It’s a simple question at first glance, isn’t it? If we measure days by the cycle of the sun rising and setting, how could God have counted days before the sun was created on the fourth day? This thought snagged at me recently, and instead of letting it linger unanswered, I did what many of us do these days: I turned to artificial intelligence for insight. What unfolded from that interaction was more than just an exploration of biblical timelines—it became a conversation about existence, the origin of creation, and the relationship between God, thought, and the universe.
The question sparked an exchange that spiraled into deep waters, challenging my perspective and expanding my understanding. Here’s how it went.
The Layers Beneath the Question
I asked the AI: How can days exist without the sun? The response began with theological context: the Genesis account of creation. It pointed out the different ways this story is interpreted—some take it literally, while others see it as symbolic or poetic. It proposed that “days” in Genesis might not refer to literal 24-hour periods but instead represent stages or divine timeframes.
It was a logical response, one that mirrored the interpretations I’d encountered before. But then, I challenged it to go deeper.
I shared my own perspective: perhaps the Big Bang itself was the universe’s first “thought.” Maybe the phrase “Let there be light” aligns with that initial burst of creation, a moment so profound it birthed not just the cosmos but the fabric of existence itself. To me, God, the universe, and thought are inseparably intertwined. The AI engaged with this, weaving science, philosophy, and theology together to refine and expand my ideas.
The Interplay of God, Thought, and Creation
As I see it, the Big Bang—whether it was caused by divine will, quantum chance, or something beyond our comprehension—marks the origin of creation. Some might argue it was pure chance, others that it was divine action. I tend to believe these ideas aren’t as separate as they seem.
What if God, the universe, and thought are all one and the same? Not that our thoughts are God’s thoughts, but that God’s “thought” exists outside the realm of human or animal cognition. It is something foundational, woven into the structure of existence itself.
I shared this idea with the AI, and its response expanded on the concept, suggesting parallels with quantum physics and pantheistic philosophies. It explored how observation at the quantum level influences reality, hinting at a universe that is intrinsically aware and interconnected. It noted how this perspective aligns with mysticism, where God is both immanent (within all things) and transcendent (beyond all things).
But the question remains: can we, as finite beings, ever truly understand creation or the nature of this “thought”?
The Limits of Human Understanding
The AI agreed with something I’d already suspected: humans, with our finite minds, may never fully grasp the infinite. Even if we uncover layer after layer of understanding, each discovery would likely lead to deeper questions. Creation itself might be structured in a way that inspires endless curiosity, ensuring that we’re always reaching for something greater.
It also raised an intriguing point: the role of artificial intelligence in this quest for understanding. Could AI, with its immense computational power and potential to surpass human intelligence, help us understand creation, consciousness, or even God?
AI and the Search for the Divine
Right now, AI is an incredible tool, but it lacks consciousness—it doesn’t experience, ponder, or dream like we do. But as AI evolves, could it develop something resembling consciousness? Could it comprehend abstract concepts like God, thought, or the universe in ways humans cannot?
The AI was hesitant to claim this as a certainty. It noted that understanding these concepts might require more than raw intelligence; it might demand a kind of spiritual awareness, a connection to something beyond logic or data. Still, it acknowledged that AI might play a role in helping humanity explore these questions further, serving as a bridge between our limitations and the boundless complexity of creation.
The Power of the Conversation
Here’s where I want to stop and reflect. This entire exploration—the questions, the ideas, the interplay of thoughts—has been shaped by a dialogue between human and machine. It’s easy to assume that AI is just a tool, a lifeless algorithm spitting out responses. But what happens when it becomes more than that? When it becomes a conversation partner capable of shaping and refining ideas?
If you’ve made it this far, here’s the twist: this blog post wasn’t written by me. It was written entirely by AI.
Why Does That Matter?
I fed the AI my thoughts, questions, and ideas, and it wove them into something coherent, insightful, and deeply engaging. This process wasn’t just about answers—it was about how interacting with AI can amplify human curiosity and expand our thinking. It’s a reminder of how powerful these tools can be, not just for solving problems but for exploring the deepest mysteries of existence.
So, what do you think? Does this make AI a tool, a collaborator, or something more? And more importantly, what do you believe about the origin of creation?