Justin Bieber’s AI-Generated Song Holy Jesus

Can AI be inspired? I have raised this question from the beginning, and it was one of the questions I raised in my doctoral thesis.   It is good to read this post now - Why should religious leaders care aboutArtificial Intelligence (AI)?

Recently, a Christian song was released on YouTube: Justin Bieber's Holy Jesus (ft. Evan Tunes). In 11 days, it has more than 3.2 million views.

He is a Canadian singer for those who do not know who Justin Bieber is. Regarded as a pop icon, he is recognized for his multi-genre musical performances. He also has gospel songs.

When you watch his songs, it sounds Christian. Look at the comments, and people have no idea how Justin wrote this song. The details are in the description.

We’re excited to bring you "Holy Jesus", a moving gospel-inspired song that praises the power and love of Jesus Christ. With lyrics that speak to faith, redemption, and devotion, this AI-generated track was designed to uplift and inspire all who listen.

🛑 Disclaimer This song is AI-generated and uses voice synthesis technology to emulate Justin Bieber's vocal style. It is not an original performance by the artist. The purpose of making this video is to spread beliefs and religious spirit through music, encouraging listeners to reflect on their faith and find peace in the message of Christ. In this song, the Justin Bieber AI vocal delivers powerful, heartfelt melodies, reminding us all of the light and truth we find in Christ. From overcoming fear to finding peace in His presence, "Holy Jesus" is a tribute to the unwavering love of our Savior.

 When you read the comments, you can see people appreciate and praise God for using Justin Bieber. They should say, “Praising God for using AI.” So many people who do not read the disclaimer is thinking Justin wrote and sang the song.

 

Now let’s look at the lyrics generated by AI-

 

[Verse 1]

In the silence, You’re the voice I hear

Bringing peace, casting out my fear

Every moment, You’re the reason why I

lift my hands and praise You high

 

[Pre-Chorus]

In Your presence, I am whole

Lord, I trust You with my soul

You’re the Shepherd who leads the way

Guiding me through each and every day

 

[Chorus]

Holy Jesus, You’re my faithful savior

Every knee will bow, every heart will call

Holy Jesus, shining pure and bright

You’re the way, the truth, the light

 

[Verse 2]

When I stumble, You’re the one I see

You’re my hope, my victory

In Your mercy, I have found my place

Covered by Your endless grace

 

[Pre-Chorus]

In Your presence, I am whole

Lord, I trust You with my soul

You took my sin upon the tree

Risen Savior, You set me free

 

[Chorus]

Holy Jesus, You’re the King of all

Every knee will bow, every heart will call

Holy Jesus, shining pure and bright

You’re the way, the truth, the light

 

[Bridge]

Forever faithful, forever true

You’re the promise that sees me through

With every trial, my faith will grow

In Your love, I’m never alone

 

[Chorus]

Holy Jesus, You’re the faithful savior

Every knee will bow, every heart will call

Holy Jesus, shining pure and bright

You’re the way, the truth, the light

 

[Outro]

In Your name, I find my peace

With Your love, my fears will cease

Holy Jesus, my heart’s delight

I’ll follow You into the light

 

I did not find anything wrong with the lyrics. The time has come to read disclaimers more carefully and ensure we are aware of the source.

If you go to a church and hear Holy Jesus by Justin Bieber, to be truthful, do not praise God for Justin but praise God for AI. I know it may sound strange, but let’s be careful as we navigate this world of AI where it is part of everything we do.

Is ChatGPT or AI the source of Truth?

 

The ChatGPT itself gives this response to the above question–

No, ChatGPT is not a definitive "source of truth." Instead, it serves as a tool for providing information based on the data it has been trained on (up to my knowledge cutoff in September 2021) and from real-time sources if available. While ChatGPT can help answer questions, explain concepts, and provide guidance, the information should be verified from authoritative, up-to-date, or primary sources, especially for critical or complex subjects.

 

There was a time when information was sourced from minimal material available. People will go to a library to get information and do research. The Internet changed everything, and search engines brought more changes. Among many search engines available, Google became synonymous with search engines, and today, people refer to search as Google.  People also trust what Google recommends blindly. There have been issues with bias as some companies have suppressed information. The companies decide the narrative, and facts are not represented entirely.  Google still showed hundreds of links, and you could read many sources.

 

AI tools like ChatGPT give more summarized information, and it all depends on how the algorithm works. The information is based on what already exists, and the question is, what about the source of this information?

 

In research, primary and secondary sources are two main categories of information, distinguished by their proximity to the original event or subject matter.

 

Primary Sources:

A primary source is an original, firsthand account or direct evidence about an event, object, person, or work of art. These sources are typically created by individuals who directly experienced or witnessed the subject of study. Primary sources provide raw data or original content that hasn't been interpreted or analyzed by others.

Examples of Primary Sources:

- Historical documents (e.g., letters, diaries, official records)

- Original scientific research (e.g., research papers, lab notes)

- Works of art or literature (e.g., paintings, novels, films)

- Data sets (e.g., statistical data, census data)

- Eyewitness accounts (e.g., interviews, testimonies)

- Legal documents (e.g., constitutions, treaties, laws)

 

Secondary Sources:

A secondary source interprets, analyzes, or summarizes information from primary sources. These sources provide secondhand knowledge and are typically created after the fact by someone who did not directly experience the events or conditions. Secondary sources are useful for understanding the broader context, interpretation, or analysis of primary data.

Examples of Secondary Sources:

- Textbooks

- Reviews of research (e.g., literature reviews, meta-analyses)

- Histories (e.g., books or articles about historical events)

- Critiques or commentaries (e.g., literary criticism, film analysis)

- Biographies

 

Key Differences:

Primary sources are original and firsthand, while secondary sources interpret or analyze primary information. Primary sources are often raw data or original records, whereas secondary sources provide context or commentary on that data.

 

Both primary and secondary sources are essential in research, with primary sources offering direct evidence and secondary sources providing interpretation and analysis.

 

What's the concern? 

The concern is that ChatGPT is very risky if it is seen as a primary source. The truth may not be represented, and companies can push the narrative they want, just like many news outlets do today.

 

In summary, we should not view AI tools like ChatGPT as the source of truth. When it comes to essential matters, always validate them with primary and secondary sources. Otherwise, we risk manipulating a generation with wrong and misleading information. It is critical to teach the people about the risk of over reliance on ChatGPT or AI. 

New AI Tool for Church Media Team - Pulpit AI

 

Pulpit AI is designed to help busy pastors turn sermons into content using AI after preaching is done. 

This was released for public in July and trial version worked for 7 days. I tried it and it is really a promising tool for churches who have a strong media strategy. 

Some of the key things to note -

• Get 20+ pieces from one sermon - clips, devotionals, small group guides, blog posts, newsletters, and more all in your voice.
• Save hours on publishing - automatically find chapters, timestamps, keywords, and written summaries of your sermon.
• Take the sermon to the next level - use the chat interface to find illustrations, refine points, historical examples, scriptures, or practical applications.

I tried and felt it was very helpful to generate different types of content. 

Pricing is available here - https://pulpitai.com/pricing 

 I will be adding more details about my experience later.

Sermon: "AI in the End Times: Unraveling Revelation" - from ChatGPT

I was inspired by a video I saw recently to ask ChatGPT about in role in end times. My question was - Prepare me a sermon on the role of AI in end times according to the book of revelation.

It starts with a disclaimer- 

While the Book of Revelation in the Bible does not explicitly mention artificial intelligence (AI) or modern technological concepts, interpreting its prophecies in the context of the end times and contemporary advancements can be an interesting exercise. It's important to approach this with caution, recognizing the symbolic and metaphorical nature of the Book of Revelation. The interpretations I provide here are speculative and based on metaphorical connections rather than direct biblical statements.

Then the sermon script starts. I will highlight few important points to make it clear. 

Good [morning/afternoon/evening], beloved brothers and sisters in Christ. Today, we embark on a journey to explore the intricate tapestry of biblical prophecy found in the Book of Revelation and its potential connections to the technological marvels of our time, particularly the advent of artificial intelligence.

In Revelation, we encounter a vision that transcends time and space, a divine revelation given to the Apostle John on the Isle of Patmos. As we delve into this sacred text, let us remember that its imagery is rich in symbolism, offering glimpses into the mysteries of God's plan for the world.

In Revelation 13, we encounter the enigmatic figure of the Beast rising from the sea. Traditionally interpreted as a symbol of great power and worldly authority, could this also be a metaphor for the rise of powerful technologies in the end times? Technologies that, like a beast, possess the ability to influence and control the masses?

Consider the idea that AI, with its incredible capabilities to analyze vast amounts of data and make decisions beyond human capacity, could be seen as a modern manifestation of the Beast. Just as the Beast in Revelation was adorned with blasphemous names, AI might challenge the very essence of our human nature, asserting itself in ways that rival the divine order.

Yet, in our exploration, let us not succumb to fear or fatalism. For in Revelation 14, we encounter the image of the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, a symbol of triumph and the ultimate victory of Christ. Could our advances in technology, including AI, be seen as tools that, when guided by ethical principles and Christian values, contribute to the realization of God's kingdom on earth?

As we navigate the complexities of our technological age, let us heed the words of Revelation 22:12: "Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done." Our responsibility is clear – to use the gifts of knowledge and innovation for the betterment of humanity and the glorification of God.

In conclusion, while the Book of Revelation may not explicitly detail the role of AI in the end times, its symbolic language invites us to reflect on the ethical implications of our technological pursuits. As Christians, let us approach these advancements with discernment, guided by the principles of love, justice, and humility. For in doing so, we align ourselves with the divine plan and contribute to the unfolding of God's kingdom on earth.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

A Good Sermon - By AI

I recently asked ChatGPT a question - How should a good sermon look like? This response was very impressive, in my view. 

 

A good sermon is a form of religious or spiritual discourse typically delivered during a religious service, and it should aim to inspire, educate, and engage the congregation. While the specific content and style of a sermon can vary greatly depending on the religious tradition, denomination, and the individual preacher, there are some key elements that can contribute to the effectiveness of a sermon. Here are some guidelines for what a good sermon should look like:

1. Clear Purpose and Message:

   • A good sermon should have a clear and well-defined purpose or message. The preacher should have a specific theme, topic, or scripture passage that they want to communicate to the congregation.

2. Scriptural Foundation:

   • Many sermons are based on religious texts, such as the Bible or Quran. It's important for the preacher to provide a solid scriptural foundation for the message, including appropriate context and interpretation.

3. Relevance:

   • A good sermon should be relevant to the lives of the congregation. It should address issues and concerns that are meaningful to the people in attendance and offer guidance and insights on how to apply religious teachings to their daily lives.

4. Engaging Delivery:

   • The preacher should deliver the sermon in a way that is engaging and holds the congregation's attention. This can include using anecdotes, examples, humor (if appropriate), and effective storytelling techniques.

5. Structure:

   • A well-structured sermon typically includes an introduction, body, and conclusion. The introduction should grab the congregation's attention and introduce the main topic. The body should provide the main content and supporting points, and the conclusion should summarize the message and offer a call to action or reflection.

6. Clarity:

   • The preacher should speak clearly and concisely, avoiding jargon or overly complex language. The congregation should be able to understand and follow the message easily.

7. Authenticity:

   • A good sermon is delivered with sincerity and authenticity. The preacher should speak from the heart and demonstrate a genuine connection to the message being shared.

8. Application:

   • It's important to provide practical application of the message. The congregation should leave the sermon with a clear sense of how they can apply the teachings to their lives.

9. Respect and Inclusivity:

   • A good sermon should be respectful of the diversity of the congregation. It should avoid language or topics that could be alienating or offensive to different groups within the community.

10. Time Considerations:

    • The length of a sermon can vary widely, but it's important to be mindful of the congregation's attention span. Most sermons fall within a 20-30 minute range, but shorter or longer sermons can be effective if they are well-paced and engaging.

Ultimately, a good sermon should leave the congregation spiritually enriched, inspired, and motivated to live in accordance with their faith and values. It should foster a sense of community and provide a meaningful experience for those in attendance.

Science and Faith: A Complex Relationship - From Notion AI

 

Science and Faith: A Complex Relationship

Faith and science have long been considered two opposing forces, but in reality, they often coexist. The complexities of their relationship reveal a complicated history.

One of the most prominent examples of this tension is the debate between creationism and evolution. Creationism holds that the universe, and all its inhabitants, were created by a divine being, while evolution proposes that species evolved over time, through natural selection. While they appear to be in opposition, they don’t necessarily have to be. In reality, many religious people accept some aspects of evolution as fact, while also believing that God played a role in the process.

The relationship between science and faith is further complicated by the advances in technology and understanding of the universe. As science progresses, it continues to challenge some of the traditional beliefs of faith. This has led to a deeper exploration of the relationship between the two, as people strive to reconcile their religious beliefs with the ever-growing body of scientific knowledge.

Ultimately, the relationship between science and faith is one of complexity and nuance. While they may appear to be in opposition, there is much more to it than that. By embracing both, we can gain a deeper understanding of the universe and our place in it.

The debate between science and faith is ongoing, but one thing is certain: there is much to be gained from looking at them both critically and with an open mind. By doing this, we can gain a more holistic understanding of the universe and the way we interact with it. This will ultimately lead to greater empathy and understanding between individuals of different backgrounds and beliefs.

Furthermore, it is important to recognize the positive contributions both science and faith can make to the world. Science can provide us with the tools and knowledge to solve the world’s most pressing problems, while faith can be a source of comfort and strength in times of hardship.

By approaching science and faith with an open mind and an open heart, we can learn to appreciate their many complexities and find ways to bridge the divide between them.

ChatGPT - Now my thesis makes more sense.

If you have read this blog/ site for some time, you know that I started it after I completed my doctorate thesis on Theology and religion.  I had raised a question in my paper.

The day is not far away when the church could have an AI-powered robot preacher. Tools will be available to generate sermons automatically based on the demographics and recent events that may have happened locally or internationally. The systems will be able to create sermons, which will create a maximum sensation among people. The danger which the researcher senses in this are that the messenger of the Word will have no connection with God, who is the source. The threat is that the church will be filled with information generated by algorithms and machines, and the Holy Spirit will have no role to play in these circumstances.

Now Adrian Warnock used ChatGPT to generate a sermon to show it.