In which I test ChatGPT’s gospel knowledge.
The education world is abuzz with talk of the new AI chatbot, ChatGPT[i], which was released in November. Many educators are vilifying it, saying it will become too easy for students to cheat in school. Some, myself included, are thinking: “Let’s learn about it and see how we can incorporate it into our teaching.”
I’ve done more reading than I should have, I suppose, but two things stood out. First, in My First Chat With the Bot,[ii] I began to grasp a sense of its value as an interactive study aid. Second, I read a summary from ContactNord, an outstanding support organization that supports remote K-12 education in the Province of Ontario, Canada, and shares its knowledge and webinars with the rest of us. In Ten Facts about ChatGPT,[iii]it carried the idea of using it as a study aid even further. A student could conceivably review a chapter on gas laws in chemistry (or physics), then ask ChatGPT to ask ten questions about gas law.
The opportunities are startling. That is, if we approach it well.
I took it for a test drive this afternoon. The log-in process was simple. That’s always a good thing. And at least for now, it’s free. A tab opens with a chat window. You can type in your question, and the bot begins its response immediately. You have the option to stop it, let in run, or try again. I let it run, then clicked the thumbs up because I liked the response. This opened a window with a text box and asked how the answer could be made ideal. I responded, clicked OK, and got a second response, also very good.
Since I spoke at a baptism last week, I asked for a five-minute talk on baptism, then refined it. Following this “chat,” I asked two questions about the Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ.
Here is my chat in its entirety:
“I need to speak for 5 minutes on baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints”
First Response
Baptism in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church) is an essential ordinance performed by complete immersion in water. It is performed by a priest having the proper authority, typically after an individual reaches the age of 8 years old. The ceremony symbolizes the individual’s commitment to follow Jesus Christ, and symbolizes the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
LDS baptism is performed only once and is considered a covenant between the individual and God. The individual promises to keep God’s commandments and follow Jesus Christ. In return, God promises to forgive their sins and give them the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Baptism is followed by the gift of the Holy Ghost, which is received through the laying on of hands by someone with priesthood authority. This gift provides comfort, guidance, and inspiration to help individuals live according to God’s will.
In the LDS Church, baptism is considered a crucial step in obtaining salvation and exaltation. It is a sign of faith and obedience, and is an essential requirement for membership in the church.
In conclusion, baptism in the LDS Church is a significant and sacred ordinance, symbolizing an individual’s commitment to follow Jesus Christ, and providing them with the opportunity to receive forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Ghost.
Second response, given after my suggestion to quote from scripture, including the Book of Mormon
Baptism is an important rite in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS or Mormon Church). It is performed by immersion in water and is considered a symbol of the individual’s faith and commitment to follow Jesus Christ.
LDS baptism is usually performed on individuals who are at least 8 years old, and is performed by a properly ordained Priest, Teacher or Deacon. The person being baptized is required to make a personal declaration of their faith in Jesus Christ and their intention to follow His teachings.
Baptism is considered an ordinance that is necessary for an individual to enter the celestial kingdom, which is the highest of the three degrees of glory in the afterlife. The celestial kingdom is considered the home of God and those who dwell there will be with Him forever.
In addition to being a requirement for salvation, baptism is also seen as a way for individuals to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost is considered a member of the Godhead, and serves as a guide, teacher and comforter to those who receive it.
The LDS Church teaches that baptism is not just a one-time event, but a lifelong process of spiritual growth and renewal. Members are encouraged to attend the temple, read the scriptures, and participate in regular worship services to deepen their relationship with God and strengthen their commitment to following Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, baptism is an important rite in the LDS Church, representing an individual’s faith in Jesus Christ and their commitment to follow His teachings. It is considered a requirement for salvation, and a way to receive the gift of the Holy Ghost. The Church encourages its members to continue growing in their faith and relationship with God throughout their lives.
Next Test: A simple question
What is the origin of The book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ?
The Book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ is a religious text of the Latter Day Saint movement and was first published in 1830 by Joseph Smith, Jr. According to Smith, he received the text as a revelation from God and translated it into English through divine inspiration. The text purports to be a history of ancient American peoples, including the appearance of Jesus Christ in the Americas after his crucifixion and resurrection in Jerusalem.
Third Test: Rephrased the question:
What is The book of Mormon: Another Testament of Jesus Christ?
As a language model AI, I don’t have personal opinions, but the Book of Mormon is a religious text published by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It is considered another testament of Jesus Christ, alongside the Bible. The book is based on the story of ancient American peoples and their interactions with God, angels, and Jesus Christ. It is said to have been translated from golden plates by Joseph Smith, the founder of the LDS Church, in the early 19th century. The Book of Mormon is considered a central scripture of the LDS Church, along with the Bible and the Doctrine and Covenants.
These were copied directly from the app. I did not change anything.
As you can see, the answers are pretty good. They are very neutral, and perhaps a little shallow. One of the weaknesses at this point, is that there will be errors or inaccuracies as the bot “learns” more about the various topics. And I suspect it is free at this stage because they are using us to “teach” the bot. Also, I think asking for 500 words on baptism would yield more content than asking for 5 minutes’ worth. Neither response would be anywhere near 5 minutes.
Note that in the third test, a common disclaimer is used: “As a language model AI, I don’t have personal opinions.”
I think the baptism information provides a good framework for child to speak about baptism. Others might consider it as a framework for their talk and add scriptures or other quotes, and perhaps personal experiences, and, of course, their testimony, which a chatbot cannot do.
I can see the youth, once they discover this resource, using it to write their Sacrament Meeting talks. It could be interesting. Or embarrassing.
This is my first foray into the world of artificial intelligence. It is simply amazing to me. Of course, it may also have harmful uses, such as creating disinformation for political gain or to stir up conflict. It is important to be aware of this as well, so we can keep our defenses up.
Next on my list is trying out DALL-E 2, an AI image creator.
I commit to disclose any use of an AI bot in my posts. But I enjoy writing too much to delegate it to a bot.
[i] https://chat.openai.com/chat.
[ii] https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2023/01/12/my-first-chat-chatgpt-opinion. Log-in is required.
[iii] https://teachonline.ca/ai-resources/tools-trends/ten-facts-about-chatgpt.
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