Robotic Redemption
In Caves of Steel, Azimov makes a number of thought provoking Biblical references. The most striking, I find, comes at the end of the novel:
The robot said, “I have been trying, friend Julius, to understand some remarks Elijah made to me earlier. Perhaps I am beginning to, for it suddenly seems to me that the destruction of what should not be, that is, the destruction of what you people call evil, is less just and desirable than the conversion of this evil into what you call good.”
He hesitated, then, almost as though he were surprised at his own words, he said, “Go, and sin no more!”
Robot Daneel is pictured as a Christ figure in this moment offering forgiveness to Julius as the author offers a worldview of redemption to the reader. It is only at the cross of Christ that we can ultimately see that which is evil converted and redeemed.
It is an interesting thought which causes more neural firing: a robotic Christ figure. But what causes me more thought is the inferred definition of redemption as the transformation of evil into good.
My understanding is limited as I have not read much Azimov and have not read this book, however here are some responsive thoughts.
First, on justice I would like to argue that Azimov’s statement is story book material and not any deeper, so my comment is just a note. I (am a Christian and) understand that God’s justice demands the destruction or removal of evil, maybe annihilation a better word. His justice includes the destruction of humans for their sin involvement. As those who perform evil (sin) and as those who provide a vessel for the promulgation of sin (like a body provides for the reproductive and spreading of viruses), so humanity and human beings are guilty of sin and are sinful. A bleak picture to be sure, but his love paints the cure.
Second, God’s love certainly is demonstrated in saving us from our own destruction and the destruction His justice demands. In fact His love is so great that it takes the sacrifice of Christ to provide the solution. And He continues to court our transformation into righteous humans even when we habitually turn our backs on Him.
It is plain that it is more desirable to God to have broken redeemed people over their simple destruction.