Elder Quentin L. Cook addressed BYU campus today about having faith in the Information Age. He structured his remarks around personal experiences and prophetic teachings from the last 150 years.
In this time period, “the world went through an agricultural age, an industrial age and an information age — that is morphing into an artificial intelligence age,” stated Elder Cook.
One of the experiences Elder Cook referenced was in 1986 when he heard a talk from George Schultz regarding industry, agriculture, but most importantly the rise of information. Not only would this rise change technology, but it would change the way people “live, learn and earn their living,” said Elder Cook.
Lives are shifting with the rise of artificial intelligence and other recent advances but Elder Cook explained that this progress is not random. It is linked to the rise of the gospel and the hastening of the Lord’s work on the earth.
Elder Cook touched on the agricultural age, specifically that people living during that time were required to depend on God and natural law as well as the efforts of their own hands. Through the introduction of the railroad, industry altered society in positive ways but also had the potential to cause spiritual harm because of the lack of community and reliance on God.
“Apostles and prophets have continuously taught that in using our moral agency, we also need to emphasize character, integrity, and accountability to God… [practices that are] just as applicable to the information age,” Elder Cook emphasized.
During this “Artificial Intelligence Age,” Elder Cook emphasized the importance of grounding in eternal principles found in the scriptures, especially the Book of Mormon. He shared that even Oxford-educated and language-expert scholars have found truth in the Book of Mormon, gained spiritual witnesses and have been baptized.
“My challenge for you precious students is to choose truth when deception is easy. Slow down enough to listen to the Spirit and allow Him to direct you.”
He promised that the Lord will provide guidance through this age of deception. He acknowledged the good technology has brought about in the work of the Lord but also pointed out that it is a “powerful force for… destroying morality,” especially in the film industry.
Elder Cook brought up some compelling research about the adverse effects of alcohol consumption, despite being widely broadcast through popular media like movies and TV shows. It was not until very recently that there has been a measurable decline in alcohol consumption. This contrasts with God’s efforts to protect his children through the Word of Wisdom, which has been in place since the 1800’s.
Elder Cook reminded the audience that God has promised to give us prophets that will guide and protect those who will listen. Elder Cook invited the audience to filter out the noise of the world, follow the Spirit and remain confident in the Atonement of Jesus Christ during this unprecedented time.
