I had previously tasked the artificial intelligence-driven chatbot ChatGBT to write a Lutheran sermon, and I then interrogated it for its knowledge of theology. So now, with great hesitation and nervousness, but because reader Tom Hering gave me the idea and because I said I would do it, I asked ChatGBT to write a post for this blog.
I worried lest it expose my conventions and parody my style. And if it did a good enough job, why would any of you subscribe? You could just type “write a Cranach post” into the ChatGPT site every day and be satisfied.
Here is what I got when I told ChatGPT to “Write a post for the Cranach blog.”
The Importance of Art in Today’s World
Art has been an essential aspect of human civilization for centuries. From cave paintings to modern abstract art, artists have been capturing the essence of the world around them and expressing it in unique and creative ways. In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, art plays a crucial role in shaping our understanding of ourselves, our environment, and the issues that affect us.
One of the primary functions of art is to communicate ideas and emotions. Whether through painting, sculpture, music, or literature, artists use their medium to convey a message to their audience. This message can be political, social, personal, or simply aesthetic. By engaging with art, we can gain new perspectives and insights into the world around us and the experiences of others.
Art also has the power to inspire and challenge us. When we encounter a work of art that resonates with us, it can evoke powerful emotions and spark our creativity. Art can also challenge our assumptions and force us to confront difficult truths about ourselves and our society. Through art, we can explore our values, beliefs, and identity, and deepen our understanding of what it means to be human.
In addition to its cultural and social significance, art also has practical benefits. Studies have shown that engaging with art can reduce stress, improve mental health, and enhance cognitive function. Art therapy is increasingly used as a treatment for a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD. By promoting emotional wellbeing and creativity, art can contribute to a more vibrant and resilient society.
In a world that is increasingly focused on technology and efficiency, art reminds us of the importance of slowing down and experiencing the world around us in a more contemplative and mindful way. Art allows us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and to connect with the emotions and experiences of others in a way that is not possible through technology alone.
At Cranach, we are committed to promoting the power and importance of art in today’s world. Through our exhibitions, programs, and events, we seek to engage and inspire a diverse range of audiences, and to foster a deeper appreciation for the role that art plays in shaping our understanding of ourselves and our world.
Uh, OK. Cranach was an artist. There are a number of sites devoted to his art. So ChatPT thought, without checking what this Cranach blog is about, that a Cranach blog would be about art.
So I tried to narrow down what I wanted the chatbot to consider. I told it to “Write a post for the Patheos blog Cranach.” I got this:
The Power of Forgiveness: How it Can Transform Our Lives
Forgiveness is a topic that has been discussed by philosophers, theologians, and psychologists for centuries. It is a concept that can be difficult to define and even more challenging to practice. However, the power of forgiveness is undeniable. It has the ability to transform our lives and the lives of those around us in profound ways.
Forgiveness is often seen as a religious or spiritual concept, and for good reason. Many of the world’s major religions emphasize the importance of forgiveness and offer guidance on how to practice it. For example, Christianity teaches that forgiveness is essential for salvation, and that we should forgive others as God forgives us. Buddhism also emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, teaching that it is essential for inner peace and the attainment of enlightenment.
However, forgiveness is not only a spiritual concept. Psychologists have also studied the power of forgiveness and have found that it can have significant benefits for our mental and physical health. Forgiveness has been linked to lower levels of stress, anxiety, and depression, and can even improve our immune system and cardiovascular health.
But how exactly does forgiveness work? When we hold onto anger, resentment, or bitterness towards someone who has wronged us, we are essentially holding onto emotional baggage that can weigh us down and impact our well-being. Forgiveness allows us to release this emotional burden and move on from the pain and hurt that has been inflicted upon us. By forgiving, we are not condoning the wrong that has been done, but rather acknowledging that we cannot change the past and choosing to let go of our negative emotions.
Forgiveness can also transform our relationships with others. When we forgive someone, we open the door to reconciliation and healing. This can lead to stronger and more meaningful connections with the people in our lives, and can even repair broken relationships that may have seemed beyond repair.
Of course, forgiveness is not easy. It requires a willingness to let go of our negative emotions and to embrace compassion and empathy towards those who have wronged us. It can be a difficult and painful process, and it may take time to fully forgive and move on. However, the rewards of forgiveness are well worth the effort.
At Cranach, we believe in the power of forgiveness and its ability to transform our lives and the world around us. Through our programming and events, we seek to explore the concept of forgiveness and offer tools and guidance for those who wish to practice it. Whether it is through spiritual teachings, psychological research, or personal stories of forgiveness and reconciliation, we hope to inspire and encourage our audience to embrace the power of forgiveness and experience the freedom and peace that it can bring.
The Patheos connection brought it around to religion, sort of. ChatGBT mentioned Christianity, but also gave a shout-out to Buddhism. I would like to think that it chose the topic because my blog gives out a Gospel vibe, but this is mostly a psychological focus. And there is nothing about what I usually write about, such as an interesting article I came across, or vocation, or politics, or the arts, or culture.
And, amusingly, there is the repeated refrain in these two posts of “At Cranach. . .through our programs and events.” Don’t worry. You aren’t missing anything.
This is just vague word generation. As Baylor professor and Discovery Institute scholar Robert Marks has observed, this technology is “trained on syntax — the manner that words are arranged. Humans rely on semantics – the meaning of words.” He has written what sounds like a good book, Non-Computable You: What You Do That Artificial Intelligence Never Will.
I would add that the human mind contains much more than “intelligence.” The classic thinkers noted other faculties, such as the imagination and the will. Also, conscience, memory, and emotions. And a personal consciousness, identified with the soul, to receive and activate all of these faculties. Even if Artificial Intelligence attains actual “intelligence” (which is doubtful), it doesn’t come close to any of these other powers of the human mind.
Since a “blog” is short for “web log”–that is, a record of web sites visited–I generally post about interesting articles and information that I come across on the internet. This involves a process of evaluation, personal reaction, and choosing what to write about. Artificial intelligence has no volition. It has no personal taste. It has no creative imagination to generate new ideas or fresh perspectives.
I don’t think the human race needs to worry that the emergent Artificial intelligence will evolve into a living, all-powerful mind that will dominate or replace humanity. So I guess I’ll keep blogging.
Image: AI Generated Robot Android by ThankYouFantasyPictures from Pixabay
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