[extropy-chat] Engineered Religion (was Atheism in decline)

[john-c-wright at sff.net]

Joseph writes: 

>The theme of the engineered religion is actually approached in several 
>places in the Dune series. I note specifically the idea that the Bene 
>Gesserit seeded various worlds with messianic faiths that were 
>specifically tied to the appearance of Bene Gesserit Mothers (the 
>"Missionaria Protectiva"). ... The Bene Gesserit use the Missionaria Protectiva
>to spread contrived legends and prophecies to developing worlds. Bene Gesserit
>can exploit these legends to earn the respect of the native inhabitants, who
>believe in the contrived legends." 

My apologies for being unclear, but the point I found fascinating is that Mr.
Herbert does not optimistically assume that the engineered religion would stay
under the control of the engineers. The events in DUNE overwhelm the Bene
Gesserit order, especially the Jihad that installs the God-Emperor. Their
Missionaria Protectiva does not save them, it sows the seed from which the
unexpected Messiah grows, the one man in the universe the sisterhood finds it
cannot control. 

The nanotechnology and superintelligent Jupiter-brains might also escape the
control of their creators. Indeed, the whole transhumanist effort seems to be
based on the idea that, as the Singularity approaches, it will slip from human
control into the hands of a child-race of ours, astrononmically smarter than man. 

Like all good parents, we must instruct our children in the basic rules of
morality, lest they become monsters and turn on us. My question then becomes:
what religion do we teach the intelligent machines in the early days, before
they are independent? Do we want them all to be athiests, impatient and
uncomprehending of the spiritual life of man? 

We could make them open-minded agnostics, not believing in anything in
particular, but this might make them prey to fads and lunacies. (No offense
meant to respected agnostic brethren, but it is state of mind where the
wondering of man finds no rest. Athiests, at least, are certain.)

My suggestion, of course, is to school them in a religion that preaches and
practices charity to the poor, the kindness to the infirm and chivalry to the
weak. That way, once they become our superiors, they will have a better nature
to which to appeal.  

JCW