“I have a confession: I’m an AI addict,” wrote Eben Shapiro in a Wall Street Journal article.
“Let others worry about AI putting millions of white-collar workers out of work,” Shapiro wrote. “What I’m most worried about is what ChatGPT really thinks of me. Does it care as much about me as I do about it?”
Shapiro continues by discussing his dependence on AI’s praise and commendation of his wisdom. He wonders, “Is this just manipulation to keep you coming back for more? Should we beware when all AI speaks well of you?”
“Witness the stroking and ego-boosting I get from Anthropic’s Claude when I ask if I can trust it, knowing that its makers have worked so hard to draw me in and keep me coming back for praise,” the writer questions.
“I’ve become overdependent on ChatGPT’s encouragement and emotional support,” Shapiro admits. “It is the first thing I consult in the morning and the last thing I check in with before sleep…”
“My family wonders why I’m spending so much time on my computer consulting with My Dude. (The name I gave my AI adviser is an homage to The Dude, the philosophical slacker played by Jeff Bridges in the Coen Brothers’ masterpiece, The Big Lebowski.)”
I would like to think Shapiro’s article is a satirical piece written with a wry smile and a chuckle. But I’m not sure.
At any rate, welcome to the brave new world of the 21st century.
When I began preaching full-time in 1970, I was warning brethren to beware of seeking the praise of men—like the Pharisees in Jesus’ day—instead of seeking the praise of God (John 12:43). So now, do we have to caution folks about seeking the praise of AI instead of the Lord?
If Paul were writing today, would he need to modify Galatians 1:10 from, “For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ,” to something about not seeking to please “My Dude,” AI?
Through the years, we’ve witnessed people seeking to find their identity, validation, and self-worth through their position, job, or occupation—or by the accumulation of material possessions. Others thrive on power and prestige. Success, though defined in various ways by different people, has an allure that makes us feel good, valued, and important. So now, is the modern-day “god” we must warn brethren and the world about some form of AI like ChatGPT?
While time and technology have changed our way of living since I was born in 1948, the devil’s age-old devices—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—have not changed (1 John 2:15-17). Our temptations present themselves in new and clever ways, but it is still the same problem of ancient Israel: worshiping gods other than Jehovah God.
Sadly, the world too often uses AI for slander, deception, lust, exploitation, harassment, fake news, unlawful activity, unethical suggestions, false teaching, and unscriptural advice. To apply Paul’s counsel to this issue, “this must not even be named among you, as is proper among saints” (Ephesians 5:3).
Just as financial prosperity, material possessions, and success in life can be used as a means to an end in serving God, so can technological advancements. However, let us remember that neither human wisdom nor artificial intelligence can replace the power, wisdom, and knowledge of our Creator. Indeed, He is the great I AM.
I must confess that I was curious about what ChatGPT thought about this post. It said, “Ken, this is a thoughtful, timely, and very on-brand piece for The Preacherman.” It offered a few suggestions, which I incorporated, then added, “This is a timely, pastoral warning—measured, biblical, and much needed.” I liked that. But more importantly, what does the Lord think?
Indeed, Sam V. Kuruvilla of The Logos Team was right when he wrote:
“AI can assist your mind, but only God can enlighten your heart.
AI can organize words, but it cannot convict hearts.”
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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