Big Developments in AI This Week
Big Developments in AI This Week
OpenAI and Google have announced some big updates. What might it mean for the Church?
In case you missed it, OpenAI and Google announced some fairly groundbreaking updates to their AI technology in the last few days. Let’s take a quick look and see what it might mean for the Church.
OpenAI’s GPT-4o
GPT-4o is the latest version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT model. It’s faster than previous iterations of the technology, more conversational, and boasts a few new features that could potentially be quite exciting, such as the ability to read expressions, translate languages, and solve math problems in real time. Check out the following examples. Don’t worry, they’re short but worth watching:
Summary: GPT-4o can view what’s on the screen and help users to engage with the content.
Possible use cases for the Church:
This technology could be excellent for biblical training, helping users understand complex charts, graphs, and maps or creating dialogue around challenging concepts or ideas.
It could help with assessing graphics or promotional materials and suggest helpful changes.
It could analyze complex financial statements and help leaders or pastors (such as myself) who are less astute with accounting matters.
Summary: GPT-4o can facilitate conversations with multiple human users.
Possible use cases for the Church (when appropriately tailored with specific values, theology, and philosophy):
Facilitating discussions on a variety of courses (such as marriage, foundations, membership, etc)
Supporting mentorship (particularly for volunteer and newer mentors)
Supporting family devotional times and small group discussions
Facilitating meaningful dialogue around theological discussions
Possible dialogue opportunities for potential visitors who would rather not talk to a real person
Supporting staff meetings in various capacities (creative/planning meetings, leadership discussions, etc.)
Summary: GPT-4o can now translate in real time.
Possible use cases for the Church:
Note: This technology already exists, but it is rapidly improving to a point where it is increasingly easy to use.
Intercultural ministry
Missions trips
Soon, if a user were to wear headphones or glasses, they could enjoy a real-time translation of a sermon in their language of choice. This technology is getting closer by the day. See the video below:
Google I/O 2024
Google revealed a host of updates for its Gemini AI technology and introduced some other initiatives. Broadly speaking, it’s very similar to OpenAI’s developments. The biggest difference—in my mind, at least—is how it impacts everyday tasks like search and email. Check out the video below:
It’s perhaps not worth going into great depth beyond the video, as much of its implications for the Church are the same as OpenAI, except for the minor productivity boost.
What do you think?
Whatever your views of AI, there’s no denying we’re well into an era of staggering technological developments. Which use case is most exciting to you? What have I missed? Let me know in the comments below or by replying to me. I love to learn from you!
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Good summary. Thanks for writing it up. I would just want to add that on almost every Google slide there was fine print stating, "check results for accuracy." In other words, these AI models still haven't figured out the truth problem. They still "hallucinate." And that lack of accuracy is a massive problem for the types of use cases you describe above.
I think the best Christian AI will be closely tied to the biblical text and real scholars. Just as X's Grok AI gives you related tweets, when you use a Christian AI you should see relevant texts and quotes from biblical scholars or the Christian tradition.