The Spirituality of ChatGPT (with Andy Crouch)

The addictive and intoxicating nature of tech.

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New technology seems to be revolutionizing our world on a daily basis.  ChatGPT — which has been used by more than a million people — might replace internet search engines and possibly your job.  How should Christians deal with these machines that can communicate facts, create business plans, and do homework at the push of a button?

On this week’s episode of the Good Faith podcast, Curtis sits down with his friend, bestselling author Andy Crouch, to discuss how technology can enhance our lives or possibly deform us. They describe how technology paints as a false vision of human flourishing—and encourage Christians to fight back. 

SHOW NOTES:

ChatGPT: In December 2022, Jeremy Howard, an artificial intelligence researcher, introduced an online chatbot called ChatGPT.

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  1. Abaird

    Curtis/Andy -
    This was a great podcast. As a programmer I've been thinking a lot about ChatGPT lately and have used it a few times. I think a lot of people get hung up on the question of "is it thinking" or "is it sentient" but I think that misses the question entirely. Of course it's none of these, but it is alarming that it doesn't have to be either of these things to change our world tremendously. I thank the both of you for helping me understand that ChatGPT (and really any technology) is robbing us of "doing things the hard way." That's going to be key for me in helping guide my teen-age daughters through the world that is to come.

    Also, y'all really put your finger on why I'm so tired lately. "Netflix and chill" (or in my case "YouTube and chill") is fake rest. As I type this, it's silly that it didn't occur to me earlier. I'm going to have to think about how I can incorporate intentional worship as rest into my daily routine to see if it will result in more restfulness or if I'll still be tired but in a "good tired" kind of way.

    Looking forward to more episodes. This is one of my can't miss podcasts!

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    EmmyCab

    The part about learning to play the piano vs. listening to piano music... "this idea of work without becoming" intrigues me. It took me half the night to relocate this part of the podcast after listening to it the first time, lol.

    Anyways... I am currently taking Spanish language lessons. I mentioned this to my brother who works in construction in San Antonio, and he told me if he needs to communicate something in Spanish (which I assume is somewhat frequently considering his career and location), he just uses the translation app on his phone. But I want to *speak* (and understand!) Spanish. I'm not entirely sure if this is because I want to be able to actually communicate or if it's because I just want to be the type of person who can speak more than one language or if I want the cognitive and cultural benefits that come with learning a second language - it's probably some of all of this, but the piano illustration resonated with me.

    Incidentally, I AM a pianist and can attest to the benefits of having this skill as opposed to simply listening to piano music. I think the knock-on effects of our skill sets ripple out in unexpected ways that shortcuts can never replicate, although we all must use shortcuts in different arenas since it is impossible to develop proficiency in every arena!

    Just some rambling thoughts here that were bouncing around in my mind. I really enjoyed this particular podcast and also really appreciated learning more about ChatGPT since I'd heard of it but didn't really understand what it was. Thank you!

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      Curtischang1

      Thanks for your thoughts - funny, I have been learning to play the piano in my middle age for the same reason.

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    CarsonJ

    I really felt that distinction that Andy Crouch made between work/rest and toil/ leisure. Missing David greatly but really appreciate Andy's wisdom too.

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      Curtischang1

      Thanks for listening! David is going to be returning regularly (at least once a month), so stay tuned!

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  4. Pamela K.

    Great job today, Curtis. Your first solo hosting day came off without a hitch.

    Thank you for this conversation. I am not a frequent commenter, but am going to try and engage more with fellow GF listeners. I've already taken a Redeeming Babel course and look forward to the conversation migrating over there. Blessings.

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      Curtischang1

      Thanks Pamela!

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