Artificial Intelligence and Preaching

I love technology. I remember keeping a monthly calendar that I had to remember to bring with me and write stuff down. Now, I use Google Calendar on my phone and computer. Google sends me alerts when appointments are coming up. My DayTime Planner never did that. Remember stepping on a scale and watching the dial scroll up, and up, and up?--Oh, maybe that was just me. Well now my scale is digital, it sends low-current electricity up through my feet and measures my body fat. Then it sends the info to an app on my phone that offers weight-loss tips and healthy meal-planning options. Sometimes I think it's a little pushy! But that's technology at its finest!

But it seems we are entering into another era of technology with the advancements of Artificial Intelligence. Some experts have even said its impact may rival that of the internet.

What are the implications of the power of AI, Artificial Intelligence, upon mankind? What are the dangers? Even when used for good purposes, what are the temptations and dangers of having AI think, work and produce for mankind? Could this even be a temptation for pastors on a Saturday evening with no message prepared for Sunday?

I asked https://chat.openai.com/ to prepare a sermon using Colossians 1:15-17 with appropriate illustrations and supporting Scriptures. In a couple seconds this is what it produced:

AI Sermon from Colossians 1:15-17

Colossians 1:15-17 says, "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

This passage tells us that Jesus is the image of God, the creator of all things, and the one in whom all things hold together. He is preeminent over all creation, and everything was created through and for him.

To illustrate this, we can use the example of a painting. Just as an artist carefully creates a painting, using different colors and brushstrokes to bring the image to life, so Jesus created the world. He is the master creator, and everything in the world is a reflection of his handiwork.

Another illustration is that of a foundation of a building, Jesus is like the foundation on which the entire universe rests. Without him, everything would fall apart. Just as a foundation is necessary to hold a building together, Jesus is necessary for the continuation of everything.

This passage also reminds us of the truth that Jesus is the image of the invisible God. Just as a photograph captures the image of a person, so Jesus captures the image of God. He is the perfect revelation of who God is and what he is like.

Supporting Scriptures include John 1:3 which says, "All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made." and Hebrews 1:3 which says, "He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power."

In conclusion, Colossians 1:15-17 reminds us that Jesus is the creator and sustainer of all things, the image of the invisible God, and preeminent over all creation. As we meditate on this truth and give thanks to Jesus for his role in our lives and in the world, may we be encouraged to trust in him and submit to his lordship in all areas of our lives.

Then I asked it to preach the same message in the voice of Jonathan Edwards and use time-appropriate illustrations.

Same AI sermon in the Voice of Jonathan Edwards

My dear friends, let us turn our attention to the word of God found in Colossians 1:15-17. These verses reveal to us the glory and majesty of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

"He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."

My friends, do you grasp the weight of these words? Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is the image of the invisible God. He is the exact representation of the Father. He is the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of his nature.

But it is not only in his being the image of God that we see his glory, but also in his role as the Creator of all things. By him, all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible. He is the master craftsman, the master builder. Just as a skilled builder carefully and intricately constructs a building, placing each piece in its proper position to ensure the building will stand strong and endure, so Jesus created the world, every element in its proper place, all working together in harmony.

And yet, there is more. Not only is he the Creator, but also the sustainer of all things. He is before all things and in him, all things hold together. The very fabric of the universe is upheld by the power of Jesus Christ, just as a great ship needs a captain to navigate it through the stormy seas, Jesus is the captain of the universe, guiding it through the storms of time.

My dear friends, let us meditate on these truths and be filled with wonder and awe at the glory of our Lord. Let us give thanks to him for his role in our lives and in the world. And let us submit to his lordship in all areas of our lives, for he is worthy of all honor, glory and power forever and ever, Amen.

I'll be honest, this fascinates and scares me--and I'm not sure which one more. We have generations of people already depending too much on a Google search. What happens when mankind forgets to think for himself? What happens when the brain muscles of thinking things through, gathering information from credible sources, and assimilating it together and making sense of it, become atrophied through lack of use? Will AI be an advancement or a setback for humanity?