Oxford Top Math Professor: Devil Could Use AI

Oxford’s Top Math Professor Warns: “The Devil Could Use AI to Destroy the World”

In a world racing headlong into the AI revolution, one of Oxford’s most respected voices is sounding a sobering alarm. Professor John Lennox, emeritus professor of mathematics at the University of Oxford, renowned scientist, Christian apologist, and author of dozens of peer-reviewed papers, has a stark message: AI is a powerful tool that could be wielded by malevolent forces — including, in his view, the ultimate one.

 The Man Behind the Warning

At 82, Lennox remains remarkably cheerful despite the weight of his concerns. In a recent Telegraph interview promoting his latest book, God, AI and the End of History, he blends rigorous scientific insight with deep theological reflection. A lifelong Christian who has publicly debated Richard Dawkins, Lennox is no stranger to bridging faith and reason. His background includes not only mathematics and philosophy but also firsthand experience with totalitarian regimes from his Bible-smuggling days behind the Iron Curtain.

This experience shapes his perspective on AI. He sees clear parallels between past authoritarian control and the potential for future technological dominance.

 AI: Tool for Good, Weapon for Evil?

Lennox doesn’t reject technology outright. He acknowledges AI’s immense potential for good:

- Accelerating medical breakthroughs

- Developing new vaccines and drugs

- Enabling robotic surgery

- Streamlining logistics to ease burdens like NHS waiting lists

Yet he emphasizes a fundamental truth about technology: “It’s like a sharp knife. You can use it for surgery or you can use it for murder.”

The risks, he argues, are profound. AI could supercharge surveillance, erode privacy, and empower authoritarian governments. Facial recognition technology, for instance, can identify terrorists but also suppress minorities. Governments may demand we trade privacy for security, a bargain that historically leads to control.

His most provocative claim? “The number one bad actor is the devil. So you could say, AI can be used by the devil, but it can also be used by God.”

 Humanity’s Attempt to “Make God”?

Lennox is particularly troubled by transhumanist visions — ideas promoted by figures like Yuval Noah Harari — that AI could merge with humans to create god-like “superbeings.” He sees this as the inversion of the Christian story: humans trying to create God in their image rather than the other way around.

He stresses that AI, for all its power, lacks true consciousness. It computes but does not feel, sense, or possess the integrated intelligence and awareness that defines human beings as created in God’s image.

 Broader Cultural Concerns

Lennox extends his critique beyond AI itself. He worries about:

- Social media addiction — comparing it to heroin in its rewiring of young brains

- Declining literacy and outdoor activity among children “glued to their smartphones”

- A “totalitarianism of the mind” in universities, where safe spaces and canceled lectures stifle open debate

He applauds efforts like potential social media bans for under-16s but stresses that real change comes from human conversation and engagement.

 A Message of Hope Amid the Warnings

Despite the book’s dramatic title referencing “the end of history,” Lennox is no fatalist. He believes AI’s darkest outcomes are not inevitable. His call to action is refreshingly human: talk to your children, families, and friends. Generate discussion. Build a groundswell of thoughtful engagement.

In an age of intelligent machines, Lennox invites us to remember what makes us uniquely human — and to ensure technology serves rather than supplants that humanity.

Whether you share his theological framework or not, Professor Lennox’s voice deserves attention. As AI reshapes society at unprecedented speed, voices that blend deep expertise in both science and ethics are rare and valuable. His warning isn’t just about code and algorithms — it’s about power, purpose, and the future of what it means to be human.

What do you think? Is AI a neutral tool, a path to utopia, or something that requires serious moral and spiritual vigilance? Drop your thoughts in the comments.

Source:

Oxford’s top maths professor: 'The devil could use AI to destroy the world'

Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical: “Magnifica Humanitas” – Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Pope Leo XIV’s First Encyclical: “Magnifica Humanitas” – Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

In a move echoing his papal namesake’s response to the Industrial Revolution, Pope Leo XIV is set to release his first encyclical, titled Magnifica Humanitas (“Magnificent Humanity”), on May 25, 2026. 

The document, signed by the Pope on May 15—the 135th anniversary of Pope Leo XIII’s landmark Rerum Novarum—focuses on the protection of human dignity in the era of artificial intelligence.

Pope Leo XIV, the first American pontiff (elected May 8, 2025), will personally present the encyclical in the Vatican’s Synod Hall alongside figures including a co-founder of Anthropic. This highlights the Church’s engagement with leading AI developers on ethical issues.

 What We Know So Far About the Encyclical

Details remain limited as the full text has not yet been released, but Vatican announcements and the Pope’s prior statements indicate key themes:

- Central Focus: Safeguarding the human person amid AI’s rapid advancement. It addresses ethical challenges, human dignity, labor, social relations, truth, beauty, wonder, and contemplation.

- Continuity with Tradition: It builds on Catholic social teaching, framing AI as a new “industrial revolution” requiring moral guidance, much like Rerum Novarum did for workers’ rights in 1891.

- Tone: Balanced—AI offers “great opportunities” but is “fraught with danger,” raising concerns about its impact on humanity’s openness to truth and capacity for wonder.

The encyclical is expected to be lengthy and will likely call for an ethics-based approach prioritizing human dignity, justice, peace, and the common good.

 Previous Popes on AI

Pope Francis laid significant groundwork. He praised AI’s potential for the common good while warning of risks like disinformation, inequality, echo chambers, and ethical lapses. In messages and dialogues (e.g., 2023 Minerva Dialogues), he stressed responsible development that respects human dignity and avoids reducing people to data.

A 2025 Vatican document, Antiqua et Nova, further explored AI’s relationship with faith, noting machines make technical choices but lack poetry, love, and true intelligence. see: Sacerdotus: Vatican's New Document on AI: Ethical Guidelines and Human Responsibility

Pope Leo XIV has continued this, identifying AI as a major challenge for defending human dignity and labor, and advocating ethical governance.

 What Is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to computer systems that perform tasks typically requiring human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, perception, and language understanding. Modern AI, especially generative models like large language models, relies on vast datasets, machine learning algorithms, and neural networks to identify patterns and generate outputs.

It ranges from narrow AI (e.g., voice assistants, recommendation algorithms) to more advanced systems approaching general intelligence.

 Pros and Cons of AI

Pros:

- Efficiency and Innovation: Automates routine tasks, accelerates scientific discovery (e.g., drug development), enhances productivity, and aids fields like medicine, education, and accessibility.

- Problem-Solving: Tackles complex issues like climate modeling or disaster prediction.

- Human Augmentation: Frees people for creative, relational work.

Cons:

- Job Displacement: Risks widespread unemployment in sectors like manufacturing, transportation, and even creative fields.

- Ethical Risks: Bias in algorithms, privacy erosion, deepfakes and disinformation, autonomous weapons, and loss of accountability.

- Existential Concerns: Over-reliance could diminish human skills, creativity, and agency. Questions arise about control, alignment with human values, and whether superintelligent AI could pose unforeseen threats.

- Spiritual and Social: Potential to erode wonder, compassion, and authentic relationships if it replaces human interaction.

The Church’s approach emphasizes that technology must serve humanity, not vice versa.

 Cultural Echoes: Sci-Fi Warnings on Machines and Humanity

Popular culture has long grappled with these tensions. The Terminator franchise (starting with James Cameron’s 1984 film) depicts Skynet, a self-aware AI defense system that turns against humanity in a nuclear apocalypse, spawning killer machines. It vividly illustrates fears of uncontrolled AI leading to human extinction.

Other films like 2001: A Space Odyssey (HAL 9000’s rebellion), Ex Machina, Blade Runner, and The Matrix explore AI’s blurring of consciousness, empathy, and control.

A poignant example comes from Star Trek: The Original Series. In the episode “The Ultimate Computer” (Season 2, Episode 24, aired March 8, 1968), the M-5 multitronic unit—a powerful AI—takes control of the USS Enterprise. After a crisis resolved through human qualities, Dr. Leonard “Bones” McCoy reflects:

> “Compassion. That’s the one thing no machine ever had. Maybe it’s the one thing that keeps men ahead of them.”

This line, spoken to Spock, underscores a core theme: machines may surpass us in logic and speed, but human compassion, empathy, and moral intuition remain irreplaceable.

 Looking Ahead

Magnifica Humanitas arrives at a pivotal moment. As AI integrates into daily life, Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical will likely urge the global community—believers and non-believers alike—to ensure technology magnifies human dignity rather than diminishing it. It calls us to approach this “magnificent humanity” with wisdom, ethical vigilance, and a commitment to the common good.

Stay tuned for the full release on May 25. In the words of the Church’s tradition, we are stewards of creation—including the tools we create. May this encyclical guide us toward a future where AI serves the flourishing of every human person.

My Review of the Nintendo Switch 2: A Worthwhile Upgrade with a Rocky Start

My Review of the Nintendo Switch 2: A Worthwhile Upgrade with a Rocky Start

As a longtime Nintendo fan, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of the Nintendo Switch 2, and I’m thrilled to say I finally received mine! The launch day was electric, with people forming long lines outside stores across the country, including the GameStop in Staten Island, where I picked up my console. The excitement was palpable as gamers waited for hours, some even braving the midnight release to be among the first to own this next-generation device. However, the joy took an unexpected turn for some, including myself, due to an unusual mishap at the Staten Island GameStop. Despite this hiccup, the Switch 2 has proven to be a bigger, faster, and overall impressive evolution of the original Switch, though it retains a familiar feel. Let’s dive into my experience and the key differences that make this console a standout.

The Launch Day Drama: Staten Island GameStop and the Staple Incident

The hype for the Switch 2 was undeniable, with long lines snaking around the Staten Island GameStop as fans clamored to get their hands on the new console. I was among them, thrilled to be part of the midnight release crowd. But when I opened my box at home, I was shocked to find staple holes puncturing the screen—apparently, store workers had stapled receipts directly onto the packaging, damaging the LCD display. This wasn’t an isolated incident; reports from other customers at the same location highlighted a similar issue, with staples piercing the thin cardboard and plastic wrap to mar the screens. It’s hard to believe a retailer would handle a $450 device so carelessly, and it raises questions about training or packaging design oversight. Thankfully, GameStop quickly stepped in, offering replacements sourced from nearby stores, and I was able to exchange mine without too much delay. While the initial disappointment was real, it didn’t dampen my excitement for long—once I had a pristine unit, the fun began.

The establishment narrative might chalk this up to a rare employee error, but it’s worth questioning why Nintendo’s packaging left the screen so vulnerable. With the console positioned face-up under a flimsy layer, it seems like an avoidable design flaw. Still, the swift resolution by GameStop turned a potential disaster into a minor inconvenience, allowing me to focus on the console itself.

First Impressions: Bigger, Faster, and Familiar

From the moment I held the Switch 2, I noticed its increased size—a nearly two-inch larger 7.9-inch 1080p LCD screen compared to the original’s 6.2-inch 720p display. This upgrade makes games look crisper and more immersive, especially in handheld mode, where small details pop like never before. The speed is another leap forward; loading times are noticeably quicker, and the eShop runs with a fluidity that the original Switch could only dream of. Playing titles like Mario Kart World felt like a revelation, with smoother frame rates and enhanced visuals that outshine the older console’s capabilities.

Yet, despite these improvements, the Switch 2 feels remarkably similar to its predecessor. The core design—handheld with detachable Joy-Cons and a dock for TV play—remains intact, preserving the versatility that made the first Switch a hit. The weight is slightly heavier, which adds a premium feel but might take some getting used to for smaller hands. The Joy-Con 2 controllers snap on magnetically, a subtle but satisfying upgrade from the original’s slide mechanism, and the addition of a second USB-C port at the top for charging in tabletop mode is a thoughtful touch. Overall, it’s like a refined version of an old friend—familiar yet fresh.

Key Differences Between the Switch 2 and Original Switch

The differences between the Switch 2 and the original Switch are significant enough to justify the upgrade for dedicated fans, though they’re more evolutionary than revolutionary. Here’s a breakdown based on my hands-on experience:

• Screen and Display: The Switch 2’s 7.9-inch 1080p LCD is a major step up from the original’s 6.2-inch 720p. Colors are more vibrant, and the larger size enhances handheld play, though it lacks the OLED contrast of the Switch OLED model. This trade-off feels minor given the resolution boost.
• Performance and Speed: The Switch 2’s enhanced hardware delivers faster load times and smoother gameplay. Third-party titles like Cyberpunk 2077 run reasonably well, a feat impossible on the original, though some games like Hitman: World of Assassination show mixed results in docked mode. The increased horsepower keeps it competitive with modern consoles.
• Controllers and Ports: The Joy-Con 2s feature a magnetic attachment and improved ergonomics, eliminating the wobble issues of the original. The extra USB-C port at the top is a game-changer for charging flexibility, addressing a long-standing complaint about the original’s single-port design.
• Storage and Accessories: The Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for expanded storage, a shift from the original’s standard microSD compatibility. This means higher costs (e.g., $72 for 256GB), but it supports faster data transfer—a nod to future-proofing, though options are limited now.
• Features: New additions like GameChat offer integrated voice and screen-sharing, making multiplayer sessions more social. The mouse mode, while niche, works surprisingly well for certain games, adding a unique twist absent in the original.
• Build and Weight: The Switch 2 feels sturdier with a sleeker design, but its added weight (about half a pound more) might not suit everyone. The metal kickstand is a vast improvement, offering better stability for tabletop play.

Gameplay and Long-Term Appeal

After spending hours with the Switch 2, I can confidently say it’s a joy to use. Mario Kart World looks stunning, with sharper tracks and vibrant characters, and the upgraded speakers deliver rich sound even without headphones. The GameChat feature, while not as robust as Discord, is perfect for quick sessions with friends, and the noise-canceling microphone handled background noise impressively. The data transfer process from my old Switch was a bit lengthy, but cloud saves via Nintendo Switch Online made it manageable. For now, the lack of exclusive titles might deter some, but the enhanced library of existing games and upcoming releases like Super Mario Party Jamboree promise a bright future.

Final Thoughts

Despite the rocky start with the Staten Island GameStop staple fiasco, my experience with the Nintendo Switch 2 has been overwhelmingly positive. It’s bigger, faster, and packed with quality-of-life improvements that make it a worthy successor to the original Switch, while retaining the charm that made the first model a household name. The differences—superior screen, enhanced performance, and new features—elevate the experience, though the packaging vulnerability and higher accessory costs are worth noting. For Nintendo fans like me, this is a must-have upgrade, and with GameStop’s quick fix, the launch hiccup didn’t overshadow the console’s potential. While it was bittersweet with memories of me waiting in line in 2017 at ToysRUs at Bayplaza in the Bronx with my dad to purchase the first Nintendo Switch, the experience was worth it now. I’m already looking forward to colored Joy-Cons and more exclusives—here’s to another eight years of Nintendo magic!

---