The Gospel according to AI

 

Will the use of artificial intelligence lead to superficial ministry?

...

The chatbot ChatGPT, launched just last November 2022, can write essays, codes, and, yes, homilies. It has even passed online exams. Out of curiosity I tried ChatGPT with this prompt: "Write a sermon on love of enemies" (the Gospel this Sunday). It did a fairly good job. It surprised and terrified me at the same time.

Many similar artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots with increasingly improving functionalities have been cropping up as well. Some academics have started attempting to fend off the downsides of this technology, while still processing its ramifications on the integrity of school work and research writing—even as students have adapted faster.

On the side of faith and ministry, what does this mean for the future of preaching and evangelization in general? When you celebrate Mass do not be afraid what you are to say for AI will teach you what you will say?

Understandably there are those who point out that this language model, while admittedly cutting-edge, lacks soul and passion, incapable of expressing the heart and soul of preaching. Alison Gerber, writing for Preaching Today, went as far as to say that it has no future in the pulpit. “ChatGPT can only search and assemble from what has come before. ChatGPT has no future in mind. Yet whether it be prophetic preaching, or creative preaching, or prayerful preaching—there is preaching that has a future in mind. Therefore faithful, future-oriented preachers, if this is your preaching ministry take heart, ChatGPT has no future in your pulpit.”

On the other hand, one of its clear advantages is that it can function as a research tool that can streamline homily preparation. Jim Erwin, writing for Patheos, says: “With ChatGPT, pastors have access to a wealth of knowledge and insights that can deepen their understanding of scriptures. For example, a pastor can ask ChatGPT questions such as ‘What is the historical background of the book of Romans?’ or ‘What is the cultural significance of the parable of the Good Samaritan?’ to gain a more profound perception of the text. Additionally, ChatGPT can provide cross-references and comparisons to other scriptures, allowing pastors to create a well-rounded sermon, such as ‘What are the similarities between the teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew and the Gospel of Mark?’”

Although I am already doing that with Google, Wikipedia, and a few other bible and prayer apps, but with ChatGPT researching and cross-referencing bible passages, Church teachings, and the lives of saints, becomes more fun and engaging because of its conversational style. And then some.

My personal caveat is that what makes current and future iteration of chatbots more interesting also makes them more damaging to ministry. I have no doubt that ChatGPT will enable lazy uninspired preaching, with AI and rote delivery substituting for prayerful preparation and speaking to the heart. Why still ask “What is the cultural and etymological background of metanoia?”, when you can simply prompt “Write a sermon on conversion and repentance”? Why limit it to a research tool when you can make it your ghost writer?

Another cause for concern, which its developer OpenAI acknowledges, is that it “may occasionally generate incorrect information”, as well as “occasionally produce harmful instructions or biased content”. Careless reliance on AI tools may lead an unwitting preacher to spread disinformation, or heresy, to the congregation on-site and online. Thus, delivering a win to the Father of Lies.

But there is no denying the advancement of AI. In the near future, it will become the norm across industries, and religion will not be an exception. There will be more uses for it in ministry, other than ghost writing homilies. Issues will always arise, not all of them will be settled. But Church being Church, there will also arise discerned voices, best pastoral practices, ethical reflections on the use of technology, and, in time, a discovery and celebration of humanity and spirituality even in the most digital and artificial of spaces.