AI is biased in favour of US evangelicalism. It doesn’t have the mind of Christ

We are living in a world in which Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming ubiquitous and powerful. This week, the UK government announced a new initiative, offering free online training to help workers prepare for the inevitable changes that AI will bring. Music artists are campaigning for legislative protection as AI generated songs top streaming charts. Elon Musk’s Grok has been heavily criticised for allowing the creation of sexualised images of women.

In a fallen world, the rise of AI - like all human technology - has the potential for both great good and great evil. We see this in the early chapters of Genesis, as humans fulfil the cultural mandate and produce art and technology, such as cities, metal and music, which are both a blessing and used to challenge God and harm others.

It is inevitable that AI will affect Christian discipleship, ministry and theology; indeed, it is already beginning to do so. At a conference last week, one leader shared how he had used AI to produce a creed from Paul’s letter to the Ephesians in the style of the Nicene Creed. The result was both faithful and moving. Christians are using AI to answer their questions and pastors are using it to help with sermon preparation. Sadly, some may resort to asking AI to write their sermons for them!

Beyond bias

Bible Society has produced a new study highlighting both the benefits and problems associated with this new technology. AI, Bible Apps and Theological Bias shows that millions are already using AI and Bible chatbots to seek answers to their questions. Their research shows that AI has a bias towards evangelical theologies, so these tools may be drawing many people to a better understanding of scripture. There is no doubt that AI and social media are playing a significant part in the conversion of many spiritual seekers, as evidenced by the Quiet Revival research.

However, the study also suggests that AI has a bias towards US evangelical theology, because the models have a bias towards US culture. Given the current state of US evangelicalism, and its uncritical association with the MAGA movement, this means that AI may be exposing people to a narrow right-wing fundamentalism and various theological and political conspiracy theories. The study highlights concerns that AI users will not be exposed to other traditions and interpretations.

There is nothing new about the danger of theological bias. Within evangelicalism, there are a range of interpretations of specific biblical texts and varying theological systems, for example Calvinism and Arminianism. Many Christians only read narrowly and listen exclusively to pastors who hold their point of view. They are not exposed to other interpretations and traditions unless they deliberately chose to interact with those who think differently to them.

Discovering discernment

The added danger of AI is that it is so accessible and quick. It is easy to become reliant on it and lose the ability to discern whether it is generating correct information. We need to remember that AI is neither intelligent nor objective. It is a fantastic research tool, agglomerating and synthesising what is available in the digital space at hyper-speed, but it is limited by the source material available and the biases of its creators. It can be a means of getting information quickly, but it cannot be regarded as authoritative or to be trusted without question. Unlike God’s word, it is neither inerrant nor infallible.

AI has a bias towards US evangelical theology, because the models have a bias towards US culture

AI is a tool to be used wisely, not a master to submit to. Christians and pastors must not outsource the task of discernment. This is a spiritual gift that the Bible says is vital for hearing God’s voice through scripture. Without it, using AI will be an exercise of the flesh. We need to “test everything” (1 Thessalonians 5:20) and become like the Bereans, who took time to “examine the scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true” (Acts 17:11).

AI offers the illusion of quick and easy understanding, but there are no short cuts to true spiritual understanding. We need to meditate on God’s word, reflecting on its meaning and significance. Theology and biblical interpretation take time and effort. It is not something we do alone, but as a community of God’s people - which is why we need to ensure we have faithful teachers to help us.

Keeping the mind of Christ

Understanding God’s word is a deeply spiritual exercise to be covered in prayer. AI does not have the mind of Christ, but we have been given the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:16) who enables us to make judgements about all things. 

As a pastor and preacher, I have made it my habit to read widely. I read authors who reflect my existing views, and those who challenge them. When preparing to preach, I read a range of commentaries written by scholars from different perspectives and cultures to try and minimise bias. Together, they help me to better hear God’s voice and interpret God’s word faithfully in line with his authorial intent.

AI cannot do this for me, and while it may speed up some research, I need to be constantly aware of its limitations and pitfalls.