The texts created by a AI are often superficial, theologically questionable and impersonal, says Württemberg Evangelical Church Councilor Evelina Volkmann.
AI can support the sermon preparation, but only if people keep control. A crucial shortcoming is the lack of personal relationship, according to the expert. A AI does not know the municipality on site. The results therefore always remained general. Volkmann asks a fundamental question for preaching:
“How can I credible to face a community if I guilty my own theological reflection?” The personal, spiritual process of sermon preparation cannot be replaced.
Numerous factual mistakes
According to the Volkmann, AI sermons are characterized by the fact that they “ran more or less or less and without internal reference”. Thoughts would not be completed. There are also numerous factual mistakes.
In a test, the AI confused a central principle of the Reformation. Volkmann also reports of theologically questionable content and even anti -Judaisms, which were contradictory in addition to appreciative statements about Judaism. This shows that the technology cannot establish no logical relationships.
Despite the risks, Volkmann sees applications. Experienced pastors could use the AI to formulate a text from a finished structure or to revise their own sermon linguistically so that it fits better for the target group.
Her conclusion: “If you master preaching, you can use AI as a tool.” According to Volkmann, the technology is already used for other tasks in the parish office, for example to create prayers – often with satisfactory results.
