Natalie Grant Sounds Warning on AI and What It Can ‘Never Replace’ in the Church

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Natalie Grant is a Christian music singer and songwriter who is known for her hit singles, extensive concert schedule and bold faith. But recently, shared her stance on AI warns Christians, the church and faith communities to stand on guard.

The use of artificial intelligence has exploded in our world. It's no longer confined to simply asking Siri or Alexa for the latest weather forecasts. It's seemingly everywhere we go, impacting and influencing more and more of our daily lives. AI has even started to make its way into houses of worship. Natalie mentioned that the church should be very cautious when implementing and using AI to praise and worship God. 

“We’re going to have to be really careful that we are helping steward a movement that is not allowing AI to direct where the church is going,” Grant said in the Sept. 15 episode of “The Kent Ingle Podcast.” "But instead, we are directing how AI is used, and assisting us to where the church is going."

Instead of ignoring this advancing technology altogether, Grant warned that we must learn to use AI carefully without allowing it to replace our worship, accountability or spiritual discernment. As Grant furthered, she doesn’t believe AI is inherently evil, but that, like any good thing this side of heaven, it can be turned into something the devil uses as a footstool.

When we allow AI to shape our experience with Jesus instead of prayer, worship and a real-life relationship with Him, this is “Where I think it can get in trouble is when the platform becomes the thing,” she said.

As a leading worship leader, Grant encourages other worship leaders and artists to make sure they are going to God first and not chasing instant gratification (like platform growth) when it comes to using our gifts and callings well. In an age that craves something real, don’t offer this world machine-generated content. “AI cannot steward the presence of God,” Grant concluded. 

While AI can do many things well and is often cheaper and faster, what if the process, struggle and time are a way we can glorify God? She added that these are "things AI can never replace.”

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Amber Ginter is a teacher-turned-author who loves Jesus, her husband Ben, and granola. Growing up Amber looked for faith and mental health resources and found none. Today, she offers hope for young Christians struggling with mental illness that goes beyond simply reading your Bible and praying more. Because you can love Jesus and still suffer from anxiety. You can download her top faith and mental health resources for free to help navigate books, podcasts, videos, and influencers from a faith lens perspective. Visit her website at amberginter.com.