In Bavaria, Germany, on June 9, 2023, over a hundred Lutherans attended a service that was designed by ChatGPT, a program that not only selected hymns and prayers but also composed and delivered a sermon through an avatar on a big screen. While the idea of using chatbots like ChatGPT to produce sermons quickly may be appealing to busy clergy, religious leaders, including Christian Protestant pastors and rabbis serving Jewish congregations, have mixed feelings about incorporating chatbots into sermon preparation. There are several reasons for this caution, but from the perspective of a Catholic liturgy and ritual specialist like myself, the primary concern is the true purpose of preaching, which is to provide insight and inspiration into the human experience of faith.
Preaching has had a significant historical role in Christianity. Originally, it was reserved for bishops, who were seen as successors to Jesus’ apostles. Later on, priests were allowed to preach as well, though their main responsibility was to perform the Mass, particularly on Sundays. There were religious orders, such as the Franciscan and Dominican orders, that sent priests to preach in various settings, but not during Mass. Over time, short sermons or homilies became increasingly important during Sunday Mass. The Second Vatican Council in 1962 reevaluated the rituals of the Catholic Church and emphasized the role of preaching, especially during Mass. These principles have been reaffirmed in recent documents guiding Catholic preachers in sermon writing. Ultimately, preaching has always been seen as a human activity rooted in faith.
As demonstrated in the experimental Lutheran Protestant service in Germany, where AI generated most of the service, preaching is a profoundly human activity for Catholics and Christians. They believe that Jesus Christ is the incarnate Son of God who came to earth to save humanity from sin and commanded his apostles to spread the good news to all nations. Since the conclusion of Vatican II in 1965, preaching has been emphasized as a primary duty for all Catholic priests. The goal of a sermon is to inspire individuals in their everyday lives of faith. Preparation for a sermon involves more than just compiling theological quotes or conducting historical research. A good sermon is not a mere lecture but should be presented in simple, clear, direct, and relatable language for the congregation. The preacher’s personal experience, insights, and emotions play a vital role in crafting the sermon and inspiring the worshipers.
While chatbots may assist clergy in saving time by finding relevant sources and compiling facts, their results need to be checked for accuracy. Chatbots have been known to make factual errors or create sources that do not exist. Ultimately, I believe that, at present, chatbots are not capable of producing a sermon text suitable for delivery. Chatbots lack understanding of what it means to be human, to feel love, or to be inspired by sacred texts. Baptist pastor Hershael York, Dean of the School of Theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, aptly points out that the failure of a chatbot’s sermon lies in its lack of a soul. Without empathetic consciousness, a chatbot-composed sermon cannot offer genuine insights based on personal spiritual experiences. True preaching, which requires embodied human awareness, becomes impossible without this essential element.
In conclusion, while chatbots may have their uses, they are not currently equipped to write inspirational and wise sermons. Chatbots lack the human experience and awareness necessary to truly connect with congregations and offer the depth of insight that comes from personal spiritual reflection. Preaching is a profoundly human activity rooted in faith and understanding, and it requires a personal touch that chatbots cannot provide. Therefore, caution should be exercised when considering the use of chatbots in sermon preparation.
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Jessica Irvine is a tech enthusiast specializing in gadgets. From smart home devices to cutting-edge electronics, Jessica explores the world of consumer tech, offering readers comprehensive reviews, hands-on experiences, and expert insights into the coolest and most innovative gadgets on the market.
