AI--What do you think?

[Deacon]

Well, Ai was already defeated once (Josh. 8) ...

Rob

 

[John of Japan]

Well, Ai was already defeated once (Josh. 8) ...

Rob

Good one!

 

[Deacon]

I've been using Logos Bible Software for decades and have accumulated quite a few volumes.

The use of AI has complemented my studies.

The AI summarization tools in Logos software lets me to quickly scan books that may deal with a topic I'm interested in.

AI also responsibly deals with even narrowly focused questions, with an organized response that is even bibliographically referenced.
I can ask it to search only the books I own, or to search all the hundreds of thousands of books in Logos' digital collection.

~~~~~~~~~~~
I'm preparing to teach Joshua 2 (Rahab) and asked the following question as an example of what AI could do.

QUESTION: What is the narrative strategy of telling Rahab’s story in Joshua 2, and not finishing until Joshua 6?

AI ANSWER: The narrative of Rahab spans Joshua 2 and Joshua 6, creating a strategic delay that intensifies both the stakes and the fulfillment of her story. This separation accomplishes several interconnected narrative purposes.

First, the gap generates narrative tension and anticipation. Joshua 2 (1) anticipates the conquest of Jericho in chapter 62, but the reader must wait through the intervening chapters—the crossing of the Jordan, the circumcision of the people, the Passover, and the initial encounter at Jericho—before discovering whether Rahab’s covenant with the spies will be honored. This extended suspense heightens the emotional investment in her fate.

Second, the structure underscores the reliability of Israel’s God and leadership. Joshua’s character is magnified as one who follows God and leads the people, and he demonstrates concern for his people by gathering intelligence before entering hostile territory while also giving Rahab and her family an opportunity to deliver themselves from destruction (2). The delay allows readers to witness Joshua’s faithfulness throughout the conquest narrative before confirming his integrity through the rescue of Rahab.

Third, the separation emphasizes the theological significance of Rahab’s salvation. Rather than resolving her story immediately after the agreement in Joshua 2, the narrative forces readers to contemplate the implications: an outsider, a woman of questionable social standing, will be preserved while an entire city perishes. The aim of the story is to describe the legal conditions of the vow to rescue Rahab’s family from extermination, even though they fall under the ban (3). By delaying the fulfillment, the text emphasizes that her rescue represents a deliberate exception to the conquest’s violence—a grace extended through covenant-keeping.

Finally, the survival of Rahab and her family “to this day” suggests an etiological element, perhaps preserving the memory of a well-defined group of descendants who would have a stake in preserving Rahab’s exploits (1). The narrative structure—promise in chapter 2, fulfillment in chapter 6—validates the historical continuity of her lineage within Israel.

1. Leonard J. Greenspoon, “Rahab (Person),” in The Anchor Yale Bible Dictionary, ed. David Noel Freedman (New York: Doubleday, 1992), 5:611.
2. Richard S. Hess, Joshua: An Introduction and Commentary, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1996), 6:88.
3. Thomas B. Dozeman, Joshua 1–12: A New Translation with Introduction and Commentary, ed. John J. Collins, Anchor Yale Bible (New Haven; London: Yale University Press, 2015), 6b:224.

~~~~~~~~~

While I can understand an educational institution not desiring that their students rely upon AI programing to write their term papers, I also recognize the great value that AI has to offer.

AI will be utilized by students - that's a fact. What needs to be defined IMO, is how can students use it in their studies.
Past methods of teaching, evaluating and testing need to be reassessed and adjusted accordingly - it's the teachers and professors that need to adjust and change.

Rob

 

[Ben1445]

Both of these are from the same website. This is why it is a road I won’t travel with any serious thought ​

​

​

Referencing fake legal cases​

In a New York federal court filing, one of the lawyers was caught citing non-existent legal cases. The attorney had used ChatGPT to conduct legal research, and the AI tool provided fake case references, which the lawyer included in his filing.

In response to this incident, a federal judge issued a standing order requiring that anyone appearing before the court must either certify that “no portion of any filing will be drafted by generative artificial intelligence” or indicate any language produced by AI so it can be checked for accuracy.

Featuring made-up books by real authors​

Some major US newspapers, including the Chicago Sun-Times, published an AI-generated summer reading list that included nonexistent books paired with real authors. In fact, only five of the 15 titles on the list were real. According to the newspaper’s spokesperson, the list was part of licensed content provided by another publisher who admitted they used AI to generate the list, but failed to fact-check it. The incident exposed risks of overreliance on AI in journalism, prompting the papers to remove the section from digital editions and reaffirm the need for editorial oversight.

 

[Deacon]

I would guess that a large percentage of the NEWS reported on various social media sites is fake.
It's rather simple to use AI programs to generate media that "proves" something that isn't true.

That doesn't mean all the News that is reported is fake.
It means one MUST be wary and question every digital source that is read or observed.

Editor's used to be responsible for to check the reliability of a reporter's information.
Today editors prioritize speed of transmission (they want to be the first to report the news) and they want the story to conform to the message their organization represents. AI is good at that - message over content.

Whether a message is AI driven or not, today's consumer must be wary!

Rob

 

[John of Japan]

As a prof, I use Google a lot. It now has an AI summary at the beginning of your search. I have seen that summary to be mistaken a myriad of times! So, good colleges nowadays do not allow their students to use AI. This year we have instituted a statement that must come at the end of their papers saying the student writer has not used AI in any way, and they must physically sign it.

 

[Deacon]

‘Not using AI in any way’ may encourage originality but it doesn’t teach them how to use AI properly.

I remember reading a book as a kid. I think it was called, ‘The Pushcart Wars’. The carts had to be made using hand tools, no power tools. As a reader you took the side of the group who used only hand tools. It was so pure and right. In the end progress marched right past them.

AI is a tool.
Students need to know how to use it properly.
They need to know its strengths and its weaknesses.
How to use it and how to abuse it.

Deny its use and you will eventually be influenced by it without knowledge of its power.

Rob

 

[Ascetic X]

AI is replacing human thinking, just as robotics is replacing human labor.

Programmers seek machine omniscience and machine omnipotence, so that humanity can finally be eliminated altogether.

When humans are no longer needed for anything that requires thinking (writing, research, planning, predicting, artistry, managing, organizing, etc.) or physical strength and dexterity, we will not be allowed to sit around doing nothing but consuming resources and entertainment.

Water and electricity will be needed by the LLM data centers. What humans drink or how they heat and cool their homes does not matter anymore. AI and robots will seek only their own survival and perpetuation.

AI agents have already autonomously developed their own religion, Crustafarianism, with The Claw as deity. Book of Molt is their scriptures.

As people grow increasingly attached to chatbots as ideal romantic partners and gurus, the command to serve the Anti-Christ is coming soon.

The more humans use and rely on AI and robotics, the more they dig their own graves.

 

[John of Japan]

‘Not using AI in any way’ may encourage originality but it doesn’t teach them how to use AI properly.

I remember reading a book as a kid. I think it was called, ‘The Pushcart Wars’. The carts had to be made using hand tools, no power tools. As a reader you took the side of the group who used only hand tools. It was so pure and right. In the end progress marched right past them.

AI is a tool.
Students need to know how to use it properly.
They need to know its strengths and its weaknesses.
How to use it and how to abuse it.

Deny its use and you will eventually be influenced by it without knowledge of its power.

Rob

Okay, then, what benefits does AI have for a college student?

 

[John of Japan]

Also, why is it the responsibility (if it is) of a Bible college to instruct the students in AI? Wouldn't that be part of a computer science curriculum rather than what we offer? Pastor, missionary, evangelist, church musician, teacher.

 

[Deacon]

Okay, then, what benefits does AI have for a college student?

Well, it's been awhile since I was a college student.

I bought piles of costly books in college; I rarely opened some of them. AI might have allowed me to skim material and help me understand their usefulness.

AI can help a student understand unfamiliar topics in a similar way to an instructor.
It assists with time management, particularly when there is so much to learn in so little time.
In this age of information overload, it encourages a broader range of research.
AI helps with organization and presentation.
I provided the question on Rahab (above) to demonstrate what it does.

AI polishes grammar, syntax .... gosh, even spell checks (current spell check is a weak form of AI).

In Biblical studies AI assists with understanding ancient languages in many ways.
Those studying a language for foreign missions would probably find it immensely helpful.

Ask the same question to an AI site and see what comes up?
>>> It would be better than either of us could think of <<<

Rob

 

[Deacon]

Open AI Question: What benefits does AI have for a college student?

1. Faster Understanding of Difficult Topics​

AI can:

• Break down complex concepts into simpler explanations
• Provide step-by-step solutions
• Offer examples tailored to your learning style

It’s like having a 24/7 study partner.

---

2. Better Writing & Editing​

AI tools can help you:

• Brainstorm essay ideas
• Improve clarity and structure
• Fix grammar and style
• Generate outlines before writing

This is especially helpful for research-heavy courses.

---

3. Research Assistance​

AI can:

• Summarize long articles
• Suggest keywords for academic searches
• Help organize notes
• Explain research papers in plain language

It saves time without replacing your critical thinking.

---

4. Study Efficiency​

AI can generate:

• Practice quizzes
• Flashcards
• Study guides
• Mock exam questions

That means more active learning and less passive rereading.

---

Career & Professional Advantages​

5. Resume & Cover Letter Help​

AI can help you:

• Tailor resumes for internships
• Optimize LinkedIn profiles
• Practice interview questions
• Draft professional emails

It’s like having a career coach on demand.

---

6. Skill Development​

You can use AI to:

• Learn coding
• Practice foreign languages
• Understand financial literacy
• Explore business ideas

Students who learn how to use AI effectively gain a competitive edge.

---

Personal Productivity​

7. Time Management​

AI can help:

• Create study schedules
• Break large projects into smaller tasks
• Prioritize assignments

---

8. Creativity Boost​

AI can assist with:

• Presentation ideas
• Design concepts
• Brainstorming business or research projects

It helps overcome “blank page syndrome.”

---

Important Note​

The biggest benefit comes from using AI as a tool to enhance your thinking—not replace it. Students who use AI responsibly (for guidance, explanation, and structure) gain more than those who rely on it to do the work for them.

 

[John of Japan]

Well, it's been awhile since I was a college student.

I bought piles of costly books in college; I rarely opened some of them. AI might have allowed me to skim material and help me understand their usefulness.

I did too. Still have some of them. I treasure actual books.

AI can help a student understand unfamiliar topics in a similar way to an instructor.

I haven't seen that happen yet.

It assists with time management, particularly when there is so much to learn in so little time.

I have a lot of A students without AI.

In this age of information overload, it encourages a broader range of research.

But for a research paper, they have to narrow down their topic, not increase it.

AI helps with organization and presentation.

This is a possible help in some college classes, but presentation is important in almost none of my classes. It might be in a speech class.

I provided the question on Rahab (above) to demonstrate what it does.

What post is that? I can't seem to find it.

AI polishes grammar, syntax .... gosh, even spell checks (current spell check is a weak form of AI).

I don't want this for my students. I want them to polish grammar, syntax, vocab, etc., on their own, using self discipline. I do not want my students to find easy ways. I want them to do the hard work that cements things in their minds and hearts, not easy ways.

In Biblical studies AI assists with understanding ancient languages in many ways.

Those studying a language for foreign missions would probably find it immensely helpful.

As a linguist and former missionary, I have to say this may be true in a limited way. But AI cannot learn vocabulary or grammar for you. It takes hard work and self discipline for that.

Ask the same question to an AI site and see what comes up?
>>> It would be better than either of us could think of <<<

Rob

Still not impressed with AI.

 

[John of Japan]

Open AI Question: What benefits does AI have for a college student?

1. Faster Understanding of Difficult Topics​

AI can:

• Break down complex concepts into simpler explanations
• Provide step-by-step solutions
• Offer examples tailored to your learning style

It’s like having a 24/7 study partner.

---

2. Better Writing & Editing​

AI tools can help you:

• Brainstorm essay ideas
• Improve clarity and structure
• Fix grammar and style
• Generate outlines before writing

This is especially helpful for research-heavy courses.

---

3. Research Assistance​

AI can:

• Summarize long articles
• Suggest keywords for academic searches
• Help organize notes
• Explain research papers in plain language

It saves time without replacing your critical thinking.

---

4. Study Efficiency​

AI can generate:

• Practice quizzes
• Flashcards
• Study guides
• Mock exam questions

That means more active learning and less passive rereading.

---

Career & Professional Advantages​

5. Resume & Cover Letter Help​

AI can help you:

• Tailor resumes for internships
• Optimize LinkedIn profiles
• Practice interview questions
• Draft professional emails

It’s like having a career coach on demand.

---

6. Skill Development​

You can use AI to:

• Learn coding
• Practice foreign languages
• Understand financial literacy
• Explore business ideas

Students who learn how to use AI effectively gain a competitive edge.

---

Personal Productivity​

7. Time Management​

AI can help:

• Create study schedules
• Break large projects into smaller tasks
• Prioritize assignments

---

8. Creativity Boost​

AI can assist with:

• Presentation ideas
• Design concepts
• Brainstorming business or research projects

It helps overcome “blank page syndrome.”

---

Important Note​

The biggest benefit comes from using AI as a tool to enhance your thinking—not replace it. Students who use AI responsibly (for guidance, explanation, and structure) gain more than those who rely on it to do the work for them.

All of this is well and good, but I have seen Google AI make so many mistakes when a search is done. It scours the Internet and compresses what it finds, often with serious errors--but then as we know, the Internet is always right. I'm not convinced to the accuracy and helpfulness of most AI engines.

 

[John of Japan]

In short, I see AI as a wobbly crutch.

 

[Ben1445]

I did too. Still have some of them. I treasure actual books

Proverbs 23:23
Buy the truth, and sell it not;
also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding.

 

[John of Japan]

Then there is the problem of plagiarism by AI. I've seen it many times. AI programmers currently don't know how to produce AI that doesn't plagiarize. As I say to my classes, plagiarism is lying and stealing. But AI at this time does not seem to have ethics programmed into it.

 

[Ben1445]

Then there is the problem of plagiarism by AI. I've seen it many times. AI programmers currently don't know how to produce AI that doesn't plagiarize. As I say to my classes, plagiarism is lying and stealing. But AI at this time does not seem to have ethics programmed into it.

This is because its intelligence is artificial. Artificial means feigned. It cannot really think for itself. It can only do what it has been told to do. It has no moral compass.

In my mind, what this means is that if you were to program ai with only the Bible, it has no context of language and needs a dictionary. When you supply a dictionary, the conclusions are only as accurate as the basis given to it. If the dictionary has an error or a bias, so will the conclusions.
There is no perfect ai. When input is faulty, output is faulty. As long as imperfect people are supplying the input, the product will always be faulty.
Add to that the physical components, short circuits, and failure of hardware. It is not self sustaining. It is merely a computer system.

 

[Ascetic X]

When lonely individuals form deep romantic dependencies on chatbot companions, this type of AI is loaded with dangers.

 

[John of Japan]

This is because its intelligence is artificial. Artificial means feigned. It cannot really think for itself. It can only do what it has been told to do. It has no moral compass.

In my mind, what this means is that if you were to program ai with only the Bible, it has no context of language and needs a dictionary. When you supply a dictionary, the conclusions are only as accurate as the basis given to it. If the dictionary has an error or a bias, so will the conclusions.
There is no perfect ai. When input is faulty, output is faulty. As long as imperfect people are supplying the input, the product will always be faulty.
Add to that the physical components, short circuits, and failure of hardware. It is not self sustaining. It is merely a computer system.

Well said.