AI and God · Poor Culture

Can Christians Use ChatGPT?

Yes. ChatGPT is a tool. Christians use tools. The question is not whether to use it — the question is what you use it for, what it does to you, and whether you are remaining theologically intentional in your use of it.

Colossians 3:17And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

ChatGPT is a large language model — a sophisticated text-prediction system trained on enormous amounts of human-generated text. It is very good at producing fluent, organized, helpful language. It is not an oracle, not a counselor, not a spiritual guide, and not a replacement for human wisdom or divine encounter.

Christians can use ChatGPT to draft emails, research topics, organize thoughts, brainstorm ideas, and assist with countless practical tasks. None of that raises theological alarm.

The concerns arise when ChatGPT — or any AI — begins to occupy spiritual space. When someone asks ChatGPT for moral guidance instead of praying. When someone processes grief through a chatbot instead of bringing it to God and community. When someone uses AI-generated devotional content as a substitute for genuine engagement with Scripture.

The theological test is not the tool. The test is the direction of your dependence. Are you becoming more rooted in God as you use this tool? Or less?

Use ChatGPT. But use it as a person who knows that the source of wisdom, comfort, and truth is not a language model — it is the living God.

Hear the Full Sermon

When Tools Become Idols — Episode 03

Rev. Karmen Michael Smith preaches through this question in the AI and God sermon series.

Read & Listen → Full Series

Common Questions

Can I use ChatGPT to study the Bible?

ChatGPT can help surface theological information, explain historical context, and summarize commentaries. It is a research aid, not a spiritual authority. Treat its output the way you would treat a study guide — useful, but not the final word, and not a substitute for prayerful engagement with the text itself.

Is ChatGPT dangerous for Christians?

The danger is not unique to Christians. Any person who outsources their thinking, decision-making, or spiritual formation to any tool will be diminished by the process. For Christians, the specific danger is replacing spiritual practices with AI shortcuts.

Can AI write my sermon?

AI can assist with research and structure. But a sermon is not content delivery — it is the living voice of a called person speaking into a specific community in a specific moment. That cannot be fully outsourced without ceasing to be preaching in any meaningful sense.

Join Poor Culture

Sermons, teaching notes, and spiritual formation for the age of machines.

Join the Email List