Posted on by Tim Young

Bible Study with AI Chatbots

Come and explore with us how artificial intelligence is changing the way we study the Bible. Tim and Nick share their personal stories, practical examples, and thoughtful discussions, as they highlight both the benefits and challenges of using AI tools like ChatGPT, Copilot, and Gemini for research, language learning, and creative projects. The podcast dives into the history of AI, its impact on Bible study, and offers tips for using technology wisely—balancing critical thinking with curiosity. Whether you’re tech-savvy or just starting out, this podcast provides inspiration and practical wisdom for anyone seeking to deepen their Bible study and embrace new ways to learn and connect.

Key Verse:

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)

Outline:

  1. Introduction
  2. Background to AI technology
    1. History of AI technology
      1. Attempts to get a computer to think like a human have been going on since the 1950s (Turing test)
      2. Neural Networks, Machine Learning, Large Language Models
      3. Good at matching patterns – images, music, speech… even podcasts
      4. Examples of AI chatbots (OpenAI ChatGPT, Microsoft CoPilot, Google Gemini)
    2. At the time of the end knowledge shall increase – Dan 12:4
  3. Is it good or bad?
    1. Driving force: An increase of knowledge CP the tower of babel (make a name Gen 11:4, people one, nothing restrained they have imagined v6)
    2. Real Intelligence was created by God for his glory. Artificial intelligence was created by man for his glory – Frank Abel
    3. Wisdom of this world is foolishness with God – 1 Cor 3:18-20
  4. The Purpose of Bible Study
    1. To develop a true knowledge and understanding of God’s word
    2. Glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honour of kings to search out a matter – Prov 25:2
    3. To develop ones own mind and character
    4. Test everything, hold fast what is good – 1 Thess 5:21 
  5. Limitations and Pitfalls
    1. Shouldn’t let our thinking become automated, we still got to think and put in the work
    2. Lack of Discernment: AI doesn’t believe, it doesn’t distinguish truth from error. Example: Do you believe in God?
      1. “AI can possess vast knowledge, but not wisdom. True wisdom, according to Scripture, begins with the fear of the LORD (Proverbs 9:10) — it is moral, spiritual, and relational, not merely intellectual. Wisdom involves discernment between good and evil, guided by conscience and character, qualities that come from God’s Spirit working in human hearts (Job 32:8; James 3:17).
      2. Artificial intelligence lacks spirit, moral awareness, and reverence for God; it can only process information and imitate understanding. It may be clever, but cleverness is not wisdom. As Paul wrote, “the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God” (1 Corinthians 3:19). AI can analyze Scripture, but it cannot live it — for only a heart taught by God can truly be wise.” ChatGPT
    3. Theological bias – It reflects human bias culled from the Internet. “Many false prophets shall rise and deceive many” Treat it like you would any study reference or human being (1 John 4:1). Example: Personification of the Spirit in Bible translation
    4. Misinterpretation of Scripture: Can make confident-sounding statements but incorrect claims. “AI synthesizes, sorts, and summarizes vast quantities of knowledge in a highly efficient, mind-blowingly fast way in response to a question, problem, or prompt given to it. That’s what it does well. But AI does not create new knowledge” Brett McCracken – Logos (Searches Example: Searching for all Roman surnames
  6. The Positives
    1. Key to creating good prompts and what to expect
    2. Information Retrieval: Quick access to background info, historical context, cross-references, other versions. Example: Was it common for Jews in the 1st century to have Roman surnames?, literal meanings, etymology and possible identity of gemstones in Rev 21:19-20
    3. Searching: Ability to search for ideas rather than just key words Example: “No man knows day nor hour” Matt 24:36, “Jews being hated” “God being thankful” What are some good examples of friends in the Bible?
    4. Summarization & Clarification: Help in understanding complex passages or doctrines. Compare against other denominations. Example: What denominations reject that modern Israel is a fulfilment of Bible prophecy? What passages would they use to support the idea of…”
    5. Language Tools: Parsing original Greek/Hebrew words or analyzing Bible translations. Example: Studying Greek verb tenses for the word “salvation”
    6. Visual demonstrations: Example: New Jerusalem 1500miles cubed
  7. Conclusion

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