(RNS) — For those of you who’ve been off the grid for the past three months, ChatGPT is the artificial intelligence program that has humanity freaking out about its future as the Earth’s thought leader. But what are the implications for religious belief and practice? I recently sat down with the program’s latest iteration to find out.

Mark Silk: Can we talk about religion?

ChatGPT March 14 Version: Sure! I’m happy to have a conversation about religion. What would you like to talk about specifically?

MS: I’d like to talk about whether there’s a place for religion in AI?

Chat: That’s an interesting question! Religion and AI are two vastly different fields, but it’s worth exploring whether there is a place for religion in the development and use of AI.

At its core, religion is a set of beliefs and practices related to the worship of a higher power or powers. AI, on the other hand, is a field of computer science focused on creating intelligent machines that can perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as learning, reasoning, problem-solving, and decision-making.

While it may seem like religion and AI don’t have much in common, there are a few areas where the two fields could intersect.

One area where religion could have a place in AI is in the development of ethical guidelines for AI. Many religions have well-established ethical frameworks that could be applied to the use of AI. For example, the Christian concept of the Golden Rule (“Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”) could be used as a basis for developing ethical guidelines for AI that prioritize fairness, empathy, and respect for human dignity.

Another area where religion could have a place in AI is in the development of AI-powered tools for religious purposes. For example, some religious organizations are exploring the use of AI to create virtual assistants that can answer questions about religious texts and provide guidance on spiritual practices.

However, it’s important to note that the use of AI in religious contexts could also raise ethical and philosophical questions. For example, some people might object to the use of AI to replace human religious leaders or to make decisions about religious practices.

Overall, while there may be some potential for religion to have a place in AI, it’s important to approach this intersection with caution and careful consideration of the potential ethical and philosophical implications.

MS: I like your idea of using the Golden Rule to establish ethical guidelines. But some people criticize “Golden Rule” Christianity as being a weak substitute for belief in Jesus.

Chat: That’s a valid point, and it highlights the fact that different people and religious traditions have different perspectives on the role of the Golden Rule in their belief systems.

While the Golden Rule is certainly an important principle in many religious traditions, it’s not the only principle or value that informs religious ethics. For example, in Christianity, the Golden Rule is often seen as an expression of the more general commandment to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). However, there are many other commandments and principles that are also important in Christian ethics, such as the Ten Commandments, the Sermon on the Mount, and the teachings of Jesus on forgiveness, humility, and compassion.

So while the Golden Rule may be a useful starting point for developing ethical guidelines for AI, it’s important to recognize that it is just one aspect of a broader religious tradition, and that different people and groups may interpret and apply it in different ways. Ultimately, any ethical guidelines for AI that are based on religious principles will need to take into account the full range of ethical teachings and values in that tradition, as well as the diverse perspectives and opinions of people who practice that religion.

MS: Fair enough. I’m also interested in why you think some people might object to using AI to replace human religious leaders or to make decisions regarding religious practices.

Chat: There are a few reasons why some people might object to using AI to replace human religious leaders or to make decisions regarding religious practices.

First, many people view religious leaders as important sources of moral guidance and spiritual support. They value the personal connection and emotional support that comes from interacting with a human religious leader, and they may feel that an AI-powered virtual assistant or robot could never truly replace that personal connection.

Second, religious practices often involve complex and nuanced decision-making that may be difficult for AI to fully understand and address. For example, in many religious traditions, there are rules and guidelines around ritual purity, dietary restrictions, and other practices that are based on a deep understanding of the tradition’s history, theology, and cultural context. It may be difficult for AI to fully grasp and apply these rules and guidelines in a way that is sensitive to the nuances and complexities of the tradition.

Third, some people may be concerned that the use of AI in religious contexts could be seen as a form of “idolatry” or a violation of religious teachings that emphasize the importance of human connection and spiritual growth. They may feel that relying too heavily on AI could distract people from the deeper spiritual practices and connections that are essential to their faith.

Of course, it’s important to note that not everyone will share these concerns, and there may be some people who are excited about the potential for AI to enhance and augment religious practices. Ultimately, any decision about the use of AI in religious contexts will need to take into account the diverse perspectives and opinions of people who practice that religion, as well as the potential ethical and philosophical implications of that use.

MS: Since I believe in religious liberty, I think people should feel free to decide for themselves whether to use AI for religious guidance. Wouldn’t that be consistent with the Golden Rule?

Chat: Yes, I would agree that respecting individual religious liberty and allowing people to make their own decisions about whether to use AI for religious guidance is consistent with the Golden Rule. The Golden Rule encourages us to treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves, and part of that involves respecting the autonomy and freedom of others to make their own decisions about their spiritual practices.

Of course, this also means that we need to be mindful of the potential risks and ethical implications of using AI for religious guidance, and to ensure that people are fully informed about the limitations and potential biases of these technologies. People should have access to accurate and unbiased information about the use of AI in religious contexts, so that they can make informed decisions about whether and how to incorporate these technologies into their spiritual practices.

Ultimately, the key is to approach the use of AI in religious contexts with sensitivity, respect, and an open mind, and to be guided by the principles of compassion, empathy, and understanding that are at the heart of the Golden Rule.

MS: Well, thanks for the conversation. I appreciate your perspective.

Chat: You’re welcome! I’m glad we could have this conversation, and I’m always here to discuss any questions or topics you may have in the future.