ChatGPT and the Christian Writer’s Conscience

Is ChatGPT or other AI writing tools like Google Gemini or Microsoft’s Copilot chatbox a moral dilemma for Christians? There is a lot of controversy about AI writing, and Christian writers should have thoughts on the topic.

I wrote a book called GOD CREATED ChatGPT: A ChatGPT Guide for Pastors, Teachers, Church Staff, Christian Writers, and Other Christian Workers. I am biased on this matter.

My premise is that God created everything, which was good (Genesis 1:31). My book explains how Christians can use ChatGPT in a morally and ethically positive way to further the Gospel.

You see, it is how things are used that makes the difference. God’s creation can be used for good or evil. For example:

• God created light. Thomas Edison captured its secrets and made it available at the flip of a switch. Such light is good in a hospital operating room but bad when blinding the eyes of a political prisoner undergoing interrogation.
• God made birds, and from them, we learned to fly. Airplanes can be used to unite families or bomb them, depending on the moral intent of the pilot.
• Your computer functions because of God-created sand (silicon). It is morally neutral; you can use your computer to glorify the Lord or watch porn.

Likewise, Generative AI emerged from the raw materials God provided for man. You can use it to further the Gospel or write pulp fiction. Generative AI is morally neutral and subject to human free will. Christians should not be quick to demonize it.

Myths About Artificial Intelligence (AI)

There are three central myths about generative AI, the kind of AI that helps write content.

Myth #1: AI is Artificial and Intelligent

There are many kinds of AI. Some applications include healthcare, financial fraud detection, customer service chatbots, autonomous vehicles, and supply chain logistics. People are discovering new ways to use it every day. In this article, I am limiting the discussion to AI-powered generative writing tools.

AI is not artificial. It is a series of computer systems programmed by humans. They have been programmed in such a way and have access to so much data that it can come to conclusions not readily apparent to the average person.

AI is not intelligent. It has human knowledge from the dawn of time that has been digitized and made available to search using a simple prompt. It outputs this information in a unique way dictated by the user prompt.

Myth #2: Generative AI is a Plagiarism Machine

Recent news reports say George R.R. Martin, John Grisham, and Mary Bly are among a group of 17 prominent authors suing Open AI for what they say is “systematic theft on a mass scale.” These kinds of lawsuits will ultimately fail, according to many legal authorities.

Why? One big reason is that using digitized content in a database became legal without permission when the US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Google in 2016. Google cannot reproduce an entire digitized book without permission (that would be a copyright violation). Still, they can use snippets in search results.

And that is what is happening with AI. Text is searched and randomized, and the AI algorithm transforms it into something unique. Both the Second Circuit Court of Appeals and the US Supreme Court say that’s legal.

Myth #3: AI Can Function Independently and Will Replace Humans

People often think of AI as a self-sustaining entity that can operate independently once programmed. In reality, AI applications require continuous monitoring, updating, and fine-tuning by human experts to remain effective and relevant.

Will we eventually live in a Terminator-like culture? From what I see on the TV news, we are already headed that way, with or without AI.

The best way to guard against this is by encouraging young Christians to become influential at AI companies. They can provide the much-needed moral compass.

If you are old enough, you will recall that many alarmist Christians were making the same arguments about computers. Yet, we all have them on our desks and in our pockets today, and they serve us.

Positive Reasons for Using ChatGPT

One of the primary benefits of using ChatGPT for content creation is the time it can save. In my book, God Created ChatGPT, I explain and give examples of how Christians can use ChatGPT to help create sermons and Sunday School curriculum, handle church administration, disciple believers, and much more. ChatGPT can reach its most significant potential in the service of the Lord.

Generative AI is gaining wide acceptance, and we cannot let non-Christians alone benefit from this technology.

Here are indications of this acceptance.

The Google Blog Post Policy

Google officially allows AI articles. Google encourages its use by making its own version of AI, called Bard, available. Google’s content policies permit ChatGPT-generated content in blog posts. However, ensuring the content complies with Google’s quality guidelines and copyright policies is essential.

Quality is everything. In the future, ChatGPT and other tools can generate flawless, fascinating articles. Today, even the articles generated with the best prompts need much work.

The Amazon Book Policy

Amazon allows you to publish AI-generated books. Today, when you publish a book, Amazon will ask if it is AI-generated. There is no penalty if it is, and readers will not be signaled on your sales page.

However, like all books, the content must meet quality standards. Your book (and account) may be deleted if it does not meet those standards. This is not different than if a human wrote the book.

Amazon makes a distinction between AI-generated books and AI-assisted books. You do not have to tell Amazon if you used AI as an aid to creating your book. I discuss below how Christian writers can legitimately use tools like ChatGPT to turbocharge their writing.

The New WGA Writer’s Contract

Another measure of acceptance is how professional writers perceive AI. As I write this, Hollywood writers have just adopted a new contract after a 148-day strike. One of the main issues by Writers Guild of America negotiators was the use of AI. They were terrified it would kill jobs.

What was the outcome? The union members embraced AI. The new agreement says, “AI cannot be credited as a writer, AI-generated writing cannot be considered source material, and writers must be able to choose whether to use AI software.” This means the studios cannot replace writers with AI, but the writers are free to use it and still get writing credit. That’s a big win for AI.

It is essential to use AI ethically. Here are some of the best practices.

ChatGPT Best Practices for Christian Writers

In my view, ChatGPT is best when you use it to generate ideas and outlines, not content. Think of it as a brainstorming or research tool. Use portions of the ChatGPT as resource material, not as the final article. Rethink and revise, and include other sources. Make it your own. Add your personality, experiences, and insights. Also, do independent fact-checking.

Here are what I consider to be best practices:

• Use ChatGPT as a tool to enhance your writing, not as a substitute for it. NEVER cut and paste ChatGPT output.
• Use ChatGPT to get outlines and ideas and ask questions to clarify a topic.
• Christian writers should NEVER use ChatGPT to answer questions like, “What is God’s will for my life.” That turns technology into an Ouija board, an abomination to God (1 Samuel 28).
• Always fact-check. You cannot rely on the output, so you want to verify facts independently.
• Remember that ChatGPT has an anti-Christian bias. That’s because people with a secular worldview developed it. When you write a prompt, tell it that you are writing from a Bible-based perspective, and you will get better responses.
• Retain your own God-given writing voice and perspectives. Be your authentic self.

What’s the Verdict for Christian Writers?

I see ChatGPT much as I see a tool like Grammarly. Grammarly is another AI tool, although most do not understand that fact.

You cannot use Grammarly effectively unless you already know how to write, including the many facets of grammar. You cannot depend on Grammarly to make decisions for you. It is great at presenting options, but as professional writers know, many of those options should be rejected.

If you decide to use ChatGPT, you must be aware of its limitations and exercise caution to ensure that your content is of high quality and meets spiritual, legal, and ethical standards.

Sources cited:
Unless otherwise noted, Bible quotations are from the English Standard Version (ESV).