AI and the Word of God: A Servant, Not a Master
In every generation, new tools emerge that reshape the way humanity communicates. Some bring fear, others excitement—but the truth remains the same: technology may evolve, yet the Word of God endures forever.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is one of the newest tools of
our age. For some, it raises questions and even rejection, especially when it
is mentioned in connection with sermons or Christian books. How can a preacher
or teacher of the Gospel use AI without compromising the sacredness of the
Word? The answer lies not in the tool itself, but in the spirit that guides its
use.
1. The Word of God Remains from the Spirit of God
The divine message is not generated by machines but revealed
by the Holy Spirit.
Inspiration flows from God’s Spirit to the human heart, not
from algorithms or programs. The servant of the Word listens in prayer,
meditates on Scripture, and receives illumination from above. AI cannot replace
this sacred process—it merely assists in expressing, organizing, or presenting
the fruit of divine inspiration.
As a priest, I have spent many years writing books and
preparing sermons inspired by prayer and the Word of God. Over the years of my
priesthood, I wrote dozens of manuscripts—each one born of study, meditation,
and pastoral experience—and I saved them all on my computer, waiting for the
right time to share them. For many reasons, I could not publish them. One of
the main reasons was the high cost of editing and printing.
But in recent years, I have discovered that with the help of
AI tools for editing, organizing, and publishing on demand, I could finally
bring these writings to light. Books that had been waiting for years were
refined, formatted, and published in a short time. This was not to replace
inspiration, but to serve it. What once seemed impossible became possible, not
because of technology itself, but because the same God who inspires the message
also provides the means to share it.
AI helped with the technical process, but the spirit, the
vision, and the message all came from the same divine source that has guided my
ministry from the beginning.
2. Tools Change, but the Truth Does Not
From scrolls to printing presses, from microphones to
livestreams—the Church has always used the tools of its time to proclaim the
Gospel. When the printing press was invented, some feared it would profane the
Word by mass production. Later, others doubted the use of radio and television
for preaching. Yet, each became a vessel for the voice of truth.
AI stands in this same lineage of tools. It can assist in
research, language translation, biblical study, and communication. When guided
by discernment and prayer, it becomes a servant of the Gospel, not a
threat to it.
3. The Human Heart Remains the Place of Discernment
The true author of a Christian sermon or book is not the
tool, but the person inspired by the Spirit. AI can generate text, but it
cannot pray, fast, or love. It has no faith, no repentance, no tears of
intercession. It can imitate human words, but it cannot experience divine
truth.
That is why every Christian writer or preacher who uses AI
must do so with spiritual vigilance—filtering, refining, and sanctifying
what is produced through prayer and biblical truth. The priest or theologian
remains responsible for the content, ensuring that every Word reflects the mind
of Christ and the teaching of the Church.
4. The Voice and the Message
Some may argue that the style of language created with the
help of AI does not sound like the speaker’s natural voice. That may be
true—and it does not diminish the authenticity of the message. For what truly
matters is not the voice of the messenger, but the truth of the message itself.
On the day of Pentecost, the apostles spoke in languages that were not their own: “And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit was giving them utterance.” (Acts 2:4)
Those words were not shaped by their personal accent or
native tongue, yet through them, the Spirit of God communicated one message
of salvation to all nations. The miracle was not in the human voice but in
the divine message that transcended language, culture, and expression.
Likewise, if a sermon or book written with the help of AI
uses words or a tone different from the writer’s natural style, what matters
most is whether it carries the Spirit of truth and the light of the Gospel. The
message—not the sound of the messenger—reveals the power of God.
5. The Church’s Mission in a Digital Age
Christ commanded: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations.” (Matthew 28:19)
To fulfill this mission, the Church must speak in every
language and use every means available. In today’s digital world, AI can help
translate messages, design study materials, and reach those who might never
open a printed book. Rejecting all technological aid would be to close doors
that God Himself has allowed to open.
The mission of the Church is not to fear new tools but to baptize
them—to sanctify them for holy use. When guided by the Spirit, even the most
advanced technology can become an instrument for spreading divine truth.
6. Fear Should Lead to Discernment, Not Rejection
It is natural for believers to be cautious. But fear must
never become paralysis. The Church’s task is not to condemn tools, but to use
them wisely. The danger lies not in AI itself, but in separating it from the
spirit of truth. Without prayer and discernment, any technology can be misused.
But under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, even artificial intelligence can
serve to glorify God.
7. A Servant, Not a Master
AI is a servant—it serves human creativity, learning, and
communication. It can never replace the anointing, wisdom, and inspiration that
come from above. Just as the pen obeys the hand of the writer, AI must obey the
conscience of the believer who uses it.
The Church does not fear the tools of its age; it
consecrates them. The Spirit who once inspired prophets and apostles still
breathes today through all who speak the truth in love. The question,
therefore, is not whether a sermon or book used AI, but whether its words carry
the life of the Spirit and the truth of the Gospel.
Conclusion
The Gospel must be preached to every generation in the language of its time. AI can assist in this sacred task when used with humility, prayer, and discernment. Let the faithful not fear the servant, but guard the throne of the Master. For it is written:“The Word of God is living and active.” (Hebrews 4:12)
It is not confined to ink, paper, or code. It lives in the
heart, transforms lives, and glorifies God through every faithful witness.
May every tool—old or new—become an instrument in the hands
of those who serve the eternal Word, Jesus Christ our Lord.
Hegumen Abraam Sleman
Jersey City, New Jersey
#AIAndTheWordOfGod, #FaithAndTechnology, #ServantNotMaster, #HolySpiritGuides, #GospelInTheDigitalAge, #LightInTheDigitalWorld
This article reflects our own personal views dear Abouna. We should use any tool available to help us spread the word of our lord Jesus Christ.
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