I find myself agreeing with Dr. Hawking's warnings about our first encounter with a vastly superior intelligence, whether it be a race of beings from another star system, or an AI. We have only to look at how humans have collectively treated the other animals, and even our fellow man when there is a technology gap, to see that there is something about which to have caution and concern.
Mark, I know of your position as an unbeliever, but, I want to expand on your statement quoted above by referencing a couple of stories from scripture. I personally agree with your statement.
Gen. 18 And the Lord appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
And the next story.
Gen.19 And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
2 And he said, Behold now, my lords, turn in, I pray you, into your servant's house, and tarry all night, and wash your feet, and ye shall rise up early, and go on your ways. And they said, Nay; but we will abide in the street all night.
3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
Both of these men knew that the people they entertained were aliens, but both were generous in their hospitality. Even as a Christian, I have my doubts as to whether I could do the same. We live in a world full of paranoia and fear. Even though Lord Jesus tell us fear not, we still fear.It is like we don't trust Him to protect us in every situation. Our faith is so small. We kill anything different or other. Look at the last election. Hillary Clinton was feared so much by men that Vladimir Putin threatened thermonuclear with the United States if she won the election. LOL!:rotfl:
Scripture in the New Testament admonishes us:
Hebrews 13:2
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Who does this in this day and age? Not me! I'm just being honest about it. Now mind you ,I welcome strangers in my church house. I would even consent to paying for lodging in a hotel for a stranger. But to act as Abraham and Lot? No! If aliens show up, I am either hiding or fighting.:rotfl:
Now, hawking may have a point. We are promised a new heave and new Earth after Christ reigns a thousand years.
