If you want the truth read the Bible – not AI

We need discernment with Artificial Intelligence rather than blindly accepting all that it offers, writes Steph Gutmann

I’m often a lone voice at work when it comes to AI. I’ve had robust conversations with friends, pastors and even my bosses about it. My concern isn’t anti-technology. It’s about discernment. We mustn’t blindly accept everything AI offers – especially when it begins to shape the church.

Some of you may disagree. That’s OK. My aim isn’t alarmism; it’s awareness. We need to understand what’s happening beyond our church walls.

What can the Church do?

Accountability matters. What we share as churches, leaders and worship teams must be authentic and verifiable. Above all, it must reflect the character of God – the One who is the epitome of truth.

What can the Church do?

Use AI cautiously. It can assist with research or gathering information – though vigilance is essential, as AI now generates its own data and research! But when it comes to spiritual formation, shortcuts weaken substance. The reward of God’s presence cannot be outsourced.

Revised Scriptures

There’s nothing like a stirring Bible verse. Yet increasingly, what’s shared online isn’t Scripture at all – even when a reference is attached. At best, they’re loose paraphrases. At worst, they’re completely rewritten ideas dressed up as the Word of God.

This isn’t new. Across history, the Bible has been redacted and rewritten – for example, China’s “official Bible”. AI simply makes distortion faster and harder to detect. And if someone doesn’t have access to a physical Bible to check the reference, error spreads quickly.

What can the Church do?

Encourage people to read a physical Bible – not just rely on an app or a filtered graphic. Knowing God’s Word for ourselves will only become more vital as online content grows more distorted.

Questionable truths

With AI’s rise has come what’s officially termed “slop” – mass-produced, low-quality content. Some of it is harmlessly absurd, like humanised pets. Some of it is deeply misleading, such as Christians being imitated for clicks.

I once watched what appeared to be Billy Graham preaching. Ten minutes in, I realised it was AI-generated. The giveaway? “He” referenced TikTok influencers – they weren’t around during his preaching ministry.

AI doesn’t just create confusion; it breeds doubt. When everything online could be fabricated, trust erodes. We’ve already seen an explosion of fake stories. The possibility of such tools being used against the church in the future cannot be ignored.

Over-reliance on AI

In business marketing, I see daily how AI-generated content drains individuality. Social media posts, blogs and websites begin to look, sound and feel identical. Brands lose their voice. People switch off.

We’ve even seen frustration over AI-generated “worship” songs topping streaming charts, AI “models” reading prayers, and sermons drafted by bots that lack theological coherence. Why does this matter? Because it bypasses relationship. Prayer, worship and Bible study aren’t tasks to automate – they are encounters with God.

In 2 Samuel 24, David refuses to offer the Lord a sacrifice that cost him nothing. That principle still speaks. Can we offer to God what required no wrestling, no waiting, no seeking?

Increased loneliness

AI promises efficiency. It drafts emails, answers queries and simulates companionship. Add VR meet-ups and chatbot conversations, and meaningful human contact can quietly diminish.

I once received an unusually abrupt email from a client. The tone had changed so dramatically I lost sleep wondering what had gone wrong. Two weeks later, when we met in person, I discovered they’d switched to AI-written replies – often without reading them properly.

In a culture already battling loneliness, replacing everyday interactions with automation only deepens isolation. Choosing “online church” over embodied fellowship may feel convenient, but convenience can come at a cost.

What can the Church do?

Jesus calls himself the Good Shepherd and entrusts leaders with shepherding his sheep. Sheep are messy, demanding and sometimes lack common sense and civility – yet Christ loves every one.

Stepping into the mundane matters. It might mean lingering in conversation when we’re running late. It might mean noticing the person who hasn’t spoken to anyone in days.

Since the pandemic, some have drifted into permanent “online church”. Yet reports suggest many are now seeking analogue experiences to counter digital fatigue. The Church is perfectly placed to meet that hunger – if we’re willing to prioritise people over platforms and open our doors wide.

This article first appeared in Direction Magazine. For further details, please click here.