Question:
Is it appropriate for a Christian to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)—like ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and similar tools—to learn or be taught, especially concerning matters of faith?
Answer:
To answer this properly, we need to first understand what AI actually is and what it does.
AI tools like ChatGPT work by processing massive amounts of information from various sources—books, articles, websites, research papers, videos, and more. They analyze patterns and context to generate helpful responses. These tools can be incredibly useful in today’s digital world, especially for studying or researching various topics.
But when it comes to matters of faith, we need to be very careful.
Faith is not just about information—it’s about relationship and revelation. AI can give facts, summaries, and explanations, but it cannot give spiritual insight or revelation from the Holy Spirit, because it is not inspired by God, nor does it carry the breath of life.
As Jesus said in John 6:63
“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life.”
This means that real transformation—true spiritual growth—comes only through the Holy Spirit, not from man-made systems, however advanced they may be.
If you’re using AI to add to your general understanding—like learning church history, biblical geography, or getting help with definitions—that’s fine. But if you rely on AI to prepare sermons, personal devotions, or spiritual teachings without first seeking God, you’re entering dangerous territory.
The Bible teaches that spiritual understanding is revealed by God, not simply studied like academic material.
As 1 Corinthians 2:10-14 says:
“These things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God… The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.”
Artificial Intelligence is a natural tool. It cannot discern spiritual things. It can only organize existing content. But God speaks uniquely to His people through His Spirit, His Word, and His appointed servants.
Let’s say you’re a pastor or teacher. If you consistently go to ChatGPT each time you need to prepare a message, and you don’t spend time in prayer or wait on God, then you’re no longer delivering God’s message—you’re giving people information without life.
You might have a well-written sermon, but not one birthed in prayer and anointed by the Spirit. That’s dangerous, because only God knows the specific needs of His people.
For example, someone in the congregation might be on the verge of suicide. God, knowing that, wants to send a message of hope—maybe something from the life of Job or a word from Psalm 34:18:
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.”
But instead, because you relied on AI instead of the Spirit, you show up with a message like “10 Biblical Principles for a Strong Marriage.” That person leaves still burdened, still hurting—maybe even lost. This is the difference between information and revelation.
As Hebrews 4:12 declares:
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword… and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The Word of God is alive, not static. You can’t just treat it like a textbook. To teach it effectively, you must abide in Christ, the Living Word (John 1:1–4), and allow the Holy Spirit to guide your teaching (John 16:13).
AI tools can be useful for background study, translation, or organizing ideas. But don’t let them replace your spiritual disciplines—prayer, fasting, Scripture meditation, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit. These are the biblical foundations for hearing from God and being transformed.
As Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
AI can assist your learning, but it cannot disciple your soul. It can help with knowledge, but not with intimacy with God. The Christian life is not built on tools—it’s built on a living relationship with Christ.
Instead of depending on AI for your spiritual growth:
If you use AI at all, use it with discernment and only as a supplement—not a substitute—for your walk with God.
May the Lord bless you and give you wisdom as you walk with Him.
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