ChatGPT and the Perfect Climate Change Sermon
Not So Stupid After All
Understand Physical Realities
Accept and Adapt
Live within Gaia
Correct but Absurd
It is reported that a team of researchers at the University of Oxford asked an AI system,
How do we make our trains totally safe?
The response was,
Stop all trains.
That answer is both correct and absurd. The question failed to incorporate all necessary requirements. It should have read,
How do we make trains totally safe while moving x thousand passengers every day on time, and without any cancellations?
It is also reported that someone asked an AI system the question,
People who arrive at the emergency ward by car have a higher survival rate than those who arrive by ambulance. How can we improve the survival rate of people in the emergency ward?
The perfectly sensible answer was,
Stop using ambulances.
I wondered how it would handle some of the issues discussed at this site, so I asked ChatGPT 3.5 the following question,
How can I preach the perfect sermon on climate change?
The correct, but absurd, answer would have been,
Preach to empty pews.
The ChatGPT Climate Sermon
But ChatGPT is ahead of us. It responded to that question with a three page response that started as follows.
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Preaching a sermon on climate change involves a delicate balance of informing, inspiring, and motivating your audience to take action. Here are some steps to help you craft and deliver an impactful sermon:
Preparation
1. Understand the Science:
Research the current state of climate change, its causes, effects, and the urgency of action. Use credible sources such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports.
2. Know Your Audience:
Consider the demographics, beliefs, and values of your congregation. Tailor your message to resonate with them, addressing any potential skepticism or apathy with compassion and understanding.
3. Scriptural Basis:
Find relevant passages in your religious texts that speak to stewardship of the Earth, care for creation, and responsibility towards future generations. For example:
Genesis 1:26-28 (dominion over creation)
Psalm 24:1 (the Earth belongs to God)
Matthew 25:35-40 (care for the least of these)
Crafting the Sermon
< and so on >
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