How are we to understand 2 Thess. 3:10 in light of projected technological advancements?

[Deleted member 13126]

Today I came across this article about automation, and upcoming technological advancements. It mentions universal basic income (“UBI”) and what it paints as a dark side of what could be described as a puritanical work ethic.

So Puritan Board seemed like a great place to pop this question. Apologies if this thread is not in the proper forum, as there were a couple other forums that looked like a close fit, such as the one for Technology, etc. Moderators, feel free to move this thread where ever you deem most appropriate if I have misjudged where to post it.

In light of the latter part of 2 Thessalonians 3:10, how should we think about UBI and other downstream consequences of projected advancements in automation and AI? While there may always be a handful of men and women in charge of maintaining the machines, there can be little doubt that some of us may soon find ourselves out of a job.

What do you think? How should we make sense of this? What are your thoughts, either on the article or on this topic?

 

[Afterthought]

People historically find other things to do when technology advances. AI is in no condition to replace lots of jobs anytime soon anyway, short of some unexpected breakthroughs: AI right now is more of a tool to assist humans in jobs rather than to entirely replace them.

 

[Deleted member 13126]

People historically find other things to do when technology advances. AI is in no condition to replace lots of jobs anytime soon anyway, short of some unexpected breakthroughs: AI right now is more of a tool to assist humans in jobs rather than to entirely replace them.

Agreed. But this sort of sidesteps the question, right? While this has historically held true to date, you and I have also never died before. We’d never been to the moon before, etc. So things can change. New dynamics can take shape and new historical precedents can take root. In a situation where UBI becomes prevalent, how do we square that with Holy Scripture?

 

[Afterthought]

Agreed. But this sort of sidesteps the question, right? While this has historically held true to date, you and I have also never died before. We’d never been to the moon before, etc. So things can change. New dynamics can take shape and new historical precedents can take root. In a situation where UBI becomes prevalent, how do we square that with Holy Scripture?

While it is true the past is no guarantee of the future, it does show how work and jobs seem to find a way when it seemed impossible. Six days we are commanded to work (and also the passage you cited), so I think then we can guarantee that there will always be good and honest labor for us to do. I wasn't really thinking about UBI but was more addressing the AI side of things, but it would seem to me that although a UBI would certainly disincentivize labor and likely ruin an economy, it doesn't take away the command of God.

Perhaps some of the new jobs will have to do with cleaning up the environmental messes we have made and whatever other waste products that arise from new tech or new lifestyles that arise from a UBI or AI-assisted labor.

 

[davejonescue]

Agreed. But this sort of sidesteps the question, right? While this has historically held true to date, you and I have also never died before. We’d never been to the moon before, etc. So things can change. New dynamics can take shape and new historical precedents can take root. In a situation where UBI becomes prevalent, how do we square that with Holy Scripture?

My initial outlook would be to go to the spirit of the command. If were provided an income, and had our necessities met, then we remain industrious in obedience to God. Whether that would be voluntary work at our churches or local non-profits; or some other venture that benefits society. I think this would be fine in the same spirit that allows Christians to retire, even though the texts says "by the sweat of your brow, until you return to the ground."