The internet appears torn over claims that the large language model (LLM) ChatGPT can interpret speaking in tongues.
The so-called ChatGPT tongues challenge is being discussed on YouTube, Reddit, Facebook and TikTok.
The theory suggests the chatbot can interpret what God is saying to individuals.
According to MyCharisma.com, Renée M Simpson – known as 'Well Diva' and describing herself as a Holy Spirit-led positive psychology coach and wellness guide – recorded herself praying in tongues, uploaded the file to ChatGPT and asked what it said. She told the magazine: "I was just looking for confirmation of what I was feeling in my spirit, and that’s what I got. I got confirmation and I felt very, very, very much peace about the message that I got back."
Simpson argued that ChatGPT is simply another tool at God's disposal, just as He has used people, donkeys or a burning bush.
Another Christian media figure, Shawn Bolz of Bolz Ministries, told YouTube he has seen cases where ChatGPT told individuals their tongues were actually in "ancient Sumerian".
Glossolalia, or speaking in tongues, refers to a spiritual phenomenon in which individuals speak languages unknown to them, often seen as a sign of being filled with the Holy Spirit. Within church settings these utterances are often interpreted by other members of the congregation.
It first appears in Acts 2, when the apostles spoke in various tongues at Pentecost, which could be understood by people of many nations. The apostle Paul also discusses it in 1 Corinthians 12–14, emphasising it as one of the gifts of the Spirit.
But Christian livestreamer Isaiah Saldivar, who has 1.2 million subscribers on YouTube, said the so-called interpretations were not God-given. He told his followers: "I saw a video of a lady saying that ChatGPT interpreted her tongues and it was like spot on… I have no clue. I wouldn’t even dabble in that. There’s no way, guys. There’s no way that AI… which, by the way, if you don’t know how AI works, it takes all the conglomerate information on the internet… is able to interpret what the Holy Spirit’s praying. No."