Years back, a Bible study session would include a copy of a study Bible, whether physical or digital, a Bible commentary, a quiet atmosphere, and perhaps a cup of coffee. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has changed the game, providing access to information faster than a Google search. With recent updates rolling in, Large Language Models (LLMs) have ushered us into a new era.
However, not everyone is excited about the prospects of AI. Do we erase the benefit of due process when using ChatGPT as a shortcut? What about the value of delayed gratification? Even more seriously, do we undermine the role of the Holy Spirit when we look to AI for biblical answers?
The Bible does not have a “thou shalt not” for AI, but its framework can guide us in the proper use of the tool, both for Bible study and other endeavours.
The Positive Case for Artificial Intelligence in Bible Study
Picture this: You are a young Christian living in an African country. You want to do in-depth Bible research. However, a John MacArthur Bible Commentary is beyond your budget. What do you do?
This scenario captures the challenge many Christians face in the Global South and beyond. Not everyone has access to good commentaries, even in urban areas. The best alternative was once a Google search, but without adequate filters, it was difficult to separate accurate information from counterfeits.
Artificial intelligence expands the limits for numerous people. With the right prompt, LLMs generate relevant syntheses of context, themes, original audience, and more.
AI is equally helpful in presenting the best arguments on theological debates. It can equip you with the reasoning on both sides, creating better opportunities for understanding, even when you do not reach the same conclusions.
You could learn, for example, why Catholics teach transubstantiation, the Arminian reading of Romans 9-11, or the reasons for paedobaptism. Knowing the best arguments prevents the strawman trap and clarifies our blind spots.
AI also comes in handy when deciphering falsehood. Many theologians typically target specific teachings, but these teachings are often branches of broader theological systems whose underlying assumptions must be addressed. AI can summarize major points and uncover these assumptions faster than reading through entire theological books.
God created us with innovative abilities, and technology is a gift from Him. We should receive it as such.
Challenges and Cautions
Critics of artificial intelligence abound, and when it comes to spiritual disciplines, using AI feels sacrilegious to many. If the Holy Spirit is to lead us into all truth (John 16:13), AI can seem unnecessary at best and idolatrous at worst.
AI cannot regenerate people’s hearts, renew minds, or convict anyone of sin. It is not human either, so it should not be a substitute for human support.
Unfortunately, in many cases, it does. A recent survey showed a certain level of emotional support teenagers expect from AI. Left unchecked, it can become a source of spiritual support as well, playing the role of teachers and counsellors. We should not underestimate the dangers.
AI is often inclined to affirm the user’s choices, and an astute user can bypass any “hesitation” on the machine’s part. Just ask it more leading questions or express doubt in the right places, and its answer may change based on your biases.
The unreliability of AI is both a gift and a curse. It is a gift because it limits AI’s reach, but a curse because it can mislead a dependent user. These tools can also hallucinate, producing invented statistics and nonexistent Bible verses.
The best fitness coaches know that the process of exercise is as important as the result. The process makes the man, as the saying goes. Our artificial friends, however, are designed to bypass processes. The results are faster, but at what cost?
What Is the Way Forward?
On this subject, faithful Christians can disagree. Some find AI to be a useful tool of common grace, while others prefer to engage the biblical text without the help of a machine. Both sides are called to glorify God in their choices and resist condemning one another.
AI is a helpful tool, but in a fallen world, it must have guardrails. So, if you have biblical “chats” with it, that is fine. Let it remain a tool, not a master.
We can avoid the dangers by holding to the Holy Spirit as our primary teacher, recognizing that every good result produced through AI ultimately belongs to Him. We must also remain in community, learning from elders and teachers. Finally, the process matters. Wrestling with the text remains a necessary part of Bible study, even when using AI as a supplementary tool.
