AI permeates more and more of our lives. Priests and pastors are also included in the development. Some are skeptical of the new – others welcome the opportunity.
-I use AI as a ball board, as a interlocutor before the sermon, says Ida-Maria Brengesjö.
She describes AI as a lightning fast inspiration that gives tips and approaches.
There is a resistance
Far from everyone is equally positive. In Forsa-Hög’s pastorate a bit from Hudiksvall, Oliver is a priest. Although he himself is researching AI, he would never imagine letting AI write his sermons.
– No, because there is something that happens in the moment between me as a priest and those sitting in the church benches.
The resistance among many priests is not just about the risk of losing presence and contact with the congregation during the service. The very idea that AI should write a text that should be inspired by God – not a machine feels offensive, or even from a blasphemy.
“AI cannot replace God”
Ida-Maria Brengesjö understands that objection, but does not agree.
– Many priests are probably quite technology skeptical and think that we risk removing God’s leadership in the church. So it is important to think that AI cannot replace God – but can be a help in the work.
She adds that she herself never lets AI write the final preaching text, it must be her own words.
See how AI helps with the sermon in the video above.