Episode Details

Artificial intelligence is advancing faster than ever, but beneath the headlines lies a much deeper question:

What happens when technology begins to imitate humanity?

Tonight, Joe welcomes author Andrew Gillsmith for a thought-provoking conversation exploring artificial intelligence, consciousness, Christianity, and the growing philosophy of transhumanism. Together, they examine the difference between intelligence and consciousness, whether AI could ever possess free will—or even a soul—and why the spiritual questions surrounding technology may prove more important than the technological ones.

The discussion also explores Andrew's journey from religious studies into science fiction and the inspiration behind his novel, Our Lady of the Artilects. Along the way, Joe and Andrew examine how speculative fiction can prepare us for real ethical dilemmas, why many modern stories have lost their spiritual foundation, and how faith provides an essential framework for navigating a future increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence.

In this episode:

•  Artificial Intelligence and machine consciousness 
•  Can AI ever have a soul? 
•  Christianity and emerging technology 
•  The philosophy of transhumanism 
•  Human identity, free will, and personhood 
•  Ethics of advanced AI 
•  Science fiction as a window into the future 
• Our Lady of the Artilects
•  Faith in an increasingly technological world 

Whether you're fascinated by artificial intelligence, intrigued by the intersection of science and theology, or simply wondering where today's technology may lead tomorrow, this conversation asks the right questions before the future arrives.


Guest Links
• Andrew Gillsmith: https://www.incensepunk.com/about
• Our Lady of the Artilects: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61306548-our-lady-of-the-artilects
• The Deserted Vineyard Series: https://www.goodreads.com/series/381733-the-deserted-vineyard

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Website: https://joerooz.com

Special thanks to:
Executive Producer Wayne Rankin
Executive Producer Rosanna Rankin
Executive Producer Carolina Jimenez
Executive Producer Angela Wetuski
Executive Producer John Seeley

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(00:01:13) Joe opens the show and frames the AI discussion

(00:05:42) Introducing Andrew Gillsmith and his novel

(00:07:03) From religious studies to science fiction

(00:13:50) Why science fiction needs faith and meaning

(00:18:57) Cyberpunk, incense punk, and human struggle

(00:21:41) AI, language models, and the illusion of mind

(00:30:03) Transhumanism, morality, and the soul

(00:44:48) Inside Our Lady of the Ardilex and its future world

(00:58:07) Joe reflects on technology, humanity, and the future

- Joe "Rooz" Ru