The influence of artificial intelligence on human life will be incalculable, according to every knowledgeable source. (The physicist Stephen Hawking warned that A.I. “could spell the end of the human race.”)
But even if A.I. doesn’t augur doomsday, not only will the technology impact economies, governments, jobs, commerce — virtually everything tangible — it is also certain to impact faith. As an article in The Atlantic puts it: “AI may be the greatest threat to Christian theology since Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species.”
This year articles about religion and A.I., which with the public introduction of ChatGPT has become ubiquitous in a hurry, also consider how different faiths are using the technology to craft sermons and give advice that comports with their religious beliefs and traditions — they are essentially training the A.I. to practice (and even perfect) their religions.
But how reliable can the use of A.I. be with regard to religion, since religion is based on a faith that an artificial intelligence can’t possibly hold? The BBC explores some aspects of this in the video below.
This Easter weekend, we got to thinking: If A.I. is going to control and influence so much of what and how we think, it would be interesting to ask an AI chatbot — in this case ChatGPT — some questions about Jesus, Easter, and the Resurrection that the Easter holiday commemorates for Christians. Below are the results.
Q: Was Jesus a real man?
AI: The historical existence of Jesus of Nazareth, also known as Jesus Christ, is generally accepted by scholars and historians as a fact. There are several sources from the first and second centuries, both within and outside of the Christian tradition, that mention Jesus and his followers. The earliest and most comprehensive accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings are found in the Gospels of the New Testament, which were written by his followers within decades of his death.
While some scholars have debated the details of Jesus’ life and the accuracy of the Gospels, the majority of scholars agree that Jesus was a real person who lived in the first century in the region of Palestine, which was then under Roman rule. The teachings and actions attributed to Jesus have had a profound impact on human history and continue to influence millions of people around the world today.
Q: Was Jesus crucified?
AI: According to the Christian tradition, Jesus was crucified by the Romans under the order of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea at the time. This event is one of the central tenets of Christianity and is commemorated every year on Good Friday.
The crucifixion of Jesus is also mentioned in several historical sources outside of the Christian tradition, including the writings of the Jewish historian Josephus and the Roman historian Tacitus. These sources provide additional corroboration of the crucifixion as an historical event.
However, there are some scholars who have questioned the historical accuracy of the crucifixion account and have suggested alternative theories. Nevertheless, the crucifixion of Jesus remains an important event in Christian belief and practice, and is widely accepted as a historical fact by many scholars and historians.
Q: Was Jesus raised from the dead?
AI: According to the Christian tradition, Jesus was raised from the dead on the third day after his crucifixion, which is known as Easter Sunday. This event is known as the Resurrection and is considered to be one of the central doctrines of Christianity.
The Resurrection is recounted in the Gospels of the New Testament, which describe how Jesus’ followers found his tomb empty and how he appeared to them over a period of 40 days. The Resurrection is also mentioned in several other New Testament books, as well as in early Christian creeds and writings.
The Resurrection is a matter of faith for Christians, and its historical veracity has been a topic of debate among scholars for centuries. While some scholars have argued that the Resurrection is a myth or a legend, others have pointed to the eyewitness accounts and other evidence in support of its historicity.
Ultimately, the question of whether Jesus was raised from the dead is a matter of faith and belief, and each individual must make their own determination based on their own understanding and interpretation of the available evidence.
Q: Are people who believe that Jesus was raised from the dead misinformed?
AI: As an AI language model, it is not within my programming to make value judgments on matters of faith or belief. People who believe in the Resurrection of Jesus do so based on their own personal faith and interpretation of the available evidence.
There are varying viewpoints among scholars and historians regarding the historicity of the Resurrection, and these viewpoints are often influenced by factors such as one’s religious or philosophical beliefs, one’s interpretation of historical evidence, and one’s acceptance of supernatural events. However, it is important to respect and acknowledge the diversity of religious and philosophical beliefs and to engage in constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.
Q: Does faith that Jesus was raised from the dead give strength?
AI: For many people who believe that Jesus was raised from the dead, their faith provides them with strength, comfort, and hope. The belief in the Resurrection is often seen as a powerful symbol of the triumph of life over death and of hope over despair.
Belief in the Resurrection can also provide individuals with a sense of purpose and meaning in life. Many Christians believe that through the Resurrection, Jesus demonstrated the power of God’s love and the possibility of redemption and new life for all people. This can be a source of inspiration and motivation to live a life of service, compassion, and kindness towards others.
Moreover, faith can provide individuals with a sense of community and belonging. Many churches and religious communities provide support, encouragement, and fellowship for their members, creating a sense of shared purpose and identity.
Of course, the impact of faith on individual well-being can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as one’s personal experiences, social support, and mental health status. But for many believers, the faith in the Resurrection can indeed provide them with strength and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.
Q: What if a person doesn’t believe Jesus was raised from the dead?
AI: Belief in the Resurrection is a matter of personal faith, and it is understandable that not everyone may believe in this event. People may have different religious or philosophical beliefs, or they may interpret the evidence differently. It is important to respect and acknowledge this diversity of beliefs and to engage in constructive dialogue and mutual understanding.
Not believing in the Resurrection does not necessarily mean that a person lacks strength, hope, or purpose in life. People can find meaning and fulfillment in many different ways, such as through personal relationships, community involvement, creative pursuits, or other spiritual or philosophical beliefs.
It is also important to note that respect and kindness should be extended to individuals who hold different beliefs, and that differences in beliefs should not be used as a justification for discrimination or hostility towards others. Rather, we should strive to promote understanding, empathy, and compassion, and to build bridges of respect and cooperation across our differences.
Q: If a person doesn’t believe in Jesus and the Resurrection, is that person fated to eternal damnation?
AI: As an AI language model, it is not my role to make theological or religious judgments. However, it is important to note that different religious traditions have different beliefs and teachings about salvation and the afterlife.
In the Christian tradition, belief in Jesus and the Resurrection is often seen as a central component of salvation, and some Christians believe that those who do not believe in Jesus may not attain eternal life. However, there are also different interpretations of these beliefs among different Christian denominations and individuals, and some Christians believe in a more inclusive and universalist view of salvation.
Other religious traditions have different beliefs about salvation and the afterlife. For example, in Buddhism, the focus is on achieving enlightenment through one’s own efforts and overcoming suffering, rather than on belief in a particular deity or savior. In Islam, salvation is based on faith in Allah and obedience to his commandments, and the afterlife is believed to be a place of reward or punishment based on one’s deeds in life.
Ultimately, beliefs about salvation and the afterlife are matters of faith and religious tradition, and it is up to each individual to determine their own beliefs and values. It is important to respect and acknowledge the diversity of religious and philosophical beliefs, and to engage in constructive dialogue and mutual understanding across our differences.
