A Personal Commitment to My Readers

 

There is one thing this digital, AI age has undoubtedly done: It has set a choice before each and every one of us. It has given cause to deeply consider and deliberate decisively how to use it ethically and morally.

 

I believe we are all called to thoughtfully consider this weighty matter. It’s a decision that requires prayer – seeking discernment and wisdom from God – done with honest integrity. And then possess the resolve to stick to it. I find this especially true for creatives who are writing of the kingdom, in the name of our King.

 

This I’ve done.

 

I have very carefully and prayerfully considered this issue. After diligent research, I have reached my own personal decision for the sake of those I serve in the name of Christ Jesus. While I can discuss my reasons behind this conclusion at length, that is not the purpose of this statement.

 

I can wholeheartedly and unequivocally state that I have not yet used Chat GPT for any of my written materials (articles, books, posts, talks, lessons, etc.) to date. Furthermore, I make a commitment to you to continue to write authentically in my own (albeit flawed) voice. I will continue to conduct my own personal study and, when pulling from other resources and/or quoting from other materials, I will footnote resources used and give proper attribution. I promise to employ utmost integrity in creating all of my written materials.

 

I will continue to prayerfully seek discernment, guidance, and wisdom from the Holy Spirit and use reliable attributed resources in all my theology. I also commit to continue to  learn and improve study methods, but without using questionable, ethical shortcuts.

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I have found AI Shepherds and Their Digital Sheep, by Dr. Paul Hoffman and Sean O’Callaghan, particularly helpful and informative. An interview with Dr. Hoffman on Expositors Collective podcast is an excellent listen (https://open.spotify.com/episode/2oTViQSw1a641dsMqfyMOO?si=768b45d4830d4060). I also found another podcast extremely beneficial: Innovation Meets Integrity, also by Expositors Collective (https://open.spotify.com/episode/4Fsx7d2iGUXh2oUcQOnyYG?si=84f44280665e497f).

 

Dr. Hoffman eloquently pointed out that humans, made in the image of God, have been given agency and authority by God and they should not relinquish either to anything that doesn’t possess the Holy Spirit or a soul.

 

Granted, all AI is impossible to completely avoid. It’s embedded in so many of the apps and programs we use (like spellcheck in Microsoft Word). However, I do not now, nor have I ever, used Co Pilot (or even Grammarly—which my editors can painfully attest). However, I must honestly admit that I do use AI personally (curiously asking about historical events, dates, household hacks, recipes, and general informational data). I also use it professionally (for things like research and analytics). I have considered using it in the redesign of my website. I also use Canva (but not for messaging content) and Bible apps which use AI (like Logos). But I refuse to use Chat GPT or conduct random browser searches for my writing ministry.

 

I want to assure you, my cherished reader, of my authenticity, integrity, and ethical beliefs in this regard so you can have confidence that what I write is not done in a haphazard way merely for production. You can call me “Old School,” but hopefully you can also call me “Reliable.”  

 

 

Yours in the Lord,

Debbra

(4/8/25)