Can artificial intelligence teach us about the Bible?

Maybe. We put ChatGPT to the test and used the two available Bible-based plugins to ask four of the most commonly asked questions about the Bible. 

Keep reading to see the results!

What is ChatGPT?

ChatGPT is a chatbot that uses natural language processing to answer questions and respond to creative prompts with thoughtful, intelligent, human-like answers. The tool can be used for anything from planning a travel itinerary to musing on the afterlife, and though it’s not perfect (ChatGPT can deliver false information), it is remarkably accurate. 

One of the most interesting use cases of ChatGPT is that people are starting to use it in much the same way they would use Google: to ask open-ended questions. And, like it or not, people are going to use ChatGPT to ask questions about the Bible. 

That being said, we wanted to compare the two available Bible-based plugins for ChatGPT, and explore a) how accurate ChatGPT is when it comes to Scripture, and b) how useful it is for pastors, church leaders, and other disciples of Jesus. 

Let’s dive in!

How Did ChatGPT Respond to These 4 Questions About the Bible?

To test ChatGPT’s Bible knowledge, we downloaded the two available Bible-based plugins for ChatGPT-4: “Bible” and “Chat with Bible.” We then fired off four commonly asked questions about Scripture. 

We asked both plugins the same questions, and then compared results. Here’s what we found. 

1. What does the Bible say about Christian tithing? Should a Christian tithe?

Since tithing is originally an Old Testament concept, many Christians want to know: What does the Bible say about Christian tithing, and should Christians adhere to this standard?

Bible Plugin on Tithing

Here’s how Bible answered this question.

First, Bible gave a list of Scriptures from both the Old Testament and New Testament on the concept of tithing and generosity (New Testament). Then, it concluded its answer this way. 

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This is more or less in line with what the Bible says about tithing–although many Christians adhere to the “10% as a starting point” concept. 

Chat with Bible Plugin on Tithing

Now, let’s take a look at how Chat with Bible answered the same question. 

First, Chat with Bible gave a list of Scriptures from the Old Testament on tithing. Then, it concluded this way:

While this response is similar to Bible’s answer, it doesn’t include the same breadth of Scripture. 

2. What happens after death?

Perhaps one of the most commonly asked questions of all time: What happens when we die? 

Even people who don’t identify as Christian may look to the Bible as a source of truth on this question. After all, the Bible is still the best-selling book of all time, with some estimates putting the print count at around 7 billion. 

Bible Plugin on the Afterlife

Here’s how Bible answered this question.

The answer continues on with several other sub-topics. All in all, the response does a good job at addressing the question thoroughly.

Chat with Bible Plugin on the Afterlife

Now, let’s take a look at how Chat with Bible answered the same question. 

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Chat with Bible offered a less conventional response (starting with the concept of “Death as Sleep” and continuing on to other subtopics). Like the Bible plugin, however, they backed each sub-topic with Scriptural references. 🙌

3. What is the importance of Christian baptism?

For most Christian denominations, baptism is a key part of the journey of a believer. But what is its significance from a Biblical perspective?

Bible Plugin on Baptism

Here’s how Bible answered this question.

The Bible plugin responded with an extensive list of reasons for getting baptized, starting with three key aspects: initiation, symbolic cleansing, and identification with death and resurrection. Not every item referenced a Bible verse, but the list was still accurate and sound. 

Chat with Bible Plugin on Baptism

Now, let’s take a look at how Chat with Bible answered the same question.

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Chat with Bible’s response focused more on Scripture, starting with Bible verses on baptism. Above, see the first three Scriptures highlighted. 

4. What does the Bible teach about the Trinity?

This can be a tricky topic to handle, even for a seasoned pastor. How would artificial intelligence weigh in on the metaphysical, hard-to-understand truth that is the Trinity of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost?

Bible Plugin on the Trinity

Here’s how Bible answered this question.

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Wow! The Bible plugin gave a very impressive breakdown of a Biblical basis for the concept of the Trinity, while addressing the fact that the term does not in fact appear in Scripture. 

Chat with Bible Plugin on the Trinity

Now, let’s take a look at how Chat with Bible answered the same question.

Chat with Bible also addresses the fact that the Bible doesn’t include the word “trinity” while also providing Scripture that back up the concept of a triune God. Good job. 👏

Which Bible-based ChatGPT plugin is best?

While both plugins delivered similar results, Bible helped deliver better overall results. We recommend this free plugin to help you understand Biblical concepts and locate powerful Scripture on some of the most commonly asked questions about the Bible. 

Closing Thoughts

Aided by Bible-based plugins, ChatGPT delivered some pretty impressive results when answering some of the most commonly asked–and difficult–questions about Scripture. These tools should not act as a replacement for solid Biblical commentary, sound teaching, and of course, the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Still, they can become powerful tools when used for sermon preparation and personal study. 

To learn more about artificial intelligence and the transformation of church leadership, click here.