I saw an ad today on the internet for a site that composes sermons with artificial intelligence. Writing is already targeted as one of the primary occupations that A.I. may take over. It can write novels already and will only improve over time. Yet ministers using A.I. to write sermons is for me, something that hadn’t occurred to me.
There are hundreds and thousands of theological points. A.I. will need to select from those to build a sermon, and without the level of point of view consistency one might wish a church pastor to have. It is challenging perhaps even for church ministers to have exhaustive knowledge of and competence with the history of theology. A.I. will have that exhaustive knowledge, yet choosing between things like infant baptism, does original sin apply to infants, are the saints real and able to influence things on Earth now, etc is a level of competence that even A.I. won’t possess. In fact I doubt if Super Artificial intelligence will have the capability of understanding the truth about various competing theological points lacking guidance of the Holy Spirit. A.I. is without a soul being hard-wired into logic circuits.
Faith and Christianity are human concerns and opportunities. There would be a substantial change in direction of the worldly church if many pastors took the easy way to get that sermon completed before Sunday morning. I wonder if competition to exploit the instant erudition will drive to an A.I. takeover of sermonizing and homilies too, paradoxically. perhaps congregations will be too dull to understand subtleties in theological content if the A.I. eventually speaks for-itself with a groomed most persuasive voice for its robot body possible.
It is something to consider. Here is a sermon I asked ChatGpt to write on James, faith and sacrifice.
ChatGpt: “Here is a sermon on the life of James that pertains to faith and sacrifice:
Faith in action: lessons from the life of James
The life of James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early church in Jerusalem, offers a powerful example of the connection between faith and sacrifice. James’s life demonstrates that true faith involves action and a willingness to sacrifice for the Gospel.
James’ initial skepticism and his journey of faith
James, Jesus’ brother, initially doubted Jesus’ claim to be the Messiah. After the resurrection, James encountered the Risen Christ, which transformed him from a doubter into a devoted follower and leader. This transformation highlights that faith can be a journey, which requires confronting doubts.
Faith and action: James’ core message
The Book of James emphasizes that genuine faith requires action. Faith must be expressed through actions, as James stated, “faith without works is dead”. This doesn’t mean salvation by works, but that true faith leads to a transformed life and good deeds. Faith without works is dead says James in James 2:26.
Sacrifice for the sake of the Gospel
James’s leadership in Jerusalem required sacrifice and courage. The early church faced persecution, and James faced adversity. His commitment to Christ led to his martyrdom, an act of ultimate sacrifice. His death showed the power of the Gospel message.
Lessons for today
Faith requires action: It’s important to show faith through actions, such as how you treat others, your pursuit of justice and compassion, and service to those in need. Are words of faith supported by deeds?
Embrace the journey: Like James, you might have doubts. True faith is about embracing the journey and allowing God to transform you as you learn to trust Him.
Willingness to sacrifice: Following Christ often requires sacrifice—time, resources, comfort, or even life. Remember James and other martyrs who remind people that Jesus is the greatest treasure, worth any sacrifice says Christ Community Church – KC.
Allow your faith to be a living, active force that transforms lives, brings glory to God, and blesses others. May you, like James, live lives of faith, a faith that is both vibrant and willing to sacrifice for the one who sacrificed everything.”
