Tag: Artificial Intelligence

Better Bible Study Tip #85: Use Artificial Intelligence Wisely

On By Tyler BoydIn Better Bible Study

As mentioned previously (Bible Study Tip #84), Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not inherently good or evil. While it has the potential to be used as an extremely useful tool for Christians as they study their Bible, there is also a very real danger of AI being misused to promote any number of false doctrines.

As an extreme example, I asked ChatGPT to write a short two or three sentence Biblical argument in favor of abortion. Here’s the response I was given:

The Bible does not explicitly address abortion, leaving room for interpretation. Some argue that personhood begins with “the breath of life” (Genesis 2:7), not conception. Exodus 21:22-25, the law concerning a pregnant woman who is injured and loses her child due to a fight, suggests a distinction in the value between a fetus and a fully born person, in that a fine is prescribed rather than the death penalty, which is required for murder. These interpretations, along with principles of grace and compassion, support a nuanced view of abortion in certain circumstances.

Of course with further study, a wise Bible student should recognize that Genesis 2:7 describes the unique creation of Adam rather than identifying the beginning of life for all human. And while Exodus 21:22-25 does distinguish between penalties, the same text can be used to affirm that a fetus is more than simply a clump of lifeless cells. Elsewhere, the Bible explicitly affirms that life begins before birth (e.g. Psalm 139:13-16).

But the point is that AI can be used to craft a dangerously “biblical” sounding argument for virtually any position a person wishes to argue, no matter how unbiblical that idea may be. It does this not because the program is designed to have bias, but simply because it responded to my prompt. Although there is nothing new about people twisting scripture out of context to try to make it say what they want, AI can make the process of doing so quick and easy for anybody, no matter how biblically illiterate they may be. With the help of AI, almost anybody can artificially develop a façade of biblical intelligence.

Not only can AI be used by those who willfully desire to be dishonest with the text, but it also enhances the risk of confirmation bias among more honest Bible students. Since AI can develop arguments for virtually any position, I could easily use it to develop a biblical sounding argument for a position that I sincerely believe to be true, even if I’m mistaken in my position. Since AI simply responds to human prompts, it will not argue back or point out errors in my understanding unless I ask for it to.

This is not to suggest that AI cannot be genuinely helpful when used responsibly. AI can be utilized for many practical, non-interpretive tasks, such as looking up scripture references, understanding historical contexts, or exploring translation issues. If I want to know how much a denarius is worth, I can use AI to find that information in just seconds. If I want to know the cultural background of Paul’s instructions regarding headcoverings in 1 Corinthians 11, AI can quickly give me an overview.

Let’s say I want to develop a Bible study plan to memorize the Sermon on the Mount in three months. I can ask AI to develop a study plan for me, and it will generate one in about five seconds. If I’ve taken a bunch of disorganized sermon notes, I want to reorganize them in outline form, AI can quickly assist in that task. The capabilities of AI are almost limitless, including the ability to perform numerous helpful tasks.

AI can be a very useful tool in Bible study, but it must be used with wisdom and discernment. Remember that AI is a product of human design and may reflect the biases of its creators or data sources. Approach it’s output critically and thoughtfully, discerning how it aligns with biblical teachings in their original context.

In other words, don’t use AI to cheat yourself out of genuine study. Use AI to supplement your study, organize your notes, prompt deeper thinking, find additional resources, look up definitions, or find cross-references. But do not use AI as a replacement for Bible study. Humble, thoughtful, personal examination of the text can never be replaced. Christians can benefit from AI, but it is critical that they remain grounded and spiritually healthy if they are to use it wisely.

Better Bible Study Tip #84: If You Use AI (Artificial Intelligence), Be Careful

On By Tyler BoydIn Better Bible Study1 Comment

The book of Genesis has some interesting comments to make about the development of new technology. The first command given by God to mankind was to “multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over every living thing that moves on the earth” (Gen. 1:28) In Genesis 2, we see that Adam is to keep and till the garden (Gen. 2:15). The process of taking the raw, wildness of creation, and transforming it into what is useful for mankind is linked to our nature as beings created in God’s image.

But then in Genesis 4, we are given interesting details about three of Cain’s descendants: Jabal, Jubal, and Tubal-cain (Gen. 4:20-22). We are told that Jabel was “the father of those who dwell in tents and have livestock,” Jubal was “the father of all those who play the lyre and pipe,” and Tubal-cain was “the forger of all instruments of bronze and iron.” While the Bible never tells us these technological advancements were bad things, it is interesting that they were originated within the wicked family of Cain.

Later in Genesis 11, we see the technological development of brick and mortar (Gen. 11:3-4). It is noteworthy that the first thing mankind did with this new technology was to build a tower to heaven in rebellion to God.

While the book of Genesis doesn’t come out and say that technological advancement is itself evil, it certainly doesn’t leave it a glowing review either. The ancient Jews noticed this problem as well. According to ancient Jewish folklore, many technological advancements (such as weapons of war, cosmetics, medicinal uses of plants, and astrology) were given by a group of rebellious angels before mankind had developed the wisdom to use them properly, leading to widespread corruption, violence, and moral decay (Enoch 8:1-3). Of course this legend is non-canonical, but it demonstrates that it has long been recognized that new technology has the potential to corrupt and lead people away from God if not used with wisdom and restraint.

One of the newest and most powerful study tools available is Artificial-Intelligence, or “AI”. AI refers to the ability of a computer to imitate human intelligence. AI programs have the ability to answer questions, decipher complex theological ideas, write articles, develop sermon outlines, and more.

Although AI chat-bots can imitate human intelligence, it is important to remember that their “intelligence” is in fact “artificial.” AI programs are written by people to use data and rules or instructions to solve problems. While it can perform interactions that appear intelligent, it does so based solely on the patterns and data it has been given, rather than having its own thoughts or consciousness. It combines internet searches with language tools (think of a super-advanced spell check) to generate responses. When you interact with AI, it’s “ideas” are simply a reflection and summary of the ideas of other people out there on the internet.

I do not believe that the development of AI is inherently evil, just as I don’t believe that Genesis intends to present the development of agricultural technology, metal working, or brick and mortar as inherently evil. I do, however, expect that just as with the development of other technologies, AI can and will be abused to corrupt people and lead many further from God.

For better or worse, AI is here to stay. It can and will be used as a tool to study the Bible. It’s not wrong to use it. In fact, there are many ways in which I expect AI will be used by faithful Christians in very good and helpful ways. But we must exercise great caution and wisdom if we are to use it appropriately.