Artificial Intelligence, Babel… and the Voice We Must Learn to Hear Posted March 2026
Artificial Intelligence, Babel, and the Voice of the Shepherd
Reflections on Elder Quentin L. Cook’s March 3 message about artificial intelligence
A few days ago, on March 3rd, Elder Quentin L. Cook spoke about the rapidly approaching age of artificial intelligence and the challenges it may bring to society and faith.
As I listened, it reminded me of an ancient warning from the scriptures — the story of the Tower of Babel — and how confusing voices can become in the last days.
The scriptures have been preparing us for times like this for a very long time.
🌍 Every Age Has Its Test
Human history seems to move through seasons.
There was the agricultural age, when most people worked the land.
Then the industrial age, when machines reshaped society.
Then the information age, where knowledge began moving instantly around the world.
Now we are stepping into something new — the age of artificial intelligence.
Machines can now generate writing, images, information, and even conversations.
It is remarkable technology.
But technology itself has never been the real test.
The test has always been the human heart.
🏗 The Ancient Lesson of Babel
Long before modern technology, the Bible tells the story of a people who believed their knowledge and organization could accomplish anything.
The story of the Tower of Babel.
“Let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven…”
— Genesis 11:4
The problem was not bricks or engineering.
The problem was human pride.
The people believed they could reach heaven through human effort alone.
They no longer felt they needed God.
And so the Lord scattered them and confounded their language.
📡 The World Is Connecting Again
Something interesting is happening in our time.
Technology is quietly reconnecting the whole world again.
Languages are translated instantly.
Information travels across the globe in seconds.
Artificial intelligence can produce knowledge faster than any individual person.
In some ways, humanity is becoming one connected system again.
And that raises an important question.
Will we use these tools with humility under God?
Or will we begin believing we can build heaven without Him?
📖 The Book of Mormon Warned About Confusing Voices
The Book of Mormon speaks directly to the Gentiles in the latter days.
It warns about a time when many voices compete for attention.
“They shall teach with their learning, and deny the Holy Ghost.”
— 2 Nephi 28:4
It also warns about trusting human systems more than God.
“Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man.”
— 2 Nephi 28:31
Knowledge increases.
Opinions multiply.
But the danger is not learning.
The danger is forgetting where truth ultimately comes from.
🕊 Christ Gave a Simpler Answer
When the Savior appeared in the Book of Mormon, His doctrine was remarkably simple.
Repentance.
Baptism.
Receiving the Holy Ghost.
Enduring in faith.
But He also taught something that becomes more important in a noisy world.
“My sheep hear my voice.”
— John 10:27
Not algorithms.
Not the loudest voices.
Not the crowd.
The voice of the Shepherd.
👂 The Skill That May Matter Most
Artificial intelligence will likely grow more powerful.
Information will continue multiplying.
Voices will become louder and more numerous.
But the most important skill in the future may not be technological.
It may be spiritual discernment.
Learning to recognize the quiet voice of the Lord.
Learning to slow down.
Learning to listen.
🌾 A Quiet Reminder from Lehi’s Dream
In Lehi’s dream, there was a man dressed in a white robe who led people away into darkness.
He appeared trustworthy.
He looked spiritual.
But he was leading people the wrong direction.
The lesson is simple.
Do not follow appearances.
Do not follow titles.
Do not follow the loudest voices.
Follow the Savior’s voice.
✝️ A Final Thought
These are simply the reflections of someone who has spent many years studying the scriptures and trying to walk quietly with the Savior.
If any of these thoughts are helpful, wonderful. If not, simply keep seeking the Lord for yourself. The Holy Ghost is still the greatest teacher.
I write these things mostly for my children, grandchildren, and anyone else who may be searching for the Savior’s voice in a noisy world.
If you would like to explore more reflections like this, you can find them on my blog The True Remnant, or on my small YouTube channel where I share similar thoughts a few times each week.
But wherever you look for truth, remember this:
The Savior promised that His sheep would know His voice.
And that promise still stands.
Comments
One thing that stood out is how often Church leaders have reminded us that in the coming days we will need to learn to recognize the promptings of the Holy Ghost more clearly. President Russell M. Nelson has said that in the future it will not be possible to survive spiritually without the guiding influence of the Spirit.
In a world where technology and information keep multiplying, that reminder feels more relevant than ever. The Savior’s promise that His sheep know His voice may be one of the most important principles for our time.