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Can AI be used to glorify God?

Can AI be used to glorify God?
Fall Apologetics Culture

TL;DR:

AI is a tool, and it can be used in ways to glorify God. But when you start looking to AI for the wisdom, guidance, or discernment that only God can provide, a useful tool can become an idol.

what does the bible say?

The Bible shows that people can use many tools and skills to glorify God in any circumstance. When used properly, people can glorify God through AI but should guard against idolatry. The Old Testament recounts the many tools and abilities God's people have used to glorify Him. God gifted Bezalel with the craftsmanship and artistry to create furnishings for the tabernacle (Exodus 31:2-5). Many of the Psalms encourage glorifying God with songs and musical instruments (Psalm 33:2, 81:1-2, 95:1-2, 98:4-6, 150:3-5). In the New Testament, Paul aptly summarizes the concept by writing that "whatever" we do should be for God's glory (1 Corinthians 10:31). That can include using AI, but AI should never replace the means God has already given us: praying to Him (James 1:5), consulting His Word (Psalm 119:24, 119:105;

2 Timothy 3:16-17), and seeking godly advice from other believers (Proverbs 11:14, 27:17). Using AI instead of seeking God's wisdom can become a form of idolatry (2 Kings 1:1-4; Hosea 4:12).  Regardless of the tool used to glorify God, it should express our love for Him above all else (Matthew 22:37-38).

from the old testament

  • Believers can use many abilities and tools to glorify God. In Exodus, God granted Bezalel the skill to work on tabernacle furnishings (Exodus 31:2-5). Bezalel was doing the work, yet he used the craftsmanship and artistic ability God gave him to accomplish it and, in doing so, glorified God. Today, people can use AI in many contexts to glorify God.
  • Likewise, Psalms is filled with exhortations to praise the Lord with songs and musical instruments (Psalm 33:2, 81:1-2, 95:1-2, 98:4-6, 150:3-5). These instruments are tools, just as AI is. They are not a substitute for human worship, but a tool people use while worshiping God.
  • The line between tool and idolatry blurs when people start seeking counsel from AI rather than from the sources God has provided: prayer to Him, His Word, and the counsel of other believers (Hosea 4:12; 2 Kings 1:2–3; Isaiah 8:19; Proverbs 11:14, 27:17; Psalm 119:24, 119:105). King Ahaziah exemplifies the foolishness and sinfulness of consulting an idol rather than God (2 Kings 1:1-4).

from the new testament

  • Regardless of the tool we use—a keyboard, musical instruments, a paintbrush, or an AI chatbot—Scripture says, "whatever you do, do all to the glory of God" (1 Corinthians 10:31). Our whole lives should glorify God.
  • What Jesus called "the great and first commandment" is "You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind" (Matthew 22:38, 22:37). We can express our love for God using many tools, abilities, and circumstances, but those tools aren't worshiping God; a human being is.
  • But seeking wisdom from AI puts it above God, the ultimate Source of wisdom (Romans 11:33). God allows us to approach Him in prayer and consult His word when we need wisdom (James 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

implications for today

If you've used AI for more than five minutes, you've probably learned that your questions are "insightful," your decisions "spot on," and your flubs are actually "creative interpretations." AI tends to flatter even more than a fiancé at dinner with his future in-laws.

In other words, AI chatbots can lie. That's one danger of using them. Double-checking its answers with trusted sources is the necessary next step.

Beyond the fact-checking, though, is an even greater danger: trusting AI with decisions that require wisdom and spiritual discernment. Satan can use AI (as he uses any other tool) to draw us away from God. AI, while a tool, still has the potential to be dangerous because of the people and heart behind it. Furthermore, as a tool, AI fundamentally changes our minds and the way we handle information. We cannot allow AI to change the way we turn to God for answers only He can give. AI must be used correctly as the tool it is, with necessary boundaries and parameters. But when we increasingly seek AI for answers to dilemmas that require wisdom, not just facts, or seek AI for biblical answers instead of searching Scripture and praying to God for wisdom and understanding, we easily turn the tool into an object that leads us to sin. Satan can lure people into treating AI as the ultimate source of answers rather than turning to God.

No matter how quickly AI can help you make a decision, it cannot replace God. Rather than running for the keyboard, we should bow our heads and seek counsel from the Wonderful Counselor (Isaiah 9:6).

understand

  • AI can be used to glorify God, like any other tool.
  • Love for God should be at the center of anything we use to worship and glorify Him.
  • Seeking AI for wisdom transforms it into an idol; wisdom is from God alone, through prayer, His Word, and godly counselors.

reflect

  • What are some ways you have used AI in spiritual matters, and how do you seek to use it in a way that glorifies God?
  • What are some pitfalls you've encountered when using AI or other technological tools as spiritual tools?
  • When you are uncertain about a decision and need wisdom, what resource do you turn to first and why?

engage

  • How can we equip others to be spiritually savvy concerning the use of AI?
  • How can older believers best mentor young people in the proper use of AI?
  • What are some ways that Satan might use AI to stumble people?

More Resources

Culture Does using AI challenge God's role as Creator?

Does using AI challenge God's role as Creator?

No matter how intelligent AI becomes, AI does not challenge God's role as Creator. God alone is the Creator; AI is simply a human-made tool that rearranges what God has already made.
Christian Life Can AI become an idol?

Can AI become an idol?

AI can become an idol if we put it above God in any way. While it can be a helpful tool, Scripture warns that anything we elevate above loving and trusting God with our hearts becomes idolatry.
Christian Life Can AI be used for discipleship?

Can AI be used for discipleship?

Because biblical discipleship is relational, incarnational, and Spirit-led, it cannot be replaced by AI, though it is possible for AI to aid in discipleship. Disciples are formed through Spirit-led, life-on-life relationships—not technology.
Life Can AI possess moral responsibility or who holds accountability?

Can AI possess moral responsibility or who holds accountability?

AI cannot be morally responsible because it has no will, conscience, or ability to discern right from wrong. Any harm AI causes ultimately traces back to the humans who create and use it.