ChatGPT and the Bible

Sunday Teaching

Nov 11

The full video of this teaching is available at the bottom of this post and this link.

FROM GOOGLE TO CHATGPT

For those of you who are old enough, do you remember the first time you used Google around 2004? Before this, searching for information meant thumbing through encyclopedias or visiting the library. But with Google, suddenly, everything you wanted to know was on your computer screen. It wasn't just a tool but a doorway to an immense world of knowledge we started relying on daily. Search engines forever changed our approach to learning and satisfying our curiosities. Here's what topped our search list in 2004: 5. Shakira, 4. Iraq War, 3. Matrix Reloaded, 2. Harry Potter, 1. Britney Spears. Typing a question into that simple search bar felt almost magical.

By November 2024, we found ourselves in the almost sci-fi reality of Large Language Models (LLM) like Chat GPT, where conversing with AI is the new search query, and the responses are more like banter with a brainy sidekick. These artificial intelligence language models don't just fetch information; they engage in dialogue, provide explanations, and even assist with creative tasks. From assisting students with challenging homework, aiding local businesses in devising marketing strategies, and even helping screenwriters kickstart their scripts, this technology is not just about finding facts but facilitating more efficient and dynamic communication, learning, and creativity in our everyday lives.

HALLUCINATIONS

While LLMs like Chat GPT are transforming our access to information, there's a critical aspect we need to be mindful of: hallucinations. This term refers to instances where the model generates plausible yet factually incorrect responses. For example, an LLM might mistakenly invent a fictitious book like 'The Winds of Winter' by Mark Twain, provide false scientific facts such as water boiling at 110 degrees Celsius, concoct a non-existent news event, or make up a legal case that never happened. These hallucinations highlight the importance of not blindly trusting these models like you can trust a calculator.

Why do these LLMs hallucinate and do so confidently? They are trained on vast amounts of text data from the internet, including books, articles, and websites. They learn to predict and generate text based on patterns they observe in this data. However, they don't actually 'understand' or 'know' the content like humans do. Sometimes, they make connections or predictions that seem logical but are factually incorrect. This is because their responses are based on statistical likelihood rather than factual accuracy. They might combine elements from different sources or fill in gaps with plausible-sounding but inaccurate information. It's like that one friend we all have who always has an answer, often cobbling together second-hand knowledge without knowing if it's correct. LLMs are impressive but not infallible.

MORAL AND SPIRITUAL QUERIES

We will face a unique challenge as we increasingly lean on search engines and AI companions for guidance. These tools will answer our most profound moral and philosophical questions, but there's a catch – their responses are based on linguistic patterns and probability statistics, not wisdom. This distinction is vital!

When we asked a search engine a moral or spiritual question, we received a list of web pages and could see the authors' beliefs and biases. But now, our generation is going to be asking Chat GPT, Llama, and Gork questions like;

What is the purpose of life?
Is there absolute right or wrong?
Do we live in a simulation?
Is there a God?
What is the purpose of sex?

The answers we will receive will sound like they are coming from a human who is highly confident in the answer. However, the answer will come from probability statistics of language patterns run through processors.

This brings us to the heart of why I'm writing this article. In an era where AI shapes our understanding of complex moral and spiritual matters, grounding ourselves in Scripture is essential. It's our compass in navigating the sea of AI's statistical interpretations of data and calling it answers. By deepening our biblical literacy, we do more than stay informed – we allow our perspectives to be transformed by God's timeless wisdom. This journey isn't merely about sifting through digital information; it's crucial to fortifying our faith in a rapidly changing world.

BIBLICAL KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING

Let's visit Proverbs 2:6-7, which is about the source of knowledge and understanding that go far beyond what any algorithm can churn out.

Proverbs 2:6-7 (NLT) states: For the Lord grants wisdom!

From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

He grants a treasure of common sense to the honest.

He is a shield to those who walk with integrity.

When discussing wisdom in the Bible, we're not just discussing intellectual know-how. It's about a skill in living life in harmony with God's principles. Unlike AI, which operates on cold data and algorithms, this wisdom is warm, alive, and deeply connected to our everyday choices.

The knowledge of LLMs is a collection of data on memory chips. But in the Bible, it's about personal and relational understanding. It's knowing God in a way that goes beyond facts or information.
Biblical understanding is the ability to see beneath the surface to discern right from wrong, a quality that AI, despite its complex algorithms, cannot achieve. Understanding comes from a heart and soul connection with God and His truth.
A treasure of common sense is a divine insight into life's complexities. It's about making practical, sound decisions in everyday life, guided by God's wisdom, as revealed in the Bible.
God doesn't just observe from a distance but actively participates in our lives, offering a shield of protection through His wisdom.
The biblical idea of 'walk' encompasses the entirety of life and conducting ourselves. It's about making daily choices that reflect our faith and values, a continuous journey of growth and learning.
Integrity is about being whole and consistent in our ethical and moral lives, reflecting God's truth in our actions and decisions.

Integrating Large Language Models like Chat GPT into our daily lives calls for a renewed commitment to biblical wisdom, understanding, and integrity, as outlined in Proverbs 2:6-7. The phenomenon of AI hallucinations (confidently presented but factually incorrect responses) underscores the need for an unshakeable anchor in Scripture. In a world where answers to life's most profound questions will be algorithmically generated, the risk of being swayed by eloquently presented but spiritually hollow advice is high. The Bible offers not just information but transformation — a key distinction in an age where data is abundant, but wisdom is scarce.

Biblical literacy equips us to discern the voice of God amid a cacophony of digital voices produced by algorithms, which were written by people and are run by machines. This discernment is critical to maintaining an informed, robust, resilient faith.

The church and Christian community play a vital role in fostering biblical literacy and wisdom. In a time where individualized AI responses cater to our personal preferences, the community aspect of our faith becomes even more significant. In church services and Life Groups, we can explore the Scriptures and challenge each other's understandings, and iron will sharpen iron.

THE CHALLENGE

This is not merely about stepping back from technology but rather an invitation to engage with it through the lens of our faith. We can navigate the AI-augmented world with enthusiasm and discernment by firmly anchoring ourselves in Scripture. In doing so, we set a powerful example of how faith and technology can coexist and complement each other, enriching our understanding and experience of both. Our commitment to this balance will light a path for others toward the profound wisdom in God’s Word.

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Greg McNichols