What would happen if…
… we used AI to rewrite the Bible?
I’m having a bit of fun looking at how the beta AI functions in WordPress affect the Bible. I.ve already used AI to simplify a complex piece of Augusine’s writing and to summarise Matthew chapter 24. Now I’m using a shorter well known passage to see how the expand function works.
Here’s the source I am using:
A Psalm of David.
23 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23 ESVUK
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
3 He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness
for his name’s sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
for ever.
And here is the same text without the heading expanded.
Psalm 23 (Expanded Version)
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He lovingly guides me in every aspect of my life, ensuring that I lack nothing. In His tender care, He leads me to lie down in lush green pastures, where I find rest and rejuvenation. He gently directs me towards still waters, providing the tranquillity my soul craves.
As I journey through life, the Lord restores and nourishes my weary soul. He leads me along the paths of righteousness, guiding me towards fulfilling His divine purpose for me. His compassionate guidance serves as a constant reminder of His greatness and the significance of His name.
Even in the darkest valleys and the shadow of death itself, I will fear no evil, for the Lord is with me. His comforting presence and His mighty rod and staff give me strength, courage, and protection. He shields me from harm and provides me with the assurance that I am never alone.
Despite the challenges and adversity, I may face, the Lord demonstrates His abundant provision and favour. In the presence of my enemies, He sets a bountiful table before me, overflowing with His blessings. He anoints my head with the oil of His divine grace and pours out His goodness upon me until my cup overflows.
Surely, goodness and mercy shall faithfully follow me all the days of my life. The Lord’s unwavering love and kindness pursue me relentlessly, offering comfort, solace, and unwavering support. With the Lord as my constant companion, I find confidence and assurance in His everlasting presence.
Ultimately, I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever, throughout eternity. In His divine abode, I will experience His everlasting peace, joy, and glory. The Lord’s faithfulness and goodness will be my eternal dwelling place, where I will find true fulfilment and everlasting security.
-o0o-
I have had to make three adjustments, three for spelling and one for punctuation to put the AI result back into English as used in the UK, rather than the US version that AI generates.
Additional words such as, “The Lord’s unwavering love and kindness pursue me relentlessly, offering comfort, solace, and unwavering support. With the Lord as my constant companion, I find confidence and assurance in His everlasting presence.” show words not in the original script have been added, probably from some source of commentary online, I have heard things like this many times and have found them useful but it has to be remembered what is scripture and what is commentary. The AI blurs these lines, which is in my view unfortunate.
I can see how these features of simplify, summarise and expand could be useful, and can also see it as an excuse for not thinking. I intend to use it as part of my research, but only a part. I can’t see AI replacing Lectio Divina anytime soon.
Making an ass of myself 