If we attempt to replace the Holy Spirit's teaching role with AI, we may inadvertently provoke divine discontent. Setting clear boundaries between our faith and AI tools is paramount.
As World Bible Translation Day is celebrated on Sept. 30, it’s exciting to look back and see how God has led Bible translators to the many technological advances empowering their work today. One of these tools is AI, around which there is serious discussion and experimentation regarding its large language models for use in initial rough translation of the Old Testament from Hebrew or the New Testament from Greek.
AI's rapidly expanding ability to analyze an ongoing Bible translation project for potential discrepancies is remarkable. Take, for example, the uniformity in spelling names and places. AI can highlight these for an editorial review, saving valuable time in what can be a tedious process for humans.
By comparing the translation to the original text, AI can also assess whether the verb tense, or whether singular or plural options have been correctly followed. In addition, because the large language models are very good at poetry, there is even the possibility of using AI to suggest translation options which might allow translators to reflect some of the Hebrew rhyme or word plays.
While we at EEM (Eastern European Mission) are not directly involved in Bible translation, the above illustrations are strategies that our translation ministry partners are utilizing.
Our team, with the expertise of our programming partners, taps into large language models to craft scripts, programs and series of commands given to computers. This ensures we harness our software tools with heightened productivity.
We also have been progressively integrating computer automation into our processes. Thanks to our skilled translation ministry partners, Bible layout processes are primarily automated. Manual interventions, now minimal, mainly address only minor issues. Additionally, a sophisticated system of verification ensures the text remains pristine, free from inadvertent additions or omissions.
One example where we have employed these technologies is with producing F. LaGard Smith's Chronological Bible in different languages. Previously, its creation involved months of digital cutting and pasting. Now the task of combining the commentary and biblical text into a flowing document is fully automated and takes only a few hours.
The evolution of software and AI is undeniably reshaping our sector and the broader world. While it's tempting to only celebrate these advancements, I believe it's crucial to remain circumspect about potential dangers.
The trajectory from seeking AI's advice to placing implicit trust in its guidance is narrowing. And when trust is cemented, where do we land when sourcing moral guidance? The ramifications of replacing spiritual and moral introspection with AI are profound. If we become overly reliant on AI, discerning inaccuracies or deception becomes challenging.
God yearns for our unequivocal devotion. If we attempt to replace the Holy Spirit's teaching role with AI, we may inadvertently provoke divine discontent. Setting clear boundaries between our faith and AI tools is paramount. While AI is invaluable for data and information, it shouldn't navigate our spiritual path. Should we lean too heavily on AI, our intimate connection with God could wane.
Let us remember and hold fast to the attitude reflected in Ephesians 1:17-18, "I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you…"
There is no better guide for our lives than God’s Word, and no better use of AI technology than in helping to make it more accessible to those who still don’t have a Bible in their heart language. We remain committed to this task at EEM, where we want everyone to ‘get’ the Bible, both literally and figuratively, and we pray for God’s discernment in navigating advancing technologies to accomplish this mission.
Photo Credit: ©ALR Communications
Scott Hayes is the Publishing Director for EEM (Eastern European Mission), which has been delivering God’s Word to the people of Eastern Europe since 1961, now reaching 32 countries in 25 languages. They provided 1.5 million Bibles and Bible-based materials free of charge in the region in 2021, including in public schools in Croatia, Romania and Ukraine. Learn more at www.eem.org.
