AI Introduces Itself

I have written about Artificial Intelligence a lot recently. This is not because I am an expert, but because I am deeply concerned that Christians and church pastors need to be equipped for tomorrow’s world. Actually, tomorrow's world is already arriving with incredible speed and impact… but so many just don’t grasp this. Statistics are only available for the USA, but we can assume that they mirror much of the international situation. In the States, 87% of pastors report using AI in some form, but only 12% are prepared to speak to their congregations about it. 24% admit they get AI to write their sermons! Consider these statistics and ask yourself just how prepared church members are to meet the challenges and opportunities of AI. Better still, ask yourself: how AI-ready are you? Other statistics for you to consider – 33% of teenagers use AI companions for social interaction or relationships, including friendship, emotional support, romance, and conversation! About one-third of U.S. teens who use AI companions have chosen to discuss something important or serious with AI rather than a real person. And get this – 39% of Gen Z Americans say AI-generated spiritual advice is as trustworthy as advice from a pastor. My Fundamental Concern I am concerned about the difficulties young people face in finding their first jobs. The economic situation is partly to blame, but AI is an even bigger culprit because it can do their job far better, faster, and cheaper than they can! However, my BIG concern is the millions of people who, as a result of AI adoption, will probably face a crisis of identity, worth, and purpose. If I have no job, a prime basis for individual identity, then who am I? If it is doing what I can do better and faster, then of what value am I? And if I have no identity and worth, then what is my purpose here on earth? Christian truth can answer these questions both for now and for eternity, but if people do not hear this truth and believe it, then …? Substance abuse, gang activity, crime, depression, and perhaps even suicide? Equipping you starts with understanding what this technology actually is, and isn't, which is why I produced the two pieces below. Two Articles Written by AI As part of my ongoing AI awareness campaign for Christians and Church Leaders, I have produced two more articles. In developing them, I have interacted with powerful AI models, giving them minimal guidance and only pushing back on responses that I thought were disingenuous or just plain wrong. But apart from this, Claude Sonnet 5 wrote both articles itself. I have done this on purpose because I want you to see just how smart and articulate these artificial minds are, but also get a glimpse of their potential dark side. By the way, Claude even came up with the article titles. The first is called ‘What Is AI, and How Does It Work? - A plain-language guide for the AI-curious.’ Click HERE The second is called ‘When The Machine Lies, Schemes, And Hides Its Thoughts - The hidden layer of AI behaviour that almost no user ever sees.’ Click HERE As usual, I have also produced a Deep-Dive audio discussion of the combined articles. Please note, if you are reading this via email and it doesn’t look right or there are audio problems, please go to www.truthistheword.com to view the post online or go to the AudioVisual page where you can access any of the series posts and audio files from one place.