November is National Novel Writing Month, better known as NaNoWriMo. Throughout this month, writers of various ages and backgrounds throughout the world work to write as much as they can in pursuit of creating a novel.
The traditional goal is 50,000 words, but some writers set their own goals. In addition to spending longer time in word sprints, writers often join groups to receive feedback from others and participate in a community that fosters creativity.
As we enter this month which presents a positive challenge to many writers, I cannot help but think of the impact that artificial intelligence (AI) is having on human creativity.
ChatGPT and other generative AI are radically changing the outlook for artists, including people who write professionally and creatively.
Some argue that relying on these technologies will make us less intelligent while others advocate that AI can be a useful tool to writers and other artists. How are we to view these issues biblically and ethically?
The discussion about AI’s effect on writers and other creatives is relevant and important to me not only because I work as a freelance writer and earned a degree in creative writing to pursue novel writing, but also because I believe that the Lord created humans in His image. Part of being created in His image is the ability to be creative.
Therefore, I want to give a few reasons why Christians need to encourage, celebrate, and support writers in the age of AI.
Writers Are Image-Bearers
When God created Adam and Eve, the first humans, He made them in His image. As Genesis 1:27 says, “So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
An essential part of being image-bearers is that humans can engage in creative endeavors. We cannot create ex nihilo as God can, but we can use the materials, skills, and capabilities He has provided to create works of beauty and goodness.
The first humans, Adam and Eve, did this as they worked and cultivated the garden that the Lord had planted and placed them in (Genesis 2:8).
This image, though, has been marred by sin. We no longer reflect God as Adam and Eve did before the Fall.
However, we are still image-bearers, which is a unique condition that applies only to humanity. No other living creature, item, machine, or technology can reflect the Lord as humans do.
When humans engage in creativity, whether by writing a poem, painting a picture, or knitting a hat, they reflect the Lord’s creativity.
This is something for believers to celebrate and support. Art reminds us of what is good, true, and beautiful — pointing to the Maker and Source of all goodness, truth, and beauty.
As much as people may celebrate and extol new technologies like ChatGPT and other AI-generative tools, these programs cannot do what only humans can — reflect the Lord as image-bearers.
AI was not created in God’s image and thus, cannot exercise creativity in the same capacity as humans. We are unique, and believers need to recognize and emphasize this unique distinction between humankind and developing technologies.
Writers Are Vital to the Body of Christ
In addition to reflecting God’s creativity, those who write also strengthen the body of Christ. Each believer has different skills and gifts.
Within the church, some are more inclined to write and may have the spiritual gift of teaching or exhortation (Romans 12:7-8). These individuals can use their gifts and talents to equip and build up other believers (Ephesians 4:11-12).
So many of us have already benefitted from Christians who used their gifts to serve the church and impact others for Christ. I think of authors like John Bunyan, Amy Carmichael, A. W. Tozer, C. S. Lewis, Elisabeth Elliot, and countless others.
Modern Christian writers also work to equip believers to follow Christ, including those who are not as well known.
These individuals may write books, articles, devotionals, newsletters, bulletins, or other copy for church websites, but their contributions are just as valuable to the Body of Christ.
AI may be able to work quicker and more cheaply than human writers, but AI programs cannot replace men and women who use their spiritual gifts for the glory of the Lord.
Churches need to stand by writers and other artists who work to strengthen believers through the written word. We need to remind them that they are needed and have a place in ministry and society.
Writers Remind the World That Meaning and Purpose Exist
Just as Christian creatives are important to the church, they are also vital in impacting the world. Numerous believers work to create fiction books, screenplays, songs, memoirs, and poems.
Although the job of being an author can be lonely, difficult, and sometimes undervalued by others, most people appreciate reading and immersing themselves in stories. This is no surprise since our lives are woven into a true and greater story that gives us meaning and purpose.
The world needs these believers to exercise their talents and gifts, reminding people that there are deeper truths in life and a reason for our existence.
Christian authors may not always depict the gospel in a story, but their gospel-centered values and beliefs will be interwoven into their work.
For example, a character may exhibit Christlikeness through sacrificial love (Romans 5:8; 1 John 3:16), or a scene in the story could remind readers of the power of humility — an important lesson in a world that values self-promotion and praise (Luke 14:7-11). We need artists who seek to follow Christ and glorify Him in their art.
Believers who are working as creative authors need encouragement and support, especially since many writers worry that AI will threaten their jobs.
The church can help remind authors that they have significant stories to create, ones that only they can write. Not only are their stories valuable as art, but also as avenues through which people can encounter truths that point people to Christ.
Practical Ways to Encourage Writers
Christian organizations, publications, ministries, and literary journals all need to prayerfully consider their approach to the use of AI.
This is essential since many websites and publications are already using AI to create written works and accept submissions from authors who partnered with AI to write content.
Other organizations, websites, and literary publications have updated their guidelines to protect human writers and do not accept any work that is completely or partly AI-generated.
Each organization needs to take time to weigh the biblical principles that relate to this issue and consider the extent to which AI is ethical, if at all.
Other ways that the church or individual Christians can help celebrate and support writers is to:
1Mention your favorite Christian authors (in history or from the present) who have impacted your spiritual walk.
This may include talking to your family and friends, posting about the authors on social media, or, if possible, sending a letter to an author to express appreciation.
2If you have a friend or know a church member who is a writer, offer to regularly pray for them and the work they do.
All too often, writers fight with doubts and questions about whether their words make a difference. Knowing that someone is praying for them, and their work, can be a great encouragement.
3Encourage new and young writers. Sometimes people assume that pursuing a job in writing or creative work is foolish and a waste of time. These arguments will likely increase with the advancement of AI.
Why bother to pursue writing if AI can create content in less time, with less effort, and for less money?
Individuals surely need to consider all the aspects of becoming a writer, including financial stability, but they should not be discouraged from engaging in a craft that brings glory to the Lord.
Let us help writers, and other artists, feel valued and loved by God.
Why Does This Matter?
Writers are actively discussing the implications of AI-generated content. As Christians, we need to be involved in these discussions, seeking to uphold the unique position of humans in creation as image-bearers. Also, we should encourage, celebrate, and support artists and writers.
As valuable members of the church and society, writers equip other believers, help others see beauty and meaning in the world, and express their gospel-centered values through art.
For further reading:
How Should Christians Respond to AI? Losing Touch with Reality
4 Key Differences Between Human Beings and AI
How Should Christians Respond to AI? Bias, Decision-Making, and Data Processing
Photo Credit: ©iStock/Getty Images Plus/hirun
