Philemon and Paul. Do you see it? At one time Onesimus was useless but now he is indeed useful.

More than anything else, I want to be used by God. My passion, my desire, is to know Him in an intimate way and to make Him known. My desire is to show and to share the love of Christ with everybody everywhere. I wonder, is that your desire? Do you want to be used by God more than anything else?

To be useful means to be suitable for service, to be a vessel that is fit for the Master’s use. The Apostle Paul said, “we have a treasure in earthen vessels that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us” (2 Corinthians 4:7). And so, he saw himself as a vessel that God could work in and work through to accomplish His purposes. The concept of “usefulness” is something Apostle Paul also emphasizes when writing to his young protégé, Timothy. In 2 Timothy 2:20-21, Paul encourages Timothy to live a life that reflects purity and devotion to God so that he might be a vessel that is “useful” for God’s purposes. Paul compares believers to vessels, much like how he did with “earthen vessels” in 2 Corinthians 4:7.

In these verses in 2 Timothy 2:14-26, are two biblical truths that are meant to encourage and strengthen Timothy in his duty and instructs us till today, on how to become a vessel of honour for the Master’s use.

Firstly, Vessels rooted in the Word :

In dealing with the problems faced by the believers in the Ephesian church, Timothy encountered the ongoing and difficult challenge of correcting false teachings. In verse 15, Paul urges young Timothy to return to the core truth of the gospel. He shifts his focus to Timothy’s spiritual character and what he can do to stay clear of destructive conflict within the Ephesian church. Apostle Paul encourages Timothy to be firmly grounded in the truth of the gospel so that he will have the theological and spiritual strength he needs. Not only will Timothy exhibit his theological understanding, but this understanding will also shape him as a person. His message will be accompanied by his lifestyle.

In his essay “Christ and Scripture”, John Stott reflected, “Jesus believed the scriptures & in that He obeyed them in His own life. He practiced what He preached. He did not only say that He believed in the divine origin of the Scriptures; He acted on His belief by submitting to the authority of the Scriptures as to the authority of God. He gladly and voluntarily accepted a position of humble subordination to them. He followed the teachings in His own life (Stott 7)”. Stott emphasizes that Jesus did not only acknowledge the divine origin of the Scriptures but also demonstrated His belief through His actions.

We are called to model obedience to Scripture, not just by believing in God’s Word, but by living it out in our daily lives. This challenges us to practice what we preach—aligning our actions with the teachings we profess.

Secondly, Vessels Sanctified for the Master’s use:

We always serve others with clean utensils, never using those that are unclean, as unclean utensils can lead to infection. In the same way, it is vital to maintain spiritual cleanliness, free from any impurities or infirmities. I am not suggesting that once we begin following Jesus, we will never make mistakes or stumble in our faith journey. Rather, I am emphasizing that even when we fall or falter, we must seek Jesus’ forgiveness and continue on our journey of faith. However, we must also make every effort to remain clean, holy, and ready for the Master’s use. In this passage, apostle Paul reminds Timothy that God knows His own and a stronger reminder that those who call on the name of the Lord should depart from iniquity. The Scripture reminds us, “Be holy for I am Holy”(1 Peter 1:16). Therefore, the vessel used for the service of God should be holy. To be made holy, the vessel must have all defilement removed. To cleanse oneself is not a self-improvement regimen. It requires total commitment to God (Rom 12:1-2). Whatever we give unreservedly to God, he can completely sanctify (1 Thessalonians 5:23-24).

In conclusion, the call to be vessels rooted in the Word and sanctified for the Master’s use is an invitation to live a life that reflects the core truth of the gospel—both in belief and in practice. Just as Timothy was encouraged to remain firmly grounded in the Scriptures, we are called to embody God’s Word in our daily lives, demonstrating the power of truth not just through our knowledge but through our actions.

Ultimately, we are called to be vessels that are both grounded in the truth of the gospel and set apart for God’s holy purposes. When we align our lives with God’s Word, remain committed to holiness, and allow Him to work in and through us, we become instruments for His glory, ready for every good work. This is the life of a disciple—a life lived for God’s honor and service.

Work Cited :
Stott, John R. W., and Mark Labberton. Christ the Cornerstone. Lexham Press, 2019.

 

 

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Master’s Vessels and Integrity: Looking through the Prism of Personal Morality and Ethical Accountability

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The 21st Century has witnessed the seismic shifts from Modernism into post-modernism. This has culminated in apparent perennial effects on human emotions, perspectives and approach to life and immediate environments. While modernism was characterized by objective truth and its voyage of discovery through reason and science, the post-modernism is featured by subjective nature of truth to be determined by contextual and cultural relativity. While the reliance of Modernism remained on the metanarratives or an overarching interpretation and large-scale story-telling methods, the post-modernism stresses upon diversity of human experience and emotions attached to it.  This unique reversal seems to have caused a colossal evaporation of the modern human rational and self-constraint approach. Instead, it contributes to the formation of identity crises, fragmentation of purposefulness and precipitation of the cloud of confusion. It seems to trigger untimely, unbridled emotional eruptions which swipe away all the moral and ethical moorings and traditional anchors of value systems across the landscape of humanity and Christianity is not an estranged island.

As the disciples of Jesus and followers of the Truth, we wrestle to remain true to our convictions in the deluge of demands of the age. The Dutch statesman- Abraham Kuyper highlights, “The greatest problem we have as finite creatures is relating with the infinite. The ultimate dilemma we have as creatures living in material bodies in a material world is how to gain meaning and significance beyond material existence” (Daniel R. Heimbach, 2011). A statement of homogenous nature is found from the great Missiologist John Stott as having said that ‘even after being saved and justified by the sheer grace of God from the eternal wrath of God and the sense of guilt, human beings still continue in sin, they are sandwiched between now and not yet’ (John Stott, 2008). In other terms, our salvation has not been brought to completion.

It is well known that the Greek word σωζω (sozo) is not only used in Present Tense, but also in Perfect and Aorist tense as well. Second Corinthians 2:15 Greek word “τοις σωζομενοις”  [tois sozomenois], meaning (those who [are] being saved) and “τοις απολλυμενοις”[tois apollumenois], meaning (those who perish).

If it is simplified it can be said that they have not yet perished nor have others reached heaven. So, between justification and glorification, there is an important spiritual protocol by the name of sanctification, without which the entire process will remain unaccomplished.

The tension between now and yet to come creates an ethical dilemma, hurls an individual into the gulf of uncertainty, leading into discomposure as well as bewilderment. In the process they become the victim of it and lose self-control and simply follow the contemporary trend without eyeing at the future consequences. Therefore, instead of communicating the gospel of the truth, they end up compromising with the truth of relativity, instead of confronting Consumerism[1], they are found reclining on its couch, instead of navigating complex moral issues such as gay marriage, internet pornography, divorce, homosexuality, live-in relations, abortions and genetic engineering most are seen efficiently doing the bypass surgery without touching the core part, instead of living with integrity it ends up leaving. Prophetic voice seems to be super active in terms of prosperity, but less effective in spiritual fecundity.

Formidable foes of ethics and morality engirdle human life in this age of ethical eclipse. The world is moving at a high velocity and changing so rapidly that the value systems seem to have fallen short and even they are challenged! When truth is relativized the volume of the moral and ethical voice loses its original resonance. Social injustices, inequality, corruption and exploitation reach its maximity. Digitalization as the by-product of globalization takes the technological advancements to a zenith of success in terms of giving more comforts to the life lived in the present era and an unprecedented inclination towards consumption seems to generate an unhealthy equation of selfish relational dynamics. This tendency towards self-absorption breeds greed, acquisitive and mercenary approach and put the moral fulcrum on a topsy-turvy. Such persistent moral as well as ethical dwindle and decay has not only crept into the pores of the human societal structures, but also invaded every domain of human existence and social institutions.

People moved away from closed marriage[2] into open marriages[3], telephonic culture [4]to selfie culture[5], procreational sex to recreational sex, Heterosexuality into Homosexuality, from Monogamy [marrying one wife] to Polygamy [marrying multiple wives] and now Sologamy [marrying to self]. It is probably not an exaggeration if it is said that sexual chaos in the culture (Daniel R. Heimbach, 2011). Today people are not overwhelmed by the rampant promiscuity or marital infidelity or failure to set up a virtuous example, but become aroused by sexual entertainments. It results in breaking of marriages not only in Hollywood, Bollywood or Tollywood, but ‘it has even become a domestic phenomenon. Pornographic addiction keeps people in immoral shackles, leading to brainlessness and stupidity’ (Daniel R. Heimbach, 2011). 21st Century major ethical concern is the urbanization and industrialization at the expense of the green revolution. The environmental plunder has culminated in climatic changes, pollution, and extinction of different species which remain as integral part of the whole fabric.

Even in the context of such extreme ethical enigma and moral muddle when the flame of morality and ethics flickers, the Church must live as the people of God in the world [Deut. 7:6; 1 Pet. 2:9-10; Eph. 4:1-3; Matt. 5:13-16]. The ethical triangle that involves God on the top of the pyramid and Israel and Land of Cannon remained on the two sides of the base of the triangle. These three angles of a pyramid reveal theological, social and economical angles. The theological angle throws light on the fact that the LORD is the God of Israel, secondly Israel has been displayed as an elect people of God for His special purpose (Gen. 12:1-3). Thirdly, the Land being given to the nation of Israel by God. So, God, Israel and Land remains intertwined. In a narrower sense from the Old Testament perspective it can be said that the Church is an elect people of God to continue in a unique relationship with God through personal holiness and ethical integrity. Before God gave them law, they had been allowed to taste the Exodus or physical deliverance out of which a genuine sense of commitment was birthed in their hearts that led them to the Law (Torah). Therefore, God, Israel and Land had been the three columns of the Israeli worldview and they became the pivotal points for their theology and ethics.

If it is framed in a simplified manner and it can be stated that primarily the people of God must stay connected vertically to their Creator and Savior in an upward relationship [theological angle]. But the Land in the second place belongs to the LORD and gives to His people and makes them responsible for it (Gen. 2:15) [Economic angle].  Thirdly, the people of God remain responsible both to God vertically and to the given land horizontally [Social angle].

Therefore, whatever human beings do to his land or the way they interact as well as reciprocate with others have their boomerang effects on themselves as both the land and people are directly connected to God. That was why in the Old Testament whenever Israel violated the divine norms either at the personal level, or political level or social level God considered them as being unethical and the prophets foresaw the disastrous effects on them. Even in the Ten Commandments (Decalogue Ex. 20), the first four commandments are upwardly connected, while the rest of them remain rooted to the social domain. In the Sermon on the Mount Jesus brings the completeness to it as He not only quotes them but He also makes inner being more responsible for it (Matt. 5-7). In I Corinthians 3:16 Paul reminds, “Don’t you know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and if anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy him.”  Adam in the Garden of Eden was given the responsibility to keep, cultivate and protect the land (Gen. 2:15). As Adam failed in his moral choice it not only brought disparity and ethical drift, but human beings suffered the immediate fruits of his own fiasco – being spiritually alienated from the Creator, humans became the part of death and decay and the eternal separation. King Solomon built the temple and dedicated to the LORD (1Kings 6:14; 37; 7:12; 2 Chronicles 6). Nevertheless, he himself violated God’s command and indulged his foreign wives to keep and worship other gods and defile the temple (1 Kings 11:10). King David moved from pastoral experience to palatial opulence. Still, he misused the power and the authority of the King over the nation of Israel. He not only took away the wife of Uriah, but he was even sent intentionally to the battlefront to be killed. Even though David was the man after God’s own heart, he was not exempted from his chastisement. In spite of being deeply repentant and remorseful (Psalm 51), David had to accept God’s retributive reaction in response to his injudicious, impudent immoral actions (2 Samuel 12:11-12). On the contrary, when pure devotion, loyalty and allegiance displayed before God, He can elevate an individual from pit to palace (Gen. 37, 38, 39).

Therefore, God is not the respecter of persons. It does not matter who is sitting on the throne and who is ruling, God remains above everything else. Karl Barth recounts, “Strange new world within the Bible” and “it is not the right human thoughts about God which form the content of the Bible”, but “the right divine thoughts about men” (Grenz and Olson, 2009). In other words, the Barthian arguments resort on the premise of “theology from above” which actually overthrew the concept of “this-worldly” propounded by Overbeck (Colm O’Grady, 1970). Barthian theme is dynamic eschatology, the irrevocable motion from a meltdown temporal order into a new structure and organic arrangement created and ruled by God. The complete replenishment of the original creation. So, even in the context of post-modernism and its by product called cultural relativity,  a true follower of the truth can live a life of morality, integrity and stay ethically organic as the eyes are fixed upon not on “this-worldly”(Jn. 17:14;16;8:23-28), but on the “theology from above” and the Master’s Vessel (2 Timothy 2:21).

[1] Consumerism is driven by market economy sustained by materialistic values that revolve around the beliefs that having more material possessions ensures more happiness and promotes success. This materialistic philosophy encourages people to buy things they don’t need. Consumerism creates desires for material possessions that lead to economic transaction.
[2] Closed Marriage involves a relationship in which both partners remain deeply committed to each other and maintain exclusivity with outside partners.
[3] Open Marriage is a type of marriage in which both partners consent to have sexual relationships outside of marriage.
[4] Telephonic culture refers to established norms and overall etiquette considered appropriate while having interaction over phone.
[5] Selfie culture primarily refers to the practice of clicking self-portraits and sharing by the use of Smartphone. But this goes beyond and eventually takes the form of self-obsession.
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THE MASTER’S VESSEL

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The annual theme for Buntain Theological College for the academic year 2024-25 is ‘The Master’s Vessel.’ This is based on 2 Timothy 2:21: ‘ If you keep yourself pure, you will be a special utensil for honorable use. Your life will be clean, and you will be ready for the Master to use you for every good work.’

The purpose of an annual theme in a seminary like Buntain Theological College is for the BTC family to grow in knowledge, personal attitudes and practices based on the selected theme.

The BTC leadership team prayerfully led the BTC community in the process of holistic formation specifically seeking to walk as ‘The Master’s Vessel.’  This all-inclusive formation is designed to shape our students in three dimensions:

The Majesty of the Master:
How great is the Lord who called you

The word ‘majesty’ in the Bible is used to express the thought of the greatness of God, our Maker and our Lord. (Psalms 93:1-2, Psalms 145:5).

Who is this Majestic Master? Three ingredients we deeply hold on to:

  • God is personal but majestic (Genesis 18:14)
  • God has no limitations (Psalms 139)
  • God cannot be compared (Isaiah 40:12-13)

In the context of BTC, students are formed through their classroom sessions, campus life and ministry to recognize the greatness of the Lord who has called each of them.

We intentionally seek for every student and faculty to experience this two-fold growth:

  • Know the identity of the Master by studying more about Him, experiencing His ways and following Him.
  • Walk in Intimacy with the Master by intentionally spending time in His presence and listening to His voice.

As a faculty team, we recognize that this growth is the crux of the theological formation at BTC. The more they know God and spend time with Him, the more they will be like Him and seek to walk in His presence. Therefore, our classroom sessions, chapel services, dorm prayers, library times, course assignments and every other element of college life seek to guide students to a deeper understanding and experience of the Majesty of the Master.

The Manners of the Servant:
How grand is the work that God has called you for

Often, in the context of a Bible College, we can be so absorbed in knowing ‘God’ and His grandeur, that we fail to immerse ourselves in living as a ‘servant’. (John 12:26). There are two dimensions of servanthood that we seek to develop at BTC:

  • The heart of a servant: The heart of a servant has a threefold attitude. Firstly, disciplined focus always looking to the Master for the slightest signal (Psalms 123:1-2). Secondly, a longing to be faithful to all that is given in our hands (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). Finally, pursuing the final goal by waiting for the ultimate reward and not being lost in short-term celebrations. (Matthew 25:21)
  • The handiwork of a servant: The handiwork of a servant also has a threefold disposition. Firstly, to think more about others than about us. (Phil. 2:19-24). Secondly, to think more as a steward and not as an owner. (Genesis 39:16) Finally, to think more about the work we are called to do and not to compare with the work others are called to do. (Luke 10:38-42)

As a faculty team, we recognize that the development of a servant’s mindset is crucial for every BTC student. Therefore, we seek to develop this mindset by intentionally giving them opportunities and experiences in their academic assessments, spiritual disciplines and ministry assignments. Intentional structuring of leadership roles alongside ministry supervisors, faculty coordinators, and student leaders helps inculcate this servant mindset.

The Message of the Faithful Vessel:
How powerful is a faithful vessel in the Master’s hands

The missional dimension of formation revolves around helping students recognize the power of the gospel. There is intrinsic power in the message itself to transform lives. However, the message is communicated through faithful vessels walking securely in the Master’s hands.

The BTC leadership strategically seeks to address two specific components in its development of the missional formation:

  • Help discover the power of a broken vessel by walking in humility and God-dependence (2 Corinthians 4:5-7, 16-17).
  • Understanding the proclamation of a faithful vessel by sharing the gospel through our lives, the gospel, and if necessary, through our death. (1 Corinthians 1:26-31)

The ultimate goal of the BTC leadership is to prepare students to make a difference in their local context and ministry community. Therefore, we intentionally plan out ministry opportunities, exposure trips, and training sessions that would help our students to be prepared to be faithful vessels for the Master. The courses are also integrated with learning content that would showcase the dynamic elements of the gospel message. The relational community of BTC trains students through informal engagements and structured mentoring moments to embrace becoming broken vessels for His kingdom.

A strategic fusion of these three dimensions (as illustrated in the diagram below) sets the tone to be the Master’s Vessel in a Seminary setting. However, as intentional as the structure can be, often the genuine circumstances of students, developing concerns of a broken world and spontaneous Spirit-led interruptions, make life in a Bible College grounded and real.

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The Master’s Vessel!

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The Apostle Paul writes like this in 2 Timothy 2:20-21 – “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.”

The context tells us that this personal instruction came to Timothy from the Apostle Paul who was in prison. It was a great joy for Paul to see Timothy grow as a young Pastor/Leader in the Church at Ephesus. He encourages him in many ways but warns him of false teachers and that he should not be intimidated by them…Rather, he should confront them and rebuke them.

This is the background in which 2 Timothy2:20-21 is written! Let us look at THREE VALUABLE INSIGHTS:

I. THE MASTER

Paul reminds us here…We don’t serve an institution, people or an organization…we may be affiliated or attached to it but…WE ARE CALLED TO SERVE THE MASTER! In the New Testament Jesus was referred to as ‘MASTER’ on many occasions. The common use of this title rendered ‘Rabbi’ or ‘Teacher’ – One who teaches concerning the things of God and the duties of man! But this word ‘MASTER’ is so rich in its usage…it also expresses ‘LORDSHIP’!

When Paul tells Timothy in verse 20 – “In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use…” The ‘large house’ is a metaphor of ‘The Church…the family of God’! We must never forget that JESUS IS THE LORD AND MASTER OF THE INVISIBLE CHURCH!

The truth is…BEFORE JESUS USES US AS HIS VESSELS…OUR TONGUES MUST CONFESS THAT HE IS OUR MASTER…OUR KNEES MUST BOW TO HIS LORDSHIP…OUR HEARTS MUST LOVE HIM AND HIM ALONE!

The Psalmist in Psalms 73:25 writes, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you.” Precious ones…DOES YOUR HEART DESIRE FOR JESUS MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE? Jesus made this very clear…YOU CANNOT SERVE GOD AND THE WORLD AT THE SAME TIME! THERE MUST BE AN ABSOLUTE SURRENDER TO JESUS! As someone said, JESUS MUST NOT ONLY BE RESIDENT IN YOUR LIFE BUT HE MUST BE THE PRESIDENT OF YOUR LIFE! The question is…DOES JESUS HAVE EVERYTHING OF US? or Are we holding back something from our MASTER AND LORD? Here is the truth…EVERYTHING YOU NEED IS IN JESUS…DON’T LOOK ELSEWHERE!

II. THE MESSAGE

Paul’s message to Timothy is loud & clear. As God’s children and servants called by him…God wants us to LIVE A LIFE THAT HONOURS HIM! Let our life in the sight of God be PURE AND BLAMELESS! Paul in 2 Timothy 2:19 says, “Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Paul reminds Timothy that for him and others to be useful to the Master, they need to walk in righteousness! The message is very clear: GOD ISN’T GOING TO USE UNRIGHTEOUS PEOPLE FOR HIS WORK! King David had to cry out to God like this in Psalms 51:10, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” Paul’s exhortation in verse 21 makes it clear too – “Therefore if anyone cleanses himself from the latter, he will be a vessel for honor, sanctified and useful for the Master, prepared for every good work.”

GOD CANNOT USE ANY OTHER VESSELS BUT ONLY VESSELS OF HONOUR FOR HIS GLORY! Let us allow him to MAKE US INTO AN VESSEL OF HONOUR! To live a life that honours Jesus…we must daily crucify ourselves to Christ. Listen to Paul in Galatians 2:20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 9:26&27 to be RUTHLESS AND HARD ON OURSELVES – “Therefore I do not run like someone running aimlessly; I do not fight like a boxer beating the air. No, I strike a blow to my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.”

Precious ones…whenever the enemy/temptation tries to make inroads into our lives…Let us be RUTHLESS/HARD ON OURSELVES! We must ‘STAY PURE’ in Christ! How can our heart and life be kept pure? By staying connected to GOD’S PRESENCE AND HIS WORD! May our hearts cry be like that of the Psalmist in Psalms 27:4, “One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple.”

III. THE MANDATE!

Paul makes God’s heart very clear in verse 21 – GOD WANTS TO USE US! Listen to Paul’s exhortation as to how God looks upon us: “…instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Precious ones…God does not want us to ‘STAGNATE’ but to ‘SERVE’ him! The purpose of us being the Master’s Vessel is to serve and bless people! When Jesus encountered Saul on the road to Damascus, Saul’s life was totally changed. This is what Jesus had to say about Paul to Ananias in Acts 9:15 – “But the Lord said unto him, Go thy way: for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel:”

As a chosen vessel…the Apostle Paul served Jesus till his last breath! The Apostle Paul was UNSTOPPABLE WHEN IT CAME TO THE MANDATE OF GOD…WHEN IT CAME TO SERVING GOD!

Illustration: Playwright George Bernard Shaw was playing the “What If?” game with some friends shortly before he died. Mr. Shaw was asked, “If you could live your life over and be anybody you’ve ever known, or any person from history, who would you choose to be?” Mr. Shaw’s reply was, “I would choose to be the man George Bernard Shaw could have been, but never was.”

Have we ever thought about what we could be if we would only surrender to God’s purpose and power? As THE MASTER’S VESSEL…we are not called to be a ‘SHOW-PIECE’ but go out to ‘MAKE HIM KNOWN’! The Master is looking for vessels he can fill with his love, grace and compassion to reach out to our hurting world…that is why we are here on planet earth!

Precious ones…As God’s vessel…Let GOD POUR IN YOU SO YOU CAN POUR INTO OTHERS! TELL THE MASTER…I AM YOUR VESSEL…USE ME FOR YOUR GLORY! Remember…YOU ARE A CHOSEN VESSEL FOR THE MASTER! Be faithful to your calling!

God bless you!

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