New ChatGPT AI: ‘fear not’

New online artificial intelligence (AI) tool ChatGPT which is taking the world by storm should not be viewed with suspicion, a Christian academic expert says.

Microsoft’s ChatGPT (available at chat.openai.com/chat) has attracted millions of users across the globe since its launch just a couple of months ago. Google is launching a rival AI system called Bard.

The high-level AI interface – a bit like a traditional internet search engine but on steroids – answers questions with remarkable fluidity, accuracy and readability.

For example, asked by en staff the question: ‘What is substitutionary atonement?’ ChatGPT instantly responds: ‘Substitutionary atonement is a doctrine in Christian theology that states that Jesus Christ, the son of God, died on the cross as a sacrifice to atone for the sins of humanity. The doctrine holds that Jesus took the punishment that was rightfully due to humanity for their sins, and by his death and resurrection, provided a way for people to be reconciled to God.’ It continues with ongoing accuracy for a while longer. Writing in the Review journal Christian Scholar’s, Derek C. Schuurman, Professor of Computer Science at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, says: ‘We need to avoid the pitfalls of viewing technology with either too much optimism or with undue pessimism. We must reject a reductionistic worldview that sees all problems as reducible to technical problems that can be solved by technology. A trust in technology, sometimes referred to as “technicism”, is essentially a form of idolatry. On the other hand, we should not view technological developments with a despair that they will inevitably threaten humanity. AI is part of the latent potential in creation, and we are called to responsibly unfold its possibilities.

‘Despite the possibilities for sinful distortions, AI is part of the exciting possibilities in creation that Christians can help direct in God-honouring ways. Christians will need to join the wider dialogue surrounding these powerful new technologies, bringing insights into what it means to be human and to help shape public policy with a voice that is both Biblical and relevant.’ (See also book review, page 28)