Should Christians Use AI?

I confess, I've been keeping a secret from you all. There's a helper in my office. It's not a person but more of a digital assistant that's been quietly supporting much of what I do in ministry and writing. Yes, I'm talking about AI, and I've been hesitant to mention it because of the vastly different reactions it provokes among Christians.

Some of you might be nodding along, thinking, "It's just technology." Others may be reaching for your Revelation study notes, convinced this is another harbinger of the Antichrist. I understand both perspectives.

When Jason and I first came to Wales, technology was a blessing that kept us connected to family, friends, and supporting churches. Now, AI has become another tool in our missionary toolkit. It helps me create chapel newsletters, organize community events, and even acts as a brainstorming partner in my writing efforts.

Remember when calculators first appeared in classrooms? Teachers worried students would never learn proper math. Before that, the world approached computers with similar trepidation. Businesses feared job losses. Parents worried about dehumanization. And religious folks questioned whether we were playing God. Yet most of us learned to use calculators and computers as tools that enhance our abilities rather than replace our thinking. AI is similar, just more sophisticated.

I admit, I've even found great satisfaction in utilizing AI during my personal Bible study time. It has allowed me to truly dig deep into the Word of God and understand passages like I never have before. It's opened my eyes to parallels in Scripture that I've completely overlooked. Over the past months, I've embarked on Bible studies about the various valleys and wildernesses in the Bible, and my heart has been so encouraged by what God has taught me.

Scripture tells us, "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights" (James 1:17). Technology itself isn't evil. It's the human heart that determines whether something becomes corrupting. King Solomon reminds us that "wisdom is profitable to direct" (Ecclesiastes 10:10).

When I use AI to help craft materials for our ministry events or brainstorm specific plot points for a writing project, I'm not replacing the Holy Spirit's guidance. I'm using a tool that helps me accomplish His will more effectively and efficiently. The content, discernment, and spiritual direction still come from prayer and the Word.

Of course, there are legitimate concerns. AI can spread misinformation, create deceptive content, or be used for exploitation. AI is famous for its hallucinations. These are serious issues requiring wisdom and vigilance. But the problem isn't the technology itself; it's sinful human nature finding new expressions and ways to wreak havoc and chaos.

Paul instructed believers to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good" (1 Thessalonians 5:21). That principle applies perfectly to AI. Test it, evaluate its fruits, use it with discernment, and reject harmful applications.

So, should Christians use AI? I believe we can as long as we do it thoughtfully and prayerfully. Rather than fearing it or worshiping it, we can recognize it as another tool that, when used with wisdom, might help us be more effective in sharing Christ's love with a world that desperately needs it.

Even here in rural Wales, where ancient standing stones meet fiber optic cables, I've found AI helps our small chapels extend their reach without compromising their message. And isn't that what good tools do? They amplify our effectiveness without changing our purpose.

If you're interested in learning more about my use of AI in my writing, daily Bible study time, or within our ministry in Wales, please leave a comment below or send me a message. I would be happy to write another blog post, create videos, or even answer specific questions through email. After all, sometimes what we fear the most is the unknown, so understanding how AI can be used for good may help alleviate that fear.