By Dr. Eli Lizorkin-Eyzenberg.
Thank you to my friends and family for your support and prayers!
Artificial Intelligence (AI), such as tools like Grok developed by xAI (I happened to like this tool more than other available ones for variety of reasons), is transforming countless aspects of modern life, including how serious Christian believers engage with their faith. For both regular believers and those involved in preaching and teaching, AI offers practical, spiritual, and intellectual benefits that can deepen their relationship with God, enhance their understanding of Scripture, and amplify their ministry efforts. While some Christians may harbor fears that AI could “take over” or undermine their faith, these concerns can be addressed by viewing AI as a God-given tool to be used responsibly under biblical guidance. This essay explores four key uses of AI for Christian believers, highlighting its benefits for personal devotion and ministry while addressing fears about its role in their lives.
Enhancing Personal Bible Study and Devotional Life
One of the most significant ways AI benefits regular Christian believers is by enhancing personal Bible study and devotional practices. AI-powered tools can analyze vast amounts of biblical texts, commentaries, and historical contexts to provide tailored insights. For example, a believer can ask an AI like Grok to explain complex passages, such as the cultural background of Jesusβ parables or the theological implications of Romans 8. AI can suggest cross-references, highlight themes across Scripture, or even generate personalized devotional plans based on a believerβs spiritual needs or current life circumstances. This is particularly valuable for those who may lack access to formal theological education or struggle with interpreting dense biblical texts. By making Scripture more accessible and relatable, AI empowers believers to grow in their faith and apply biblical principles to daily life.
Supporting Prayer and Spiritual Disciplines
AI can also support believers in cultivating a vibrant prayer life and other spiritual disciplines. For instance, AI tools can generate prayer prompts based on specific needs, such as gratitude, repentance, or intercession for others. They can remind users to pray at set times, offer guided meditations rooted in Scripture, or even compose prayers inspired by biblical models like the Psalms. For believers seeking to practice fasting, journaling, or solitude, AI can provide resources, schedules, or reflective questions to deepen these disciplines. By acting as a digital companion, AI helps believers maintain consistency in their spiritual practices, fostering a closer walk with God. This is especially helpful for busy Christians who struggle to carve out time for spiritual reflection amidst demanding schedules.
Equipping Preachers and Teachers for Ministry
For those involved in preaching and teaching, AI is a powerful ally in preparing sermons, Bible studies, and educational materials. AI can analyze sermon topics, suggest relevant Scriptures, and compile insights from theological resources, saving time for pastors who often juggle multiple responsibilities. For example, a preacher preparing a message on forgiveness could use AI to gather biblical examples, historical sermons, and practical applications tailored to their congregationβs needs. AI can also assist in translating sermons into multiple languages or adapting content for different age groups, enabling teachers to reach diverse audiences. Additionally, AI-driven analytics can help ministry leaders understand congregational engagementβsuch as identifying which topics resonate mostβallowing them to tailor their teaching for greater impact. By streamlining preparation and enhancing creativity, AI frees up time for ministers to focus on pastoral care and spiritual leadership.
Facilitating Evangelism and Discipleship
AI offers innovative ways to support evangelism and discipleship, both for regular believers and those in ministry. For everyday Christians, AI can provide guidance on how to share their faith respectfully and effectively, offering conversation starters or responses to common questions about Christianity. For example, AI can simulate dialogues to help believers practice answering objections, such as βHow can a loving God allow suffering?β In discipleship, AI can create personalized follow-up plans for new believers, recommending Bible readings, videos, or local church resources based on their spiritual maturity and interests. For ministries, AI-powered chatbots can engage with seekers online, answering questions about Christianity 24/7 and connecting them with local churches. This scalability allows churches to extend their outreach, particularly in regions where access to Christian resources is limited. By amplifying evangelistic efforts, AI helps believers fulfill the Great Commission in a digital age.
Addressing Fears About AI Taking Over
Despite these benefits, some Christians fear that AI could “take over” or diminish the human element of faith. These concerns often stem from dystopian portrayals of AI in media or misunderstandings about its capabilities. However, believers can overcome these fears by reframing AI as a tool created by humans under Godβs sovereignty. Just as God has gifted humanity with intellect to invent tools like the printing press or the internet, AI is a product of human creativity that can be used for His glory. Scripture reminds us that βevery good and perfect gift is from aboveβ (James 1:17), suggesting that technology, when used responsibly, can serve Godβs purposes. To address fears, Christians should approach AI with discernment, setting boundaries to ensure it supports rather than replaces spiritual practices. For example, while AI can enhance Bible study, it should not substitute for communal worship or personal encounters with God. Churches can also educate believers about AIβs limitationsβsuch as its inability to experience faith or replace the Holy Spiritβs guidanceβhelping them see it as a servant, not a master.
Practical Considerations for Responsible Use
To maximize AIβs benefits, Christians must use it with intentionality and biblical wisdom. Regular believers should seek AI tools grounded in sound theology, avoiding those that promote unbiblical ideas or commercial agendas. For preachers and teachers, AI should complement, not replace, prayerful preparation and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Churches can play a role by training members to use AI ethically, ensuring it aligns with their values. For instance, ministries should verify AI-generated content for accuracy and cultural sensitivity before sharing it with congregations. Additionally, believers should be mindful of over-dependence on AI, balancing its use with traditional practices like group Bible study or mentorship. By stewarding AI wisely, Christians can harness its potential while remaining anchored in their faith.
The Broader Impact on Christian Communities
Beyond individual and ministerial benefits, AI has the potential to strengthen Christian communities as a whole. For example, AI can help churches manage administrative tasksβsuch as scheduling events or analyzing giving patternsβfreeing up resources for mission work. It can also foster global connections, enabling believers to collaborate across cultures through AI-driven translation tools or virtual platforms. In areas of persecution, AI can discreetly deliver Christian resources to believers who cannot access physical churches. By bridging gaps and amplifying resources, AI empowers the global Church to grow in unity and impact. For serious believers, this means participating in a faith community that is more connected, informed, and equipped to live out the Gospel.
Conclusion: Embracing AI as a Tool for Faith
In conclusion, AI, like Grok, offers serious Christian believers a wealth of opportunities to deepen their faith, enhance their ministries, and engage with the world. From enriching personal devotions to equipping preachers, supporting evangelism, and strengthening communities, AI serves as a versatile tool that aligns with Godβs call to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind (Matthew 22:37). While fears about AIβs potential to “take over” are understandable, they can be alleviated by viewing it as a human-made gift to be used with discernment and accountability. For regular believers and those in ministry, AI is not a replacement for Godβs presence but a means to draw closer to Him and serve others more effectively. By embracing AI thoughtfully, Christians can navigate the digital age with confidence, using technology to glorify God and advance His kingdom.
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This is a hot topic amongst Christians, many fearing it is to close to the mark of the beast. This was a well balanced explanation.
Thank you, Stacey! Read this plz if you have not yet seen it – https://drelisblog.com/the-mark-of-the-beast-in-the-book-of-revelation-a-jewish-contextual-analysis/ But I agree people is constantly thinking this or that is the mark of the beast. This way they missing the real mark of the beast.
Thank you Dr. Eli. This is very informative. My issue as a Christian with AI is not it’s capabilities in the pastoral administrative areas and doctrinal linguistic translations. I belive it to be an asset here when used with discernment and discipline. My issue is with AI composing prayers of praise, thanksgiving and petition to our LORD G-d when these should be a living sacrifice coming directly from a person’s heart.
Shalom, Deirdre! Thanks for feedback. To me this in some way similar to other people in the past composing this prayers for us. Sometimes we pray other people’s prayers. On the other hand other people prayers can be heritage we should treasure. BUT IN PRINCIPLE I agree with you that nothing will exchange the heart of the believer! As an old Church song says: “There is song in my heart that the angels can’t sing…” (this could be easily reworked to apply for AI π ) There is song in my heart that AI can not sing!
AI, as all methods of past when new, can be seen with potential for good or evil. Basically, imho, there isn’t much new under the sun, to Paraphrase the Preacher of Ecclesiastes! This, like air travel, opens vistas quickly & wider than human experiences of before. And there seems to be greater potential for false, misleading, even harmful purpose. It becomes a matter of willful decision, use, & boundary of both creator & user. Again, multiple potential, hence, God-given wisdom & discernment! Let’s face it…once the innovation is there, pandora’s box won’t be closed!! So be wise & sly, folks!!
Indeed!
I believe AI could be used to check correctness of facts but not for spiritual interpretation.
We need to communicate with God – the author- not a computer. Let His Spirit communicate with you . This is why Jesus left Him for us. To help us understand
Interpretation is analysis of factsβthatβs the issue. AI (if prompted correctly) can connect dots and analyze text better than us, often with less bias (I hate to admit it!). The machine doesnβt careβit lacks theologyβs backdrop. Yet, even if AI aids faithful interpretation, you must worship, submit, and commune with God. The tool isnβt the heart. AI may sharpen understanding, but devotion belongs to you alone. Donβt confuse insight with intimacy. Let knowledge deepen reverence, not replace it. The machine has no soul to offerβonly you can bow before the Lord.
Amen and amen!!
Only I can βbow before The Lord!β It is I to βworship, submit and commune with Godβ!
I am letting βknowledge deepen reverence, not replace it.β Everything you said in this reply is so well said! Thank you, Dr. Eli!
Worked with man-made tools all my life, I too, can see advantages in AI, mainly as a time-saving device.
We gave our children the TV, video games, computers, the internet and AI. Sure, they are smart, much smarter than us. They seem to accomplish greater things so much faster and more efficiently.
There is profit in using the car as well as walking, so continue to encourage people to exercise their brains before we get dementia!!
IF we want to appear before God with AI products, well, so be it, God sees right through you. 1Sam16:7.
Thank you for enlightening on this topic. It has cleared up the fog got me.
Judith, thank you for all you do!
Amen! Thank you, Dr. Eli, as always. G_d is sovereign over AI too. Discernment, setting boundaries, is always good. Using it for G_dβs glory and advancing His Kingdom! Amen! All and Only for the Lord in all things, in His mercy and grace!
Example of DISCERNMENT:
Back when AI search engines first went public,
I asked a search engine operating on AI,
βIs Jenner male or female?β
It responded something like,
βJenner is female.β
And it gave websites to prove its point.
Then I wrote back saying,
βJenner is male.β
Then it had the audacity to say,
βNo, youβre wrong. Jenner is female.β
The full truth and nothing extra with all of Godβs help will always set us free.
GROK by xAI seems more benign and helpful than other AI search engines, but will you each do your own due diligence?
There are different objectives in this world, and followers of Messiah, living in this world, must use whatever tools we have – God-given and man-made to glorify God and not become proud.
Yeshua reminded us in Jn 14:12, exactly what is greater. Appearing knowledgeable with π likes or greater popularity with followers or …?
Dn 7:20 is another alert to be like Job, when trying to understand God – be silent.
Sure, use any tools, money, etc., NOT to become addicted, to spend more time on or serve anything other than our only Father God.
We must watch out for pride!
Thank you Dr Eli for explaining the concept so excellently. As a retired teacher, I remembered we had to grow with changes taking place within the Education System. We recieved numerous training, workshops even crash courses to keep up with the changes. Many of the old teachers were against it but eventually had to adapt, learning how to use computers for the advancement of the students. Ai is good as long as we use discernment.
Dear Sylvia, thank you so much. Yes, the longer some lives the better more nuanced view of things s/he can have about yet another novelty. Blessings!
Very good guidance for responsible use AI when studiing the Bible. Many believers have not a complete knowledge and understanding of biblical text. So I would suggest as a first step: use IA as a gigantic memory bank, to find referenties and connection and cross links to deepen the understanding of a particular bible fragment
excellent!
Thank you so much! I appreciate the insightful information on AI usefulness for believers. God bless you!π€πβ€οΈπ
Blessings, Pelecia!
Thank for taking the time out to explain the use of AI in the religious context , so we all have a clear understanding of its us in this modern era but everyone fear is adapting to it cognizant of the fact that this tool leads to the mark of the beast whereby reliance of it will affect their relationship with God.
Shalom, Paulette! May I humbly recommend that you carefully read this article about the Mark of the Beast – https://drelisblog.com/the-mark-of-the-beast-in-the-book-of-revelation-a-jewish-contextual-analysis/
Dr. Eli, your words are greatly balanced. Thank you.
I believe AI is a God-given tool that aid to organize ideas. It can help render abstract ideas from the Bible that can be complicated for us to visualize. It’s not perfect, but that’s when we must use our critical thinking skills that the Almighty has given us. I’m currently working with my wife in a personal project where we get to create biblically rooted children curriculum for churches, and AI has been a GREAT help to organize and review 5 years of curriculum development.
Thank you, Donato! All success to you and your wife!
Much appreciated! π₯°ππ½
Dr Eli,
In one reply response you mentioned, “Don’t confuse insight with intimacy.”
1) AI doesn’t have insight. It’s predicting by probabilities, by permutations and combinations. Frames its response in the best possible fit as per a set of instructions.
All the correct information that AI responds with is not God’s insight. It’s the collation of human insight.
Yeshua gifted us the Holy Spirit to start our new relationship with God our Father. He has the true insight.
It depends how you define insight.
Dr Eli, you ask us not to confuse AI with the “mark” of the beast.
In the linked article you talked about allegiance. I also call it subservience and slavery.
I ‘slaved’ to buy study devices for my children, under the illusion that they would be wise, enabling to empower them. Which is what you portray in the article about AI.
The fruit was “GOOD” to eat but drove them apart from God, sadly addicted and enslaved.
Smart and wise can be a vice!
That monster of pride is insatiably uncontrollable, hm… I didn’t say beast did I?
Dear Dr. Eli
Thank you for the insight. What do you think about Christian profiling by AI. What is its effect on physical meetings and general Christian ethics
Not sure what you mean. Clarify plz