October 26, 2025

I imagine most of you are familiar with the term “Oxymoron”, which Google defines as “A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction”. My favorite one is “jumbo shrimp”. Another fun term is “artificial intelligence” (AI) defined by Google as “The theory and development of computer systems able to perform tasks that normally require human intelligence, such as visual perception, speech recognition, decision-making, and translation between languages.” My newest thought is that AI is an oxymoron. The definition itself admits that it is a computer system, which as we all know means it is created by man. Real intelligence, the kind that we all have, is a God-given gift. It gives me the willies to think that a computer will somehow oversee things that affect all of us. It is so difficult to talk to an AI-generated voice, as they have certain things that must be said for them to respond. I have not been trained in proper dialogue with a machine. Nor do I wish to be. I am an intelligent person, and I wish to converse with other intelligent people. And I KNOW they are out there! The human brain is an absolute marvel, one that no man-made computer system can compete with. You cannot explain anything to a machine. It has no sympathy, no empathy, no interest in understanding your problem. But the gift of speaking with a real person, a person who genuinely cares about your issue, is so very special. And a one-on-one conversation is simply the best. You can hear and see in their eyes that they care and want to listen. They will not transfer you to another line or put you on hold. And you will give them the same courtesy. That is because you are both human beings, created in the image of God, and thus have quite a lot in common. I have yet to meet a computer with whom I have something in common. There is a lot to be said for being REAL. Our
bodies are a wonderful creation by the One and Only Creator, as is the universe in which we live. AI may be here to stay, and I am probably going to have to adjust, but I will NEVER lose sight of the truth. We live in God’s world, and His guidelines are the ones that matter. I am sticking with Scripture, prayer, and my wonderful Christian community. And I am very comfortable with my decision.

Blessings,
Martha Arizpe. St. John’s Prayer Team