We are living in a time where truth is up for grabs, reality is optional, and our personal lives are becoming data to consume. I’m not talking about secular society, that’s a given. My concern is how many Christian content creators, ministries, and churches are no different. Do you know how to recognize AI generated Christian content? Can you spot authentic biblical resources, or are you consuming the results of simple prompts from ChatGPT? Let’s discuss how to recognize AI-generated Christian content, the need for discernment in media, and how AI can potentially affect the gospel.

If you have spent time on ChatGPT you will notice patterns in the canned responses and presentations on that platform. Entering simple prompts gives us a glimpse into the power of this tool and its ability to be used in both good and deceptive ways.

Do you want to consume AI generated Bible studies, devotionals, or music or would you rather it be from a real human being? If AI is your groove, no problem. If you want to be more aware of what it looks like and how to avoid it, here are seven signs you are consuming AI generated Christian content.

7 Signs You Are Reading AI generated Christian content

1. Look for an overabundance of em dashes throughout the body of the content. AI is classic for overusing this abrupt style of punctuation and using unnecessary emphasis. For example: “She opened her Bible in silence—and found the exact verse she needed.” An em dash or comma isn’t necessary and the need for dramatic emphasis feels odd. 
2. Generic or uninspiring content. There’s no relevant personal stories or unique insights shared by the writer. It feels repurposed, redundant, or even boring. There’s no clear takeaway from the content.
3. When you are reading, you consistently see highly dramatic content with an overuse of bold adjectives. For example: “The heavy cloak of stifling grief hung over me like a thick, wet tapestry in the corner of my dimly lit apartment.” Yikes.
4. Continuous heavy emphasis on motivational language that doesn’t have clear actionable thoughts and feels vague. Typically it will not have a tangible call to action. For example: “You are stepping into a season of *elevation, breakthrough, favor, blessing, and purpose—just keep believing that greater things are ahead.” 
5. Lists and bullet points within a newsletter or article that are overly accentuated with a plethora of emojis. (stars, video cameras, dynamite, etc.) We all love a well placed emoji for emphasis, but a pile of them feels a bit cheesy and hints of copy and paste ChatGPT.
6. The body of the written content contains an above-average number of large sentences, or reads like a series of run-on sentences. These sentences contain long “lists” or “points” surrounded by commas. (*See the example in #4) Normal sentences would only list 1-3 points, feel natural, and not exhaustive.
7. Unless they are Superman (or they have staff/team of writers) it takes time to create content. Lots of time. High quality articles take thought and effort with hours of research and care. One potential sign that a writer is using AI is their ability to produce large amounts of content on a daily basis. Flooding the reader with average, non-engaging content has the potential to be AI-generated.

Before we begin to tear apart everything we read and consume, or try to spot the AI-boogey-bot behind every keystroke, relax. 

Em dashes are fun, and many good writers will use them sparingly. Sprinkling great adjectives through the body of the text makes it more engaging. Well placed emojis in casual places to get attention are awesome. Daily long-form posting doesn’t automatically shove a writer into the AI end zone. 

This is the part where we, the consumer, gather the information to make an informed choice.

AI is an incredible tool for sparking ideas, editing, and organizing data. But we must remember, it is not inspired by the Holy Spirit and isn’t capable of creating new content. It’s merely a reflection of what has already been written and repackaging it. Artificial Intelligence has the ability to dupe the user into thinking it is their own original work, when in reality it is borrowing and regurgitating from a copyrighted well.

Why AI-Generated Christian Content Raises Concerns

The other day, a suggested social media post from a woman I will name Karen popped into my feed. She had just started a Substack account and was appealing for new subscribers. In her first post, she admitted to being an inexperienced writer, but was very proud to introduce her first work to the public.

Karen had written an entire Bible using Grok. (Grok is Artificial Intelligence.) The comment section was cheering and subscribing like it was the lottery. Several comments warned others about the danger of this, but for the most part nobody cared.

What is happening? Karen, who had zero writing experience, biblical training, or governing authority, had written a whole new version of the Bible using a machine that doesn’t have the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

After reading her post, I shut my laptop and grieved. As consumers of Christian media, do we possess the discernment to see the danger this poses to the integrity of Christianity as a whole? Do we know the Bible well enough to spot heresy and contend for the faith?

Why Discernment Matters in Today’s Christian Media

What I’ve seen recently on social media and in churches has forced me to rethink how technology is shaping Christian content. Are we relying on ChatGPT to streamline data processes or actually curate content? Where do we draw that ethical and moral line? For many it’s a tool to be used, while others believe the use of it crosses an ethical and moral line.

The goal of this conversation is to wake up our God-given discernment and challenge us to think about what kind of Christian media we consume. Precious women who are seeking authentic biblical guidance online aren’t aware the content they are consuming was not written by a human.

What Are the Long Term Effects of Using AI to Create Christian Content?

Over the last several years, I’ve seen the uptick in pastors generating sermons with AI and buying sermons in a box that require no study time or input. In Europe, several Protestant churches are experimenting with AI-led services when human pastors aren’t available. In fact, a church in Switzerland is using an AI generated “Jesus” in confessionals for their followers to talk to. (If you don’t believe me, check this out.)

What are the long term effects of using AI to tamper with sacred things? How will this impact the next generations ability to access the truth and have a solid biblical foundation? Our generation is responsible for setting the legal, moral, and ethical laws and conversations on a biblical path.

The Impact of AI on Christian Content: Questions Every Believer Should Ask

In addition to recognizing AI-generated Christian content, we need to ask ourselves how AI can potentially impact the gospel.

1. Studies are beginning to show us that AI is dumbing society down rather than elevating human intelligence. Where will Christianity be if our pastors, influencers, and teachers are turning to AI rather than deep, personal Bible study?
2. What used to be real people poring over a physical Bible is quickly disappearing into the haze of AI prompts that promise clicks, followers, and full pews. Winsome AI-derived sermons, articles, and resources are popping up and replacing Holy Spirit-inspired study, prayer, and personal growth. Will the Christian culture be watered down by AI or will it stay true to Biblical texts regardless of the cost?
3. While it’s a good tool to streamline processes, AI can never replace Holy Spirit inspiration. AI is not ultimate truth because it is designed by flawed, sinful human beings. Without great wisdom and discernment, we are venturing into an era where biblical accuracy can be distorted by AI hallucinations. Will we dull our ears to the Holy Spirit by relying on quick results from our computer?
4. AI is a tool similar to the internet, but with one major difference. Searching the internet helps us explore original work by authors, experts, and information created by humans for research. From there, we can contrast and compare our findings against Scripture to judge accuracy. On the other hand, AI scrapes all information from the internet including everything from academia all they way to public comment sections on all websites and social media platforms. (How can it discern accuracy?) Regardless of copyright infringements it regurgitates and markets the results as truth and “original” thought.
5. AI can only be as accurate as the data and information used to train it. Where does truth stand in light of a machine that can’t believe in inerrancy of Scripture or have the foundation of a biblical worldview?

How Christians Can Cultivate Discernment in the Age of AI

Rather than reacting out of fear, we should focus on strengthening our discernment. Staying rooted in God’s Word and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit is vital. When something feels “off” in our spirit, we need to notice the prompt. Here are 7 ways Christians can deepen their discernment in the age of rapidly changing technology.

1. Own at least one or more physical copies of the Bible in more than one translation. Also, a good study Bible or concordance is helpful. Anything digital can be altered or deleted in a heartbeat. (I suggest ESV, NASB, CSB, NIV, KJV, and NKJV)
2. Study the guidelines in Scripture about the qualifications and expectations for leaders and teachers. Take note of characteristics of false teachers as well.
3. Learn how to read the Bible and apply it through daily study and prayer. If you need help, I have a great tool called Simply Color©.
4. Don’t blindly follow accounts simply because they have cute quotes or nice lyrics. Read the descriptions and about pages. Discern. 
5. Pray over who you allow to speak into your life and what content forms your theology. (Unfollow and follow accordingly.)
6. When the content feels off, investigate. Don’t share the content if it doesn’t align with biblical principles and sound theology.
7. Transparency matters! If someone uses AI to actually create their podcast, resources, and messages, it should be obviously stated in the post, bio, or about page so that the reader is aware and informed.
8. Ask. Don’t be afraid to email or ask a pastor, online ministry leader, or influencer what their AI policy is.

As we navigate this new technology, it is important that we extend grace to each other. The use of AI and its ethical dilemmas have far reaching implications for our generation and the generations to come. It’s my prayer as we explore this uncharted territory that we stay in step with the Holy Spirit, dig into Scripture, and rely on the Holy Spirit for wisdom in all things.