56 – Innovation or Manipulation? The Ethics of Using Technology in Christian Worship Balm in Gilead

Psalm 56







Psalm 56







Welcome







“Hello and welcome back to the Balm in Gilead podcast, where we explore all things Christian music and worship. I’m your host, Bryan, and as always, I’m joined by my co-host, Grant. Today, we have a fascinating and thought-provoking topic to dive into – Artificial Intelligence and Christian worship music.







What happens when AI writes Christian songs? Can machines truly capture the essence of worship, or is there something unique about human creativity and expression? We’re excited to explore these questions and more as we delve into the intersection of technology and faith.







But that’s not all – we’ll also be discussing where worship comes from, and whether worship written by those outside the faith has a place in Christian worship. It’s a complex and nuanced topic, but we believe it’s important to engage with it as we seek to deepen our understanding of worship.







So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join us for this exciting and thought-provoking episode. Let’s dive in!”







(Yes, that’s written by ChatGPT, along with the title, and the excerpt. And the image #DallE)







Philippians 1:15-18







English Standard Version







15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice.







Yes, and I will rejoice,







This, coupled with the idea that a song does not need to be born out of worship to be useful for worship (which is a form of mysticism), allows for the use of any useful song in worship (so long as it has been proven useful based on its own merit through discernment).







What We’re Listening To







Grant









* Crown & Covenant







* Holly Dutton







* Time for Three, Letters from the Future







* Jeff Lippencott







* Colony House









Bryan









* Everything and More and Come Alive back to back







* The Balm of Gilead – Mike Crawford and His Secret Siblings







* Things Unseen







* Filter it Through a Brain Cell









Can AI/ML write a worship song?







write a worship song that focuses on lament turning to praise







Verse 1:

Lord, I come before Your throne

Heavy hearted, feeling alone

My tears fall like rain

As I cry out Your name







Chorus:

But in the midst of my pain

I will lift up Your name

My lament turns to praise

For You are worthy all my days