Discernment in the Age of AI

Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2 (NRSV) 

Recently, I received an email that seemed oddly generic. When I expressed my skepticism, my middle school-aged children rolled their eyes and told me, “It’s probably just AI.” They showed me how to paste it into ChatGPT with the question “Did you write this?” ChatGPT responded, “This text closely resembles AI-Generated Content.”  

I was surprised my kids knew how to use ChatGPT at all, but impressed they knew how to verify it. They learned this fact-checking technique at school.  

I’ve avoided the use of ChatGPT and other AI platforms through their rise in popularity, primarily because I have concerns about how difficult it is to discern what is true and from what source truth is derived. But the reality is AI isn’t the central source of these concerns. AI is simply a tool. The spread of misinformation is not new, and it has always moved quickly.  

Romans 12:2 offers one reminder among many in our sacred text to develop our critical thinking and strengthen our discernment while we work towards God’s dream for the world. We have an essential responsibility to use discerning hearts and minds, to teach each other fact-checking techniques, to trust our gut reaction, and to learn how to verify sources.  

ChatGPT is just a tool. Like any tool, it depends on the skill and intention of the person using it. What matters is how we learn to use them—with open and discerning minds, in tune with God’s work in our lives.  

Prayer
Source of Truth, lead me towards tools and techniques to strengthen my discernment in this time and place, in your name. Amen.

About the Author
Joanna D’Agostino is the Senior Pastor at Lakewood Congregational Church in Lakewood, Ohio.