I recently engaged in a conversation with a church leader about the use of AI by Bible study leaders. He asked a relevant question about how AI could be used to create a Bible study experience. My mind immediately jumped to its use as a generator of content, which in my opinion, has all kinds of red flags associated with it.

My friend was more interested in how a group leader might use it to augment his or her preparation (I’m going to address that in my next post and present some healthy ways to do that). But for now, let’s stick to using AI to generate the Bible study session itself.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become a powerful tool in many areas, including the creation of Bible studies. While I believe AI can offer valuable assistance, it’s essential to approach its use with caution. Here are five key cautions to consider:

1. Accuracy and Interpretation

AI can process and generate text based on vast amounts of data, but it lacks the nuanced understanding of human context and theological depth. When using AI to generate Bible studies, ensure that the interpretations and teachings align with sound theological principles. Always cross-check AI-generated content with trusted biblical commentaries and scholarly resources to avoid misinterpretations.

2. Cultural and Contextual Sensitivity

The Bible is a complex text with rich historical and cultural contexts. AI might not fully grasp these nuances, leading to content that could be culturally insensitive or contextually inaccurate. It’s crucial to review AI-generated studies for cultural and historical accuracy, ensuring they respect the diverse backgrounds of your audience.

3. Ethical Considerations

AI-generated content should be used ethically, respecting the intellectual property of original authors and theologians. Avoid presenting AI-generated material as entirely original work without proper attribution. Additionally, be mindful of the ethical implications of relying too heavily on AI, which might reduce the personal engagement and spiritual discernment that are vital in Bible study preparation.

4. Personal and Spiritual Engagement

Bible studies are not just about information but also about personal and spiritual growth. AI lacks the ability to engage personally with participants or to respond to their spiritual needs. Ensure that AI-generated content is supplemented with personal insights, reflections, and interactive elements that foster a deeper spiritual connection and community engagement.

5. It’s Still Crowdsourcing

As helpful as AI can be, it can only capture the information that exists on the Web and synthesize it into some form that is useful to you as a researcher. The challenge with AI is that you’ll still have to cautiously read through its generated content that comes from a variety (and mostly unknown) sources. In the time it takes you to read, understand, edit, and recalibrate AI content, you could have generated your own original content (or close!). Another consideration is whether or not it is wise to turn the discipleship of your group (or groups) over to unknown people.

Conclusion

While AI can be a helpful tool in generating Bible studies, it’s important to use it with discernment and care. By being mindful of accuracy, cultural sensitivity, ethical considerations, and the need for personal engagement, you can create meaningful and impactful Bible studies that honor the depth and richness of the Scriptures.