Can AI Enhance Worship? Faith Leaders Explore Its Role

As artificial intelligence (AI) advances, religious leaders are testing its potential in sermons and faith-based tasks. Some see AI as a tool to support ministry, while others worry about its impact on spiritual authenticity.

AI in Sermons and Worship Services

Rabbi Josh Fixler of Congregation Emanu El in Houston experimented with an AI-generated sermon using a chatbot trained on his past sermons. The congregation heard what sounded like his voice delivering a message, only to learn it was created by AI. Similarly, Pastor Jay Cooper of Austin, Texas, used ChatGPT to generate an entire worship service, drawing curiosity but raising concerns about AI’s role in sermon writing.

Religious leaders have long adapted to new technologies, from radio and television to the internet. AI now offers new opportunities, including real-time sermon translations and chatbots trained on scripture. Some faith leaders believe AI can help with theological research, freeing up time for deeper pastoral care.

Concerns Over AI’s Role in Spirituality

Despite its potential, many clergy worry about AI diminishing personal engagement in religious leadership. Rabbi Oren Hayon from Congregation Emanu El in Houston acknowledges AI’s usefulness for research but avoids using it to write sermons, emphasizing the need for human connection in spiritual teachings.

Critics also warn about AI’s tendency to generate inaccurate religious content, sometimes fabricating theological quotes. Faith-based AI companies aim to minimize these issues, yet concerns persist about replacing human discernment in interpreting scripture.

A Future of AI-Assisted Worship?

Some churches are already integrating AI into their services, using chatbots to answer congregants’ questions or support sermon development. Faith-tech entrepreneur Kenny Jahng argues that embracing AI could help churches engage younger, tech-savvy generations. However, others, like Pastor Thomas Costello of New Hope Hawaii Kai, stress that sermon writing is a skill developed through years of practice—one that AI should not replace.

As AI’s presence in religious spaces grows, faith leaders continue to grapple with its ethical implications. Can AI serve as a beneficial ministry tool, or does it risk undermining the personal and spiritual depth of religious teachings?

For more details, refer to the original article on The Seattle Times.