Pastor, theologian and Christian author John Piper contends that writing a sermon and ministry newsletters using artificial intelligence (AI) would be “wicked” and “appalling,” as it is “devoid of authenticity and devotion from preachers themselves.”
The Desiring God founder who previously pastored Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis for more than three decades and currently serves as chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary, was responding to questions from another pastor and a college-ministry leader on his ‘Ask Pastor John’ podcast.
He shared a definition of AI he found on Google, which is “a technology that enables computers and machines to simulate human learning, comprehension, problem-solving, decision-making, creativity, and autonomy” — noting that the definition lacks the mention of “emotion.”
“The ultimate purpose of the universe is that God be glorified, and He is glorified not merely by being rightly thought about, logically comprehended, but by rightly being enjoyed, admired, appreciated, valued,” he continued.
“God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him, which means no artificial intelligence will ever be able to worship,” Dr. Piper declared.
“Worship is not simply right thinking, which computers can do. Worship is right feeling about God.”
Crosswalk Headlines reports the esteemed theologian argued that using generative AI to craft sermons would be “wicked” despite being well-written.
“Wicked. I’m using a strong word because I feel strongly about this,” the Desiring God founder asserted.
“This goes to the heart of God and the meaning of Christianity and the integrity of the Church and Her ministers.”
“Neither God nor His people speak in a way so as to bring about in the minds of other people, thoughts that are not true about us, or what we say, or feelings in them that are not appropriate about us,” John Piper continued.
“That is, we do not deceive. We are people of truth and transparency and honesty through and through, or we are nothing.”
He also opposed the use of AI in writing ministry newsletters.
“No, don’t have ChatGPT write your newsletter,” he warned.
“Don’t do it, unless you’re going to put in clear letters at the top: This newsletter was created by ChatGPT. That’s honest, and your supporters won’t like it.”
“And, no, don’t have ChatGPT write the first draft of your sermon, which you then check, adjust, and customise,” he added.
“Frankly, I’m appalled at the thought. Appalled.”
Despite acknowledging the existence of these “resources and websites” to help pastors in sermon preparation, Dr. Piper said he always found them “appalling.”
He shared that one of the chief qualifications of a pastor is to “have the ability, the gift, to read a passage of Scripture, understand the reality it deals with, feel the emotions it is meant to elicit, be able to explain it to others clearly, illustrate and apply it for their edification.”
“That’s a gift you must have,” he stressed.
“It’s your No. 1 job. If you don’t have it, you should not be a pastor.”
“Let’s use ChatGPT and other sources that are coming along for information, even for inspiration, just like you use commentaries and articles and books and songs and poetry,” Dr. Piper said.
“But don’t use it for composition unless you’re going to give credit for it.”
He believes pastors using ChatGPT for their sermons, including writing the first draft, should acknowledge it to their congregation.
He said that simply requires saying: “ChatGPT, artificial intelligence, has composed the Word of God for you this morning.”
The usage of AI in the church has made headlines in recent months with installation of an AI Jesus Christ at a Catholic Church in Switzerland.
A South Carolina megachurch pastor Ron Carpenter developed an AI version of himself in which congregants can have “personalised, 1-on-1 interactions” with it and receive prayer.
Image: Facebook Screenshot — John Piper
