Recently I had a bright idea. Because these events happen so rarely in my life, I quickly sprang into action.
I wanted to find out what artificial intelligence (aka AI) could tell me about Christ.
Now, for anyone who has used AI (even if you think you haven’t, you have), you’d likely know that it’s not perfect. AI clients like ChatGPT are not foolproof. There’s actually a disclaimer that tells you that it will, from time to time, give you bad info — just like humans do.
But, I was working on a theory that AI might be able to distill the core message of Christ as well or better than any theologian — and potentially without bias or presupposition.
So, ChatGPT, what did Jesus teach?
Jesus taught many things during his ministry, but some of his most important teachings include:
- Love: Jesus emphasized the importance of love in all aspects of life, including loving God and loving others as ourselves.
- Forgiveness: Jesus taught that we should forgive those who have wronged us and seek forgiveness from those we have wronged.
- Humility: Jesus modeled humility and taught that we should not seek power or status, but serve others with humility.
- Salvation: Jesus taught that we can have eternal life through faith in him as the Son of God.
- Compassion: Jesus showed compassion to the marginalized and oppressed, and he taught his followers to do the same.
- Repentance: Jesus called people to turn away from their sins and follow him.
- The Kingdom of God: Jesus preached about the coming of the Kingdom of God, a time when God’s will would be fully realized on earth.
So, I mean … this artificial brain actually nails the genuine nature of Christ. Who could argue that? And even if you could, would you want to take to task the ultimate know-it-all?
Setting that aside, just as I asked AI about Christ, one day someone will ask you. It might be soon. With that in mind, let us commit to memory and practice the teachings of Christ.
Just like the machine said, as Christians we are to be like Christ as we love all, offer and seek forgiveness, serve others, have faith, offer compassion, and follow him. And when we do these things, we reside in the Kingdom of God in the here and now.
See you Wednesday night!
The Pipe 