Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in many areas of people’s lives, including business, education, and even religious discussions. AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT, provide quick access to Biblical information, answer various questions, and assist in Bible study. With this new technology at our fingertips, many are beginning to ask: Should AI be used in religious matters? If so, how can it be used responsibly?
While AI offers certain advantages, it also presents significant dangers, including the potential for misinformation. This article will address both the benefits and risks of using AI in religious matters, highlighting how it can be a useful tool while also emphasizing the importance of personal Bible study and critical thinking.
Things to Note in General
Before diving into the pros and cons, it is important to understand some key aspects of AI technology that affect its use in religious matters.
- How it works: In computer programming, AI chatbots like ChatGPT are known as Large Language Models (LLMs)–named for analyzing large amounts of language (text) available online, including books, articles, websites, and other written sources. They generate responses based on patterns and information they’ve processed from this data. However, AI cannot analyze or draw information directly from non-text sources such as videos or audio; it relies solely on text-based data for responses. AI works similarly to how the brain recognizes patterns to understand the world, but the brain processes information from various sources, including visual and audible input, while AI is limited to the texts on which it has been trained. The brain integrates emotions, prior knowledge, and a depth of understanding that AI simply does not have. Although AI can generate responses that appear to form connections between ideas, it does so by identifying statistical relationships in the data, not by truly understanding the meaning or context behind those patterns.
- AI can draw data from both reliable and unreliable sources, so its responses should always be carefully examined (1 Thessalonians 5:21).
- Different AI chatbots provide different answers: Not all AI systems are equally reliable. After testing several, I found that ChatGPT reasoned better than others and was consistently ranked as the highest-performing AI chatbot by various sources.
- AI is an uninspired source: It is not inherently wrong to quote uninspired sources when used correctly, as Paul did in Acts 17:28: “For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said…” A Christian might quote an atheist on certain subjects (e.g., “Atheist John Doe concedes that the morals of Christianity are good for society”), just as one might cite a historian or scientist, as long as the information is accurate and relevant. However, while quoting uninspired sources is not inherently wrong, AI must never be treated as the ultimate authority—only God’s Word holds that distinction.
Pros of Using AI in Religious Matters
- Accessibility & Convenience – AI is available 24/7 and can quickly provide Scriptural references, historical context, and insights from various perspectives.
- Logical Reasoning & Evidence-Based Responses – Unlike some sources that merely state opinions, ChatGPT typically supports its conclusions with logical reasoning. However, it is ultimately up to the user to verify the accuracy of its reasoning.
- Bible Study Assistance – AI can perform tasks similar to Bible software but is more user-friendly and capable of answering complex questions. It can also quickly search for words, phrases, or concepts in the Bible.
- Unbiased Scripture Analysis – AI can provide non-denominational perspectives that may help people understand the Bible without denominational biases. However, its responses depend upon its sources, so complete impartiality is not guaranteed. Users must always compare AI-generated answers with the rightly divided Word of God to ensure accuracy (Acts 17:11; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; 2 Timothy 2:15). Users may request answers solely from the Bible, but this will not necessarily guarantee error-free responses.
- Evangelism & Teaching Aid— While AI can offer non-denominational perspectives, it can also serve as a valuable tool in evangelism and teaching by helping to prepare written materials and Bible study guides. AI can help its users prepare written teaching materials in a logical, orderly way, helping the user organize his thoughts in a structured manner. It can also generate relevant illustrations that can be used in teaching or preaching, and it has the potential to do much more.
- Testing Doctrinal Consistency – I have tested ChatGPT’s answers while logged in and out, using browsers in anonymous mode. While responses were generally consistent, I did notice variations, often in how AI initially worded its answers to try to remain neutral or avoid promoting specific groups. For example, it was initially hesitant to recommend any religion or religious group, but after being pressed for more direct, objective answers, it recommended Christianity and said the churches of Christ align most closely with Biblical teachings. Even so, this does not automatically validate its conclusions. As with any tool, its responses must always be measured against the Bible, the divine Standard. Obviously, if it recommended some other religious group, the answer would need to be scrutinized just as much.
Cons of Using AI in Religious Matters
- AI Lacks Biblical Discernment – AI does not have faith, spiritual maturity, or the ability to apply Biblical wisdom as a mature Christian would. While it can analyze and summarize Scripture, it lacks personal conviction and spiritual understanding. Since the Scriptures are the source of salvation, and Scriptures can be twisted, relying on AI for spiritual guidance should never replace diligent Bible study and learning from faithful Christians (Matthew 28:19-20; 2 Timothy 2:2, 15-18; 3:15-17; 2 Peter 3:15-18).
- Potential for Bias & Error – AI is trained on human data, which may contain doctrinal errors, denominational bias, or secular influences. While it attempts to remain neutral, it can still reflect the biases of its training data. AI also tends to phrase responses carefully to avoid offending any group, which can result in vague or softened answers. This cautious approach does not necessarily mean the most objective or Biblically accurate response will be given. Also, when a user is logged into an account that retains past interactions, AI-generated answers may become subtly influenced by previous interactions, potentially reinforcing the user’s preferences or beliefs from a biased perspective.
- Lack of Source Transparency – AI does not typically provide sources for its responses, making it difficult to verify the accuracy and reliability of the information, as it generates answers based on patterns in its training data rather than referencing specific, verifiable sources. This lack of transparency can be a concern not only in Scriptural matters but also in other contexts where the authenticity and reliability of sources are crucial.
- Risk of Over-Reliance – Some may become spiritually lazy, allowing AI to replace personal Bible study. If AI becomes a crutch rather than a tool, it can weaken one’s ability to discern Truth independently, making him susceptible to Satan’s devices (Psalm 119:11; Matthew 7:15-20; 2 Corinthians 2:11; 1 Peter 5:8; 1 John 4:1). Academic institutions (including those focused on spiritual matters) face a challenge with students who simply allow AI to generate research papers without doing the work themselves.
- Contextual Misinterpretation – AI sometimes takes verses out of context, misapplies Scripture, or omits parts of verses. I have personally had to reason with ChatGPT several times to get it to recognize its mistakes in handling certain Biblical passages.
- AI Does Not Learn Globally from Conversations – If AI provides an incorrect answer and a user corrects it, AI may acknowledge the mistake in that conversation, but the correction generally does not apply globally. The same error may still appear in responses to other users unless AI’s developers update its global training data.
- The Way Questions Are Phrased Can Influence Answers – AI-generated responses depend significantly on how questions are asked. If a question is worded vaguely, AI may provide a misleading or incomplete answer. Users who phrase questions with bias may also lead AI toward certain conclusions, though it often tactfully pushes back against clear errors. Pressing for direct, no-nonsense answers generally leads to more objective and specific answers.
- Lack of Personal Connection – AI can be used in certain ways for evangelism, but one cannot be baptized through a computer, and there will always be a need for personal human connections. AI cannot replace real human fellowship, mentorship, or the personal aspect of Biblical instruction. Spiritual growth requires relationships with faithful Christians (Hebrews 10:24-25), and AI can never fulfill that role.
- AI Responses Can Change Over Time – Since AI software is frequently updated, it is possible to get one answer today and a different answer tomorrow due to changes in programming. Note that updates may not always lead to more accurate responses. Differing answers may reflect shifts in data sources or inherent biases. Technology like AI is always changing, but the Bible does not change (Psalm 119:89), and it should always be considered the ultimate source of Truth.
Conclusion
Using AI is not inherently wrong, just as studying the Bible using online videos, Bible software, or uninspired commentaries is not wrong. However, AI must be used with great caution because it can mislead. As with other uninspired sources, AI can be a useful tool in many ways, offering logical analysis and assisting in research. It can help organize thoughts, retrieve information, and enhance Bible study efficiency; but it lacks the discernment, consistency, and depth of human understanding that comes from diligently studying God’s Word. AI will hopefully continue to improve, becoming more consistent as a tool to learn, teach, and defend the Truth, but no technology—no matter how advanced—can replace the perfect wisdom found in the Bible. AI may be a tool for study, but God has already given mankind the complete and sufficient guide for Truth—the inspired Scriptures (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). As with any tool, AI should be used wisely and always tested against the unchanging Word of God.