A fake Bible passage reportedly generated by ChatGPT about how Jesus accepts trans-identified individuals has generated responses from Christian scholars as some media outlets have touted the passage as an example of “much needed” tolerance. In July, one Reddit poster who was “feeling sad” shared a “fake biblical passage” that he asked ChatGPT to generate about “Jesus accepting trans people.”
The quote posted in the “r/trans” channel by user Psychological_Dog527 sounded eerily like a legitimate Bible verse, even going so far as to echo the cadence of the Gospel writers.
“And a woman, whose heart was divided between spirit and body, came before him. In quiet despair, she asked, ‘Lord, I come to you estranged, for my spirit and body are not one. How shall I hope to enter the kingdom of God?’” the fake passage states. “Jesus looked upon her with kindness, replying, ‘my child, blessed are those who strive for unity within themselves, for they shall know the deepest truths of my Father’s creation. Be not afraid, for in the kingdom of God, there is no man nor woman, as all are one in spirit. The gates of my Father’s kingdom will open for those who love and are loved, for God looks not upon the body, but the heart.”
While the passage is nowhere in Scripture, the poster said, “I know it’s not real, but it gave me some comfort.”
Pro-LGBT outlet The Advocate was among those outlets to hail the fabricated verse with a headline reading “ChatGPT Writes Trans-Affirming Bible Verse,” calling it “an affirming example of tolerance.”
Astrology columnist John Sundholm of YourTango went a step further, writing the AI-generated verse “is likely much needed given the all-out attacks being launched against transgender people by America’s right-wing, nearly all of it in God’s name.”
He added, “This verse has special resonance in 2023 because of the virulent transphobia and anti-[LGBT] sentiment and legislation that continues to sweep the country — much of it supported and funded by Christians.”
While it is not the first time a chatbot has generated theological controversy, the post raises questions about the role AI will play in offering interpretations of the Bible that may not conform to the authors’ original intent.
One of the real dangers in the modern age is that many people simply do not know their Bible in the way that previous generations did because of a reliance on technology. “Why memorize Scripture when you can just look it up on your phone?” is the anthem of many younger Christians. Whereas previous generations had entire books memorized, many Christians today in the West have very little memorized.
This creates a major problem if someone is attempting to “pass off” created verses that are clearly not in the Bible. If someone is not aware of what actually is in the Bible, then they are going to be much more susceptible to fall for these fake verses. Also, if they are reliant on technology to look up verses, what happens when AI begins to make websites and add these verses into the text? It will be almost impossible for many Christians to identify true passages for false passages.
We as Christians need to be wary of these types of additions that AI is creating for the text and to understand that not everything on the internet is legitimately from the Bible. Satan has always been a master at trying to corrupt the Word of God and will use any means possible to drive people away from the Scriptures.
Biblical Connections: 2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness”. God’s Word is perfect just the way that it is, and we do not need AI to “fix” God’s Word to make it more tolerable to sin.
PRAY – Pray for wisdom and guidance for believers in a world full of deception. Pray that believers will be students of God’s Word so they will not fall for the lies of the enemy.