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TexasTowelie

(112,167 posts)
Sat Mar 11, 2023, 05:24 AM Mar 2023

Religious leaders are writing sermons with ChatGPT. Does it work? - NewsNation



The #AI tool #ChatGPT has made its way to weekly sermons. Brooke Shafer talks to Timothy P. O’Malley from the University of Notre Dame about how well it works.


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Isn't that like cheating?
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Religious leaders are writing sermons with ChatGPT. Does it work? - NewsNation (Original Post) TexasTowelie Mar 2023 OP
I can't imagine NJCher Mar 2023 #1
My father was a part-time Southern Baptist minister TexasTowelie Mar 2023 #3
Yep, inspired by GOD Ferrets are Cool Mar 2023 #2
The Role of AI in Sermon Writing: Perspectives and Controversies emmafrost1 May 2023 #4
welcome to DU! RussBLib May 2023 #5

NJCher

(35,663 posts)
1. I can't imagine
Sat Mar 11, 2023, 09:15 AM
Mar 2023

Why anyone who cares about their job would do this.

This would be the high point of the week—and to hand it over to this kind of software? No. Just no.

In the attention economy, getting the time of people is very difficult. To hand that opportunity over to a chatgpt-generated sermon is beyond reprehensible.

TexasTowelie

(112,167 posts)
3. My father was a part-time Southern Baptist minister
Sat Mar 11, 2023, 10:56 AM
Mar 2023

back in the 70s and 80s when they weren't quite as weird as they are now. I remember the research that he would put into his sermons even though he didn't graduate from a seminary and the church crowd rarely topped 40 members (including children). I can't think of anything more inauthentic than a computer-generated sermon. I could see the use of AI for the additional research capabilities, but basing an entire sermon off of AI means that the minister needs to look deep into his/her soul to determine if they are in the correct career field.

 

emmafrost1

(3 posts)
4. The Role of AI in Sermon Writing: Perspectives and Controversies
Thu May 11, 2023, 04:04 AM
May 2023

The use of AI tools like ChatGPT in writing sermons has become a topic of discussion. Some religious leaders have started incorporating these tools into their sermon preparation process. To shed light on this matter, Brooke Shafer from NewsNation interviewed Timothy P. O'Malley, an expert from the University of Notre Dame, to discuss the effectiveness of using ChatGPT in this context.

When it comes to evaluating the use of AI in sermon writing, opinions may vary. Some individuals may argue that relying on AI technology for such an important task could be seen as "cheating" or compromising the authenticity of the sermons. They might believe that sermons should be crafted through personal reflection, theological knowledge, and spiritual inspiration rather than relying on a machine-generated response.

On the other hand, proponents of using AI tools like ChatGPT might argue that it can be a valuable resource for religious leaders. These tools can provide access to a vast amount of information, scriptures, historical context, and theological insights, potentially enhancing the depth and breadth of a sermon. It is important to note that religious leaders still play a critical role in interpreting and delivering messages, incorporating their own understanding, wisdom, and spiritual discernment.

Ultimately, the acceptance and effectiveness of using ChatGPT or similar AI tools in writing sermons will vary among religious communities and individuals. Some may find it helpful in their sermon preparation process, while others may prefer more traditional methods. The choice to incorporate AI in sermon writing is a decision that religious leaders will need to make based on their own theological perspectives and the needs of their congregations.

RussBLib

(9,008 posts)
5. welcome to DU!
Thu May 11, 2023, 12:38 PM
May 2023


Coming from an atheist perspective, I can't see anything more lazy and fake than sermons via AI, except maybe allowing a robot to read AI sermons to the flock. Just MHO.
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