So I went into this with as open a mind as possible. When it comes to writing, I do everything I can to avoid AI. However, I'm not someone who shuts his mind off completely as to what AI is capable of doing. For analytics, great. For translating ancient texts, like the Dead Sea Scrolls, or the clay tablets found at a dig in what was once Mesopotamia, I think it would be a great service to Mankind. For helping surgeon's in the operating room, brilliant! AI is not something that should be dismissed out of hand because the average person's idea of it relates back to Science Fiction. There's so much more it can do. I still firmly believe that it will take a few more years before it can conquer fiction, though. You can feed in as much Hemingway, or Faulkner, or Shakespeare and Tolstoy you want, I don't believe AI is going to write convincingly enough because it does not share the simplest of needs when it comes to writing, and that is human emotion. I'd be curious as to how well it can critique a piece of literature written by someone like a Tolstoy, and then compare it with a high school student's Creative Writing project. Will it see the difference?
I do think AI could pretty easily discern the difference between Tolstoy and a high school student's writing. It's pretty sophisticated in that regard. As to whether AI can generate fiction that can make people feel... that's still to be determined. It's pretty good at music and art, though, both of which can more easily generate an emotional reaction than simply words.
As true as that is, I like the idea that it can translate the ancient cuniform writing found on those clay tablets. There are literally thousands of them, and only a handful of people who can actually read them. My niece recently had an operation, and they used AI on her. The surgeon oversees it, but the robot has a steadier hand, and can be more finite. I mean, how cool is that! And for design? Architecture? I'm sure the world's artists and musicians aren't happy with it, but they have to learn to adapt, and use the AI in ways they never thought of before. It can also mimic the human voice. And in a hundred years, how far do you think it will have come? Look at what the simple "processor" has achieved. When I was a kid, it was the transistor back in the 60s. My neighbour actually saw that film of the Wright brothers in an "odeon" in Saskatchewan, back when he was a kid...in 1903!
There are multiple beneficial applications of AI. If we can keep those and minimize/discard the rest, we'll be doing great. So far, however, the history of technology adoption seems to be 50/50 at best. Hopefully we'll be smarter this time out.
Dan, I asked ChatGPT what it thought of your essay. It LIKED it! Here's his answer. (Yes, ChatGPT IS A MALE.)
"It's an intriguing piece that touches on the intersection of AI and religion, and how AI is impacting the way religious teachings and practices are being approached in the modern world.
"The main theme seems to be exploring the limits and potentials of AI in religious and spiritual contexts. The article highlights how religious leaders and practitioners have experimented with AI, like ChatGPT, to engage with religious texts, deliver sermons, and even interpret scriptures. Yet, despite AI's capabilities, there remains a fundamental question about the depth, authenticity, and soulfulness of AI-generated religious content.
"Here are a few key takeaways:
"Experimentation: Religious leaders are open to using AI as a tool, as seen with Pastor Jay Cooper and Rabbi Joshua Franklin. They're using AI to generate content, but there's still a human filter to evaluate its relevance and authenticity.
"Diverse Applications: AI's application isn't limited to one religion. From Christianity to Judaism, and even Hinduism, religious practitioners are using AI to interact with and interpret sacred texts.
"Skepticism & Fear: Despite its potential, there's evident skepticism and even fear about AI's role in religious practices. As Rabbi Franklin's response suggests, the idea of AI seamlessly blending into religious practices can be unsettling for some.
"AI's Limitations: AI can mimic the style and content of religious teachings, but it lacks the depth of understanding, personal experiences, and spiritual insights that human religious leaders bring to their congregations.
"Adaptation & Evolution: Religion's history of adapting to new technologies, from the printing press to the internet, suggests that its interaction with AI is a natural progression. However, the depth of this integration and its implications remain to be seen.
"The piece provides a thought-provoking perspective on the evolving relationship between technology and spirituality. It underscores the idea that while AI can be a tool in the realm of religion, the essence of spirituality lies in human experiences, introspection, and connections."
New subscriber here. The article was intriguing and I enjoyed the break from doomscrolling. Your handle was the clincher. I’m the cranky old woman yelling at the internet so you’re in good company.
Glad to have found your writing. Substack has become my respite from all the crazy these days.
So I went into this with as open a mind as possible. When it comes to writing, I do everything I can to avoid AI. However, I'm not someone who shuts his mind off completely as to what AI is capable of doing. For analytics, great. For translating ancient texts, like the Dead Sea Scrolls, or the clay tablets found at a dig in what was once Mesopotamia, I think it would be a great service to Mankind. For helping surgeon's in the operating room, brilliant! AI is not something that should be dismissed out of hand because the average person's idea of it relates back to Science Fiction. There's so much more it can do. I still firmly believe that it will take a few more years before it can conquer fiction, though. You can feed in as much Hemingway, or Faulkner, or Shakespeare and Tolstoy you want, I don't believe AI is going to write convincingly enough because it does not share the simplest of needs when it comes to writing, and that is human emotion. I'd be curious as to how well it can critique a piece of literature written by someone like a Tolstoy, and then compare it with a high school student's Creative Writing project. Will it see the difference?
Welcome, Ben! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I do think AI could pretty easily discern the difference between Tolstoy and a high school student's writing. It's pretty sophisticated in that regard. As to whether AI can generate fiction that can make people feel... that's still to be determined. It's pretty good at music and art, though, both of which can more easily generate an emotional reaction than simply words.
As true as that is, I like the idea that it can translate the ancient cuniform writing found on those clay tablets. There are literally thousands of them, and only a handful of people who can actually read them. My niece recently had an operation, and they used AI on her. The surgeon oversees it, but the robot has a steadier hand, and can be more finite. I mean, how cool is that! And for design? Architecture? I'm sure the world's artists and musicians aren't happy with it, but they have to learn to adapt, and use the AI in ways they never thought of before. It can also mimic the human voice. And in a hundred years, how far do you think it will have come? Look at what the simple "processor" has achieved. When I was a kid, it was the transistor back in the 60s. My neighbour actually saw that film of the Wright brothers in an "odeon" in Saskatchewan, back when he was a kid...in 1903!
There are multiple beneficial applications of AI. If we can keep those and minimize/discard the rest, we'll be doing great. So far, however, the history of technology adoption seems to be 50/50 at best. Hopefully we'll be smarter this time out.
Dan, I asked ChatGPT what it thought of your essay. It LIKED it! Here's his answer. (Yes, ChatGPT IS A MALE.)
"It's an intriguing piece that touches on the intersection of AI and religion, and how AI is impacting the way religious teachings and practices are being approached in the modern world.
"The main theme seems to be exploring the limits and potentials of AI in religious and spiritual contexts. The article highlights how religious leaders and practitioners have experimented with AI, like ChatGPT, to engage with religious texts, deliver sermons, and even interpret scriptures. Yet, despite AI's capabilities, there remains a fundamental question about the depth, authenticity, and soulfulness of AI-generated religious content.
"Here are a few key takeaways:
"Experimentation: Religious leaders are open to using AI as a tool, as seen with Pastor Jay Cooper and Rabbi Joshua Franklin. They're using AI to generate content, but there's still a human filter to evaluate its relevance and authenticity.
"Diverse Applications: AI's application isn't limited to one religion. From Christianity to Judaism, and even Hinduism, religious practitioners are using AI to interact with and interpret sacred texts.
"Skepticism & Fear: Despite its potential, there's evident skepticism and even fear about AI's role in religious practices. As Rabbi Franklin's response suggests, the idea of AI seamlessly blending into religious practices can be unsettling for some.
"AI's Limitations: AI can mimic the style and content of religious teachings, but it lacks the depth of understanding, personal experiences, and spiritual insights that human religious leaders bring to their congregations.
"Adaptation & Evolution: Religion's history of adapting to new technologies, from the printing press to the internet, suggests that its interaction with AI is a natural progression. However, the depth of this integration and its implications remain to be seen.
"The piece provides a thought-provoking perspective on the evolving relationship between technology and spirituality. It underscores the idea that while AI can be a tool in the realm of religion, the essence of spirituality lies in human experiences, introspection, and connections."
THERE YA GO!
I tried the same thing and my keyboard was struck by lightning.
I'm pretty sure that was just God getting you back for all the awful things you've said about Her.
This feels like an ourobouros -- an AI snake swallowing itself.
I wonder what would happen if I fed that answer back into ChatGPT? This could go on forever.
Thanks for the comment, EJC.
New subscriber here. The article was intriguing and I enjoyed the break from doomscrolling. Your handle was the clincher. I’m the cranky old woman yelling at the internet so you’re in good company.
Glad to have found your writing. Substack has become my respite from all the crazy these days.
I thought I heard someone else yelling into the void. Welcome! (And please tell your friends... after you're done yelling.)