Most of the world – approximately 84% of the population – believes in or subscribes to what might be called a traditional religion. Yet the perspectives of world religions on AI, what they fear about it and what, if anything, they hope for and want from it, are largely absent from strategic AI discussions. In the halls of AI power the idea of god is either rejected or raised as something humans can create. Momentous decisions about the future of life are being made on the basis of extremely unrepresentative beliefs.

William Jones is a Futures Program Associate at the Future of Life Institute (FLI), having previously held social media and editorial positions. The Futures Program aims to guide humanity towards the beneficial outcomes made possible by transformative technologies. Jones is currently engaging religious groups in an effort to amplify faith perspectives on AI issues and opportunities. In 2021 he attained a 1st Class Honours in English from the University of Cambridge.