By Nick Bibile
Many Christians are confused about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and do not have a clear understanding of what it is. I am burdened to write something simple and practical so there will be less confusion on this subject.
AI stands for Artificial Intelligence.
How does it work? AI cannot function without human knowledge and information. For AI to work, people must first provide it with enormous amounts of data from many different subjects and sources.
AI then uses mathematical formulas called algorithms to find patterns and relationships within that data. An algorithm is simply a set of instructions, much like a recipe. If you follow the recipe correctly, you should get the intended result.
Computers process vast amounts of information through these algorithms and produce answers based on patterns found in the data. Finally, AI uses prediction to determine what answer is most likely to be correct.
A simple example is your email spam filter. AI has been trained on millions of spam emails. When a new email arrives, it looks for patterns commonly found in spam messages and decides whether the email belongs in your inbox or spam folder.
However, AI can make mistakes.
Recently, I made a Mexican chili bowl and gave it to an American Christian friend. Later, I discovered that his email thanking me for the meal had been placed in my spam folder. Because the subject line contained the word "chili," the system mistakenly identified it as spam. This reminds us that AI is not perfect and that we should always verify its results.
Now that we understand how AI works, the question is: Is it a sin for a Christian to use AI?
Let me ask another question: Is it a sin to use a computer or a smartphone?
Of course not.
The same principle applies to AI. Whether something is sinful often depends on how it is used.
If you become enslaved to your smartphone, that can become sinful. But if you use your smartphone wisely as a tool, there is nothing wrong with it. AI is similar. It is a tool that can be used either wisely or foolishly.
As Christians, we should understand that AI is not a moral or spiritual being. It has no soul, conscience, or ability to discern right from wrong. It is simply a tool created by human beings.
A knife can be used to prepare food for a family, or it can be used to harm someone. The knife itself is not making moral decisions; the user is responsible. AI is much the same.
The Bible teaches that the real issue is not the tool but the human heart.
Proverbs 4:23 — "Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."
The heart is the source of our thoughts, desires, motives, and decisions. If the heart is corrupt, corrupt actions will follow.
Jesus said:
Matthew 15:18-19 — "But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies."
In the same way, AI can be used for good purposes or sinful purposes. A Christian may use it as a helpful tool for stewardship, learning, and ministry. But someone with sinful motives can use it for deception, dishonesty, or other evil purposes.
The problem is not AI itself; the problem is the human heart.
Some pastors claim that using AI is inherently sinful. I do not believe that is true. What matters is how it is used.
Years ago, while working a full-time job and pastoring a small church in the United States, I typed hundreds of sermons and Bible studies. When the internet became widely available, I created a website and uploaded these materials for the edification of others.
However, many of those sermons were unedited and contained spelling and grammar mistakes. I stored them on an external hard drive for years.
Today, AI can help me correct the grammar and spelling of those messages. The original study, prayer, meditation, and sermon preparation were my own work. AI simply assists with editing and presentation.
It is like preparing a delicious meal that does not look very appealing. Then a skilled chef adds a garnish and improves the presentation. The meal remains yours; the chef simply helped make it more presentable.
Another example is my study of the writings of John Owen. His exposition of Hebrews is rich and deeply biblical, but it can be difficult for modern readers because he often writes in old English and occasionally uses Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.
AI can help translate these difficult expressions into modern English, making the material more accessible to today's readers.
Although AI can be useful, it also presents dangers.
One danger is spiritual laziness.
Some pastors and Christian workers may be tempted to let AI write their sermons, Bible studies, or devotional messages without doing the hard work of studying Scripture, praying, and meditating on God's Word.
This is a serious problem.
God calls His servants to labor diligently in the Scriptures.
2 Timothy 2:15 — "Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
AI may assist research, editing, or organization, but it should never replace personal study, prayer, and dependence upon God.
Another danger is idolatry.
A person can begin depending more on AI than on God. Some may even use AI to generate prayers for them rather than personally approaching the throne of grace.
These shortcuts can weaken spiritual discipline and communion with God. Prayer is not merely producing words; it is fellowship with the living God.
Christians must cultivate a genuine relationship with the Lord rather than relying on machines to perform spiritual duties on their behalf.
The Bible says:
Daniel 12:4 — "But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased."
Last days knowledge will be increased and run to and fro generally means, there is going to be increase movement in the last days,
The rapid development of modern technology, communication, and information systems demonstrates how quickly knowledge can spread throughout the world.
So, is using AI a sin?
No. AI itself is not sinful. It is a tool.
Like many tools, it can be used for good or evil. Christians should use AI wisely, carefully, and with discernment.
As with every area of life, our goal should be to honor Christ.
1 Corinthians 10:31 — "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
Use AI as a servant, not as a master. Use it for God's glory, not as a substitute for faithful Christian living.