Scientist Fears for Future

Stephen Hawking is an acclaimed scientist and writer. He also fears for the future of mankind.
The big threat—computers!

According to a report last year in The Observer, Hawking has reignited the debate over genetic
engineering. He is recommending that humans improve their DNA through genetic modification.

Hawking notes that technology is advancing so quickly computers are doubling their
performance every month. By contrast, humans are “developing much more slowly.”

“The danger is real,” he said in an interview with a German magazine, “that this (computer)
intelligence will develop and take over the world.”

Hawking’s solution is a “well-aimed manipulation” of human genes. Through this, humans
could improve the DNA they are born with and possibly keep up with the advances in computer
technology.

He also is advocating cyber-technology—direct links between human brains and computers.
This way, according to Hawking, “artificial brains contribute to human intelligence rather than
opposing it.”

Meanwhile, other scientists are urging caution because experiments with genetic engineering
could go wrong.

“He is trying to take the debate about genetic engineering in the wrong direction,” a critic says.
“It is naive to think that genetic engineering will help us stay ahead of computers.”

Surely, man often outsmarts himself. However, nuclear weapons, germ warfare, and even
genetic engineering itself likely are bigger threats than computers.

Computers may be able to compute much faster and do many tasks more efficiently than
humans. But they are no smarter than their human programmers.

God indeed may use some aspect of man’s folly in bringing the present age to an end. That’s
why it is imperative that we get the Gospel out. Scientists need to hear the Good News as much as
anyone else.

Also, when fears about the future afflict us, we need to remember Who is in charge.

“For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways;” Psalm 91:11
NIV. LSI

—Warren Krug, editor