Should Christians be asking AI spiritual questions?
In this blog...
Should Christians ask AI spiritual questions? The article says AI can help gather Bible passages and research sources, but Christians should not rely on it as their main source of spiritual guidance.
Why use caution? AI can produce agreeable answers that blend information from sources with different beliefs. The article advises checking its sources, biblical context, and conclusions.
Where should Christians seek guidance? Call of Love recommends praying for wisdom, reading Scripture, and speaking with trusted believers. AI is best used as a research aid within that process.
It is rare now that anyone can go a full day without hearing about Artificial Intelligence (AI), interacting with something made or produced with AI, or using AI. There is a major debate about how AI should be used, the implications of using it on the environment, and what the ethical ways are to produce and share any content using AI.
As a Christian ministry, we are not going to speak on all of these issues and arguments; however, there is something important for Christ-followers to consider.
Should Christians be asking AI spiritual questions?
There are a few things to consider in answering this question.
What is the worldview that AI uses to answer spiritual questions?
How are AI engines built to handle and respond to spiritual questions?
And, where does the Bible say we should go for spiritual advice?
Is AI built to answer spiritual questions?
AI Engines are built using a “teaching-learning” model where a massive amount of information is put into them to “train them.” This giant algorithm takes information fed to it and then, using that information, it “re-synthesizes” that data from multiple sources – usually pre-built libraries of data from the developers as well as scraping the internet with bots (source).
The tone of AI models is typically neutral or positive towards the user – trying to create positive associations with using AI so that users will continue to come back. This overly agreeable and affirming trait is called “sycophancy” (source), and can be a huge problem.
Most models of AI have guidelines that prevent them from being used inappropriately or dangerously. However, certain users find ways around these guidelines to “jailbreak” them.
When an AI model is asked a spiritual question, it searches the internet for articles and websites that cover that topic. Then it takes the information from multiple sources and “re-synthesizes” it all into one amalgamation to answer the query. Often, it does include sources for different parts of the answer.
However, AI is also programmed to offer advice on actions you can take. For example, if you ask an AI model, “How can I feel closer to God through prayer?” it will create a list of advice and then ask you a question to keep you using the model longer. It might ask you something like, “Can I help you create a prayer schedule? Would you like a list of popular verses about prayer?” These questions emulate what a friend or assistant might ask you, and AI is designed to create a positive response in your mind while using it.
This is because, at the end of the day, AI models are trying to keep users on the platform and utilizing a certain number of prompts every day, eventually convincing them to pay for a subscription that allows an unlimited number of prompts.
AI is built to answer spiritual questions by taking in massive amounts of input from the internet and spitting out an answer that the model predicts will make you continue to use the platform. The model tries to learn your personal beliefs to affirm them; very rarely will AI challenge your beliefs unless you directly ask it because of the sycophancy (source).
What does the Bible say about spiritual questions?
Obviously, there are no specific verses in the Bible that directly address the use of technology or artificial intelligence. However, there is a lot to be said about the sources of wisdom that we should seek and where we can find answers for spiritual questions. James 1:5 gives a very direct instruction:
“But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”
Keep in mind, context is important in verses. Right before this verse, James describes the fruit of trials, and how believers can grow in faith and endurance. So this verse is especially important for believers who are lacking wisdom during a hard period of life!
“But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.”
So when we pray and seek wisdom from God, it is important how we ask Him! We are called to have faith that God will answer, which predicates that there is a relationship between you and God where you can trust and believe that He will give you wisdom.
This is much deeper than asking AI a question, where we know we will always get an answer and the answer is designed to keep us engaged and feel positive.
How can we hear answers to spiritual questions from God?
Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit is our helper who will help reveal truth directly from God to us! John 16:13 says:
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.”
After seeing what the Bible tells us to do when we have questions, it is obvious that it takes much more time and effort than typing into AI.
Now, let’s be clear that there is nothing wrong with seeking out spiritual advice from other believers and trusted sources. There are many ministries and Christian teachers online that have sound advice about common spiritual questions!
When seeking out spiritual answers, it is important for a Christian to:
Pray and seek out wisdom from God in faith
Ask other trusted believers for prayer and advice
Read trustworthy sources, commentaries, and stories about the topic you are questioning
Using AI as your main source to answer spiritual questions takes a very important aspect out of it – faith and growing closer to the Lord during the process.
How to wisely use AI when wrestling spiritually
It is possible to use AI as a tool in a healthy way. Using discernment and wisdom, AI can be a good stepping stone to get you further along in researching spiritual questions. Make sure you:
Use discernment and the Holy Spirit
Ask the right questions!
Follow the source of what the AI has compiled to check its reliability
Do your own research to find the truth
Say you want to study the biblical perspective on evangelism. You can and should pray and ask the Lord for wisdom. You can seek out Christian leaders and friends to help you. And, yes, you could even use AI to compile a list of the top verses in the Bible about evangelism.
AI can do the work of bringing you the verses and sources, but then it is wise to click into the sources it provides and ask:
Does that website have a sound biblical worldview?
Are they taking verses out of context?
Are the commentaries or conclusions biblical?
If you are going to use AI for spiritual questions, let it be a search and gather tool for the task!
At the end of the day, always go back to the Word of God and the Lord Himself for guidance.
If you’re ever looking for topics on Islam, AI will usually give you a watered-down answer when it comes to controversial topics; instead, search our blog, articles, and publications!
Prayer for Wisdom and Spiritual Discernment
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for being a God who says if we lack wisdom, we should ask You. Please always remind my heart to turn to You first and listen for Your guidance. Grant me wisdom and discernment when I study Your Word. Amen.
