Artificial Preaching? Exploring the Ethical Limitations of and Opportunities for Using Large Language Models in Sermon Development
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15695/hmltc.v51i1.5854Abstract
Christians are wise to assess new technologies with conservatism and healthy skepticism. Rapidly developing tools in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) are no exception—especially for the preaching ministry of the church. The power and allure of large language models (LLMs) like ChatGPT make AI worthy of critical assessment as a potential aid in sermon development. However, should preachers adopt AI as a tool in sermon development? If so, what limits ought to guide its use? This article addresses these urgent questions by weighing the benefits and risks of AI in homiletics. It lays out the relevant ethical considerations for discerning AI’s use, arguing that LLMs can serve as a valuable aid to preachers within well-defined boundaries. To preserve the authenticity and integrity of both the preacher and the gospel message, AI’s adoption requires clear limitations, ongoing ethical reflection, and—above all—the homiletical virtue of patience.
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