Should Christians use AI?

"Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need." —Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

We just can't seem to escape AI. With its rise in popularity, technical advancement, and availability, it's progressing quicker than we can even process how to interact with it. So it's more important than ever consider the use of AI from a Christian perspective—how we should (and shouldn't) be using it as followers of Christ and what risks to look out for.

What is AI?

"Artificial intelligence" has been around for a long time. AI is what powers search engines, recommendations on social media, and various types of automation. One variety of AI that's going mainstream is what's known as "generative AI." This is what powers ChatGPT and other LLMs (Large Language Models). These systems are designed to produce language that follows patterns similar to human speech.

While such programs may appear to "think," they don't have consciousness like humans do. (Though sometimes, if you ask them, they might claim to be!) Rather, they use saved data and specific training directions to craft a response. They essentially "predict" which words should be used in response to a prompt and provide output based on the average of potential response types.

Is AI unbiased?

Nope. While AI doesn't have a specific worldview, moral compass, or any sort of spirituality, it can have biases, based on what it knows about the user. If a Christian asked it to defend Christianity, it would use its internet training data to provide arguments in favor of Christianity. If an atheist asked it to defend Atheism, it would use data to provide arguments in favor of Atheism. So it's neither "Christian" nor "non-Christian."

It may seem helpful that these AI models don't "discriminate" against worldviews because that allows them to be used by everyone. However, that also means that it doesn't always tell the truth. Generative AI tends to say whatever makes the user happy so they'll continue using the service. This isn't being unbiased. To be unbiased is to be 100% fair to all sides, which requires objectively discerning truth from fiction.

The Bible actually warns against only listening to things we want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). And since generative AI tends to do just that, how can we use this tool wisely? Like so many other tools, AI can be used in both helpful and unhelpful (or even harmful) ways.

Helpful Uses of AI

"The inexperienced one believes anything, but the sensible one watches his steps." —Proverbs 14:15 (CSB)

There are some positive uses of AI, but, as with most tools and technology, every single one comes with a safety caveat.

General Research

Generative AI and LLMs can be really helpful to aid in research. In the past, we might have had to scour multiple websites for resources, AI can provide a summary of many claims being made online. Most search engine AI will now provide the sources for where it got its results.

CAVEAT: AI results are not infallible. These LLMs often "hallucinate" and make up things that don't exist, cite incorrect information, or take things out of context. If you're researching using AI, double check every claim or citation for validity and truth—especially regarding information about spirituality and Scripture (1 Thessalonians 5:21).

Focused Research

Sometimes we need help figuring out complicated problems that require further answers to very precise questions. Sometimes the top search results aren't specific enough or don't have enough detail. AI can be used to address questions that have multiple layers or help you find research about your own original ideas.

CAVEAT: If there isn't much data online for the AI to be trained on, rather than saying "I don't know" or "There's insufficient data," the AI will make up an answer to make the user happy. We shouldn't blindly believe everything (Proverbs 14:15), so always follow the digital trail and check its supposed sources.

Unhealthy/Unhelpful Uses of AI

"Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect." — Romans 12:2 (NLT)

One of the most widespread uses for AI that goes completely against biblical principles is using AI to come up with "original" ideas or thoughts, do homework, or to complete other work or tasks that we're expected to do ourselves with our own skills, intellect, and comprehension.

We all get overwhelmed by expectations or we procrastinate and run out of time. But those aren't excuses for cheating or refusing to think for ourselves. Our standards ought to be higher than that (Romans 12:2).

Schoolwork

I get it—school can be tough. Sometimes it's easier to type in an assignment prompt and get an essay back in seconds rather than figuring it by yourself. But don't give in to the temptation to take the easy or lazy way out (Proverbs 10:4). The Bible tells us that our work (yes, even schoolwork!) is an act of worship towards God (Colossians 3:17). As representatives of Christ on earth, it's important to maintain integrity—both morally and academically.

AI can be used to assist with schoolwork, like initially finding resources or double-checking answers, but it should not be used to do it for you. We learn by making mistakes, correcting them, and improving next time. So it's better to get a lower grade on an assignment we did on our own rather than get a passing grade but learning nothing. Many classes require cumulative knowledge as we move forward, so it's important that we're actually learning the things!

Outsourcing Thinking

A huge danger with using AI is when it's used to outsource what should be original thoughts or ideas. That is, using AI instead of using our own minds to reason, learn, and create. When we rely on AI or decide we can't do something without it, we hamper our ability to learn new things, come up with new ideas, exercise logical reason, and be mentally self-reliant.

AI can be used as a helper but shouldn't be something we rely on the majority of the time. Sure, we might get a passable result, but remember that AI has no original ideas—it only knows what's been done before. If we rely on AI to think for us, we end up atrophying one of the greatest gifts God has given us: the ability to create.

Followers of Christ should be wise, discerning, and able to think and reason for themselves. Using our minds in positive and creative ways is one of the ways we glorify God (1 Peter 4:11).

What about AI-generated "art"?

Using AI to make images or videos is one of those controversial gray areas. Perhaps, for individual curiosity, one could put in a prompt to see what AI generates, and that wouldn't cause much harm. Or maybe someone might use AI as a tool to generate references to assist their own original ideas, and that could enhance what they're already making.

However, using AI-generated "art" and claiming authorship, making profit, or to replace human-made art (whether it be composing music, writing stories, drawing, animation, etc.) goes completely against the biblical virtue of creation.

We're created in God's image (Genesis 1:27), and part of being God's image-bearer means that we resemble God in certain ways. One of the biggest ways we resemble God is that we are creative creatures, modeling God's role as a creator. Part of what makes us God's creations is that we can create things! So we shouldn't use AI to make things for us when it merely puts out "algorithmic averages." AI can never model true creativity.

What about AI chatbots?

In moderation, it's possible that AI chatbots can provide ways to pass the time. However, like all types of entertainment, we need to be cautious that it doesn't interfere with our relationships, cause us to sin, or damage our spiritual journey with God.

Whether it's messing around with ChatGPT or using a site or app to interact with user-generated bots, there are ways to model conversations—without real people. Sometimes it feels easier to say whatever we want without judgment or friction with someone else's opinions. But honestly, that's a very risky desire.

If we don't welcome accountability for our words and actions, then we'll never grow and change for the better (2 Corinthians 12:10).

AI Can Never Be Human

Many people use AI chatbots and services to replace human connection—some to the point of addiction. Using AI to try to fill some social, emotional, or romantic void in our lives is never going to fully satisfy or fulfill our deepest needs. These voids are meant to be filled by connecting with God and by doing the messy (sometimes awkward) work of developing relationships with real human beings (Hebrews 10:25; Philippians 4:6-7).

This is especially imperative when it comes to therapy or counseling. AI should never be used to give medical or life advice. AI models don't have the capacity to care about you, love you, or truly want what's best for you. They are merely imitations of whatever they find on the internet.

God has placed real people in the world and in our lives to help us—whether that be a pastor, or loved one, a professional, or even a friendly stranger. Human connection is essential to living a healthy, balanced, and joyful life.

"Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ's body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other." —Romans 12:4-5 (NLT)

So should Christians use AI?

It's truly up to you. If you choose to use AI, do so with wisdom and discernment. Don't let AI do your work for you, think for you, or "create" for you. Don't rely on AI for spiritual, medical, or emotional support. Never let AI stand in for real human connection.

At 412teens, we're committed to human-generated content. Even this very page is an example of something that can't truly be made in this way by AI. (Yes—we use a lot of em dashes, but we promise that none of our articles are AI-generated!) A human being is behind every emailed answer, every artwork, every video, and every single thing we do here.

ALSO SEE:

• How are we made in God's image?
• What is spiritual discernment?
• What does the Bible say about work?
• What does the Bible say about procrastination?
• What does the Bible say about laziness?
• Is cheating on a test a sin?
• What does the Bible say about being a good student?
• Is it sinful to get bad grades?