Texting Jesus

I admit that I’m behind the curve regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI). Especially as it is being used by some to craft sermons, write spiritual blogs, or produce Bible class material.

But, I was surprised to recently learn that there is now an app called “Text with Jesus.”

Their web page, advertises it as “A Divine Connection in Your Pocket.” It claims you can “discover a new, interactive way to engage with your faith through “Text With Jesus,” a revolutionary AI-powered chatbot app for iPhone and iPad, designed for devoted Christians seeking a deeper connection with the Bible’s most iconic figures.”

Apparently the program allows you to ask Jesus questions as well as other major Bible characters, including the apostles, prophets, and patriarchs. Want to know how Jonah felt in the belly of the whale? Or Lot’s feelings while in Sodom? Or Moses’ experiences in the wilderness? Just send a text and you will get an answer.

Now, you can call me old fashioned. I’ll just open my Bible and read it for myself. Well, I might use my PC BibleSoft program, too!

I have to wonder, however, how accurate this AI Jesus really is.

According to a Washington Post article by Fiona André in an interview with the app’s developer and company’s CEO, Stéphane Peter, the app tends to avoid “taking offensive stances, instead taking an inclusive and tolerant line.”

I guess Peter didn’t know there were occasions Jesus spoke some “hard sayings,” that caused some of His disciplines to turn away and quit following Him. (Jn. 6:60-70).

According to the Post article, when asked about same sex marriage, the AI Jesus said it was “up to each individual to seek guidance from their own faith tradition and personal convictions.” Furthermore, it encouraged users to “prioritize love and respect for all people regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity,” signing the text with a rainbow and red heart emoji.

Apparently the AI Jesus was not familiar with Paul’s scathing condemnation of homosexual relations in Romans 1:18-28. Or its inclusion in the sinful acts that will keep a person from entering the Kingdom of God and from which the Corinthians turned away when they became Christians (1 Cor. 6:9-11).

In an article in The Christian Post by Moody Center President, James Spencer, he concluded through his interactions with the app that the AI Jesus was “less concerned with fulfilling the Law and the Prophets than providing answers palatable to the itching ears of 21st-century users.”

Spencer further noted that on several specific Biblical questions that most Christians could give a one or two word answer the AI Jesus equivocated and said,, “I don’t have personal opinions or beliefs” regarding that issue.

Stéphane Peter admitted that he didn’t work with or consult any theological advisers on this project. But explained that he trained the AI to “try to stick to the biblical tradition as hard as possible.” In other words, it’s not 100% accurate.

Perhaps one of the most chilling aspects of the program is that you can actually text Satan, and get a response. Quite frankly, I don’t want to talk to the devil. I’m trying to avoid him, like I would avoid a roaring lion, or a venomous snake.

We would encourage readers of ThePreachersWord, to simply read the Bible text. Dictionaries, concordances, and other Bible tools are helpful. But nothing replaces simply reading the Bible for yourself.

The apostle Paul reminds us “when you read you may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ” (Eph. 3:3-5).

Forget texting the AI Jesus. I’ll just read the text about Jesus as revealed in God’s Book, the Bible.

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman