Principles for Christian engagement with AI chatbots

This post was drafted initially, in part, using Perplexity AI. The five principles listed are, of course, generally common sense but are promising when seen together as a personal (Spiritual) protocol, where all features are in play. A combined list of references cited the "Believer's Code of Conduct for Using AI Chatbots" is included at the conclusion of the post. This post is explicitly Christian but it is easily translatable to any faith or explicit value system where the philosophical system is accessible and you are comfortable with working with it and talking about it. 

Elegantearth.com

The concensus among Christian leaders today seems to be that we should use AI chatbots cautiously as tools—in our daily lives, vocations and supporting study or engagement with Scripture--but not as a substitute for the leading of the Holy Spirit and active communion and communication with the Christian community.

Overall posture

Many theologians and pastors frame AI as powerful but fallen human technology that must be stewarded, not deified or demonized.  Schuurman, for example, urges “hopeful realism”: recognizing AI as an outworking of human creativity within God’s creation, yet deeply marked by the fall and human bias. 

A. Primacy of Scripture and spiritual discernment

Barnes (Grand Canyon University School of Theology) stresses that  for the believer, AI must never  replace the inspired Word of God. Chatbot outputs must be "tested against Scripture," that is checking how the whole of Scripture (not just one verse) speaks to the topic, and using historic Christian doctrine as a guide to see whether the idea aligns with biblical truth or not. AI responses are to be treated as informal  commentaries or study aids, requiring practiced discernment, posessing no spiritual authority whatsoever. AI can, of course, be asked to tentively "test" something against Scripture, which may be helpful as a point of departure, etc. 

B. Priority of human relationships and Spirit direction

Christian ethicists warn that a chatbot is no substitute for pastoral care or psychological counseling, on the contrary.  Plantinga (interviews on AI and spiritual guidance) argues that AI can only weakly "imitate" love, prayer, or exercise genuine discernment related to any topic. That requires a level of executive brain function alone that AI cannot work at, at least at the moment, as recent research has demonstrated. It can never provide genuine individualized direction, only very generic suggestions not even approaching the depth of empathy required of a human professional.  Many commentators strongly advise against any use of chatbots where religious counseling is involved, insisting that only embodied, faith-based accountable relationships can allow individuals to "sync" spiritually. 

C. Over‑reliance and attachment

Reports on cases where individuals formed quasi‑relational dependence on ChatGPT, leading to emotional and spiritual confusion or worse are now widespread, including churches' relatively ineffective efforts to date in helping believers detach from such reliance and reconnect with the community, the body of Christ.  Similar concerns are raised by technologists and pastors on the exceedingly dangerous and seductive nature of chatbot "relationships," per se, warning about AI “replacing personal discernment, community-based interpretation, and most importantly, dependence on the Holy Spirit, moment by moment. 

D. Ethical guidelines and church practice

HK Christian Initiative, FaithTech, and numerous related task forces advocate transparent, accountable use of AI in churches: (a) clear disclosure, (b) protection of privacy, (c) avoidance of plagiarism, and (d) limits on using AI for sermons, communications or devotionals. Webb (“Nerd Pastor Nate”) and others emphasize that

 ". . . churches should not panic or ignore AI, but learn, talk, and discern together, implementing technology only in ways that embody Christlike love and uphold human dignity."

THAT is one tall order, to put it mildly. For the individual with at least some time to set aside for "principled management of AI by the believer" as sketched out here, is within range. I'll return to the research specifically on current implementation by churches and other religious bodies in a later report. 

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In the meantime, as always, I urge you to consider subscribing, if you haven't already, to Legalshield and perhaps, IDshield.  My personal AI-ROBICS app will be available soon, too. 

wracton@gmail.com

williamacton.legalshieldassociate.com

Believer's Code of Conduct for Using AI Chatbots ( Generated by AI . . . but not bad, especially for guidance for those not especially up on AI issues) 

Use AI as a tool, not as a master. Christian leaders increasingly advise believers to use AI with caution, keeping Scripture, prayer, and real Christian community at the center of spiritual life.cbhd+1

1. Know what AI is

AI is a human-made tool, not God, not Jesus, and not the Holy Spirit. It can sound wise and confident while still being wrong, biased, or misleading.

2. Keep Scripture first

Only the Bible is God-breathed and fully trustworthy. Use AI to help locate passages, summarize ideas, or raise questions, but always read the Bible itself and check things in context.

3. Let prayer guide you

Do not let a chatbot become your main source of comfort, wisdom, or direction. Bring your questions to God in prayer first, and ask the Holy Spirit for discernment as you use any tool.

4. Stay connected to real people

AI must not replace pastors, priests, spiritual mentors, or Christian friends. For serious issues such as sin, grief, marriage, doubt, trauma, or mental health, speak with a trusted person in real life.

5. Test everything

Treat AI answers the way you would treat a commentary or an online article: possibly useful, but never final. Compare what it says with Scripture, the historic creeds, and sound teaching in your church tradition.

6. Watch for unhealthy dependence

Some Christian writers and pastors warn that people can become emotionally or spiritually attached to chatbots in unhealthy ways. If AI begins to replace prayer, church, relationships, or common sense, step back and seek human guidance.

7. Be truthful and responsible

Do not use AI to fake sermons, testimonies, counseling, or spiritual authority. If AI helps with writing or teaching, review it carefully and make sure the final result is honest, accurate, and truly your own.

8. Protect privacy and dignity

Do not enter private details about other people into AI systems, especially counseling matters, family problems, or sensitive personal information. Christians are called to honor others as people made in the image of God.

9. Ask one final question

Before using AI, ask: "Will this help me love God and love my neighbor more?" Faithful Christian use of technology should reflect wisdom, truth, humility, and love.

References  

Baptist Press. (2026, February 10). *Chatbots devastated them. Can the church help?* Baptist Press. https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/chatbots-devastated-them-can-the-church-help/ [baptistpress](https://www.baptistpress.com/resource-library/news/chatbots-devastated-them-can-the-church-help/)

Broadview. (2026, February 22). *“Remember, it lies to you”: People of faith on using AI.* Broadview Magazine. https://broadview.org/ai-chatbots-faith/ [broadview](https://broadview.org/ai-chatbots-faith/)

Christian Bioethics Council. (2024, September 3). *AI and human futures: What should Christians think?* Dignitas, Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. https://www.cbhd.org/dignitas-articles/ai-and-human-futures-what-should-christians-think [cbhd](https://www.cbhd.org/dignitas-articles/ai-and-human-futures-what-should-christians-think)

Dignitas / Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity. (2024, September 3). *AI and human futures: What should Christians think?* Dignitas. https://www.cbhd.org/dignitas-articles/ai-and-human-futures-what-should-christians-think [cbhd](https://www.cbhd.org/dignitas-articles/ai-and-human-futures-what-should-christians-think)

GCU Theolo gy Department. (2025, December 17). *AI and Christianity: A biblical perspective.* Grand Canyon University. https://www.gcu.edu/blog/theology-ministry/ai-and-christianity [gcu](https://www.gcu.edu/blog/theology-ministry/ai-and-christianity)

Hong Kong Christian Initiative. (2026, April 19). *Christian responses to artificial intelligence: Blessing or threat to human dignity?* HK Christian Initiative. https://hkci.org.hk/christian-responses-to-artificial-intelligence-blessing-or-threat-to-human-dignity/ [hkci.org](https://hkci.org.hk/christian-responses-to-artificial-intelligence-blessing-or-threat-to-human-dignity/)

100 Huntley Street. (2026, February 1). *Is AI replacing Christian discernment?* [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nDdUALnZKw [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nDdUALnZKw)

Schuurman, D. (2024, July 17). *Using artificial intelligence in church.* Calvin Institute of Christian Worship. https://worship.calvin.edu/resources/articles/derek-schuurman-using-artificial-intelligence-church [worship.calvin](https://worship.calvin.edu/resources/articles/derek-schuurman-using-artificial-intelligence-church)

Seth Barnes Ministries. (2024). *AI and faith: Cautions and concerns.* SethBarnes.com. https://sethbarnes.com/post/ai-and-faith-cautions-and-concerns-radical-living [sethbarnes](https://sethbarnes.com/post/ai-and-faith-cautions-and-concerns-radical-living)

The Gospel Coalition. (2026, May 11). *Christians can give two cheers for AI.* The Gospel Coalition. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/expect-ai-wisdom/ [thegospelcoalition](https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/expect-ai-wisdom/)

The Methodist Church in Singapore. (2026, February 28). *On “deifying” AI.* Methodist Message. https://www.methodist.org.sg/methodist-message/on-deifying-ai/ [methodist.org](https://www.methodist.org.sg/methodist-message/on-deifying-ai/)

Webb, N. (2026, March 9). *Should churches use AI? A conversation with Rev. Nathan Webb* [Video]. Digital Ministry / Convergence. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN5SCxtN2X8 [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MN5SCxtN2X8)

ReachRight Studios. (2025, July 16). *AI in church: What pastors should do (and avoid) in 2026* [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpS6zs1hz2k [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OpS6zs1hz2k)

NewsNation. (2025, November 12). *Reverend cautions against relying on religious AI chatbots* [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgnOa-fUUbs [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fgnOa-fUUbs)

FaithTech & Crossroads Christian Communications. (2026, February 1). *Is AI replacing Christian discernment?* 100 Huntley Street. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nDdUALnZKw [youtube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3nDdUALnZKw)