Answers from Genesis: How AI Could Revolutionize Creationist Outreach

For years, organizations like Answers in Genesis have been at the forefront of promoting a young Earth perspective on the history of the world. They provide a wide array of resources, from articles and books to videos and educational programs, all designed to support and disseminate their views. Their expertise in social media and outreach has extended their influence far beyond the traditional questions such as what happened to the dinosaurs or how Noah managed to fit all the animals on the Ark.

However, a new challenge looms on the horizon: generative AI tools. Many young Earth creationists argue that these tools, such as ChatGPT-4, Claude 3, Perplexity, and Gemini, might be biased against their views on key issues like the age of the Earth and related skepticism towards topics like climate change or vaccination. They claim that when their audiences use these freely available internet tools, they often encounter information that doesn’t align with a young Earth framework and might even provide disclaimers about creationism being a fringe or disregarded viewpoint.

So, what’s the solution from a creationist perspective? My bold prediction is that organizations like Answers in Genesis will step up by creating their own AI search functions and chatbots. These custom AI tools would be trained exclusively on their extensive repository of young Earth creationist materials. The goal? To ensure that their users receive answers that prioritize a young Earth viewpoint and critically examine secular perspectives as well. Essentially, they would be creating tools to provide answers directly from Genesis.

In my video, (see below) I explore this idea further—how AI tools might be developed, the challenges young Earth creationists might face, and what it could mean for the future of the young Earth creationist movement. I also discuss the broader implications of creating AI that is specifically designed to uphold particular ideological viewpoints.

Organizations like AIG have been working towards becoming a one-stop shop for all things related to the Christian worldview, especially the fundamentalist perspective. They have developed a wide range of resources including subscription video platforms, new shows, a vast collection of videos and books, homeschool curricula, and even Bible school materials. Their new multi-million dollar headquarters south of Cincinnati is poised to become the center of their multimedia empire. The next logical step in shaping information could very well involve leveraging AI.

Most of you are probably aware of large language models like ChatGPT and the rapid advancements in AI. These tools are reshaping the way we find and interpret information. However, current AI tools often provide a consensus view that might not align with young Earth perspectives. This is where AIG could innovate by training AI on their own data to ensure their viewpoint is represented accurately.

Imagine AIG creating a custom AI tool, trained on their vast repository of materials, to answer questions from a young Earth perspective. This tool could provide users with answers directly from their own database, ensuring consistency with their teachings. This development would mark a significant step in creating a siloed information ecosystem where Answers in Genesis controls the narrative. Their dream is likely to have any question a Christian might have answered from a young Earth perspective, creating a comprehensive resource that excludes outside influences.

The potential for AI in this context extends beyond just answering questions. It could also help maintain a closed loop of information, reinforcing their teachings and perspectives to their audience. As AI tools become more advanced, including capabilities to process multimodal data (text, audio, video, images), the scope for such customized AI tools will expand, making it even easier for AIG to disseminate their views.

In my video, I demonstrate how I use my own custom GPT to research and analyze data from Answers in Genesis. This tool helps me quickly find quotes and references, saving time and ensuring accuracy in my research. AIG could take this concept and scale it up, providing a powerful tool for their audience to get answers directly from their perspective.

The rise of AI presents both a challenge and an opportunity for creationist organizations. While they may be skeptical of AI and its implications, the potential to control and disseminate their message more effectively is likely too compelling to ignore. In the ever-evolving landscape of media and information, embracing AI could be the next big step for Answers in Genesis and similar organizations.

If you’re interested in the intersection of faith, science, and technology, I invite you to watch my video where I explore the possibilities of AI and its potential impact on the future of young Earth creationism.

Check out the video linked below for a deeper dive into this topic and to see my custom GPT in action. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave your thoughts in the comments!

3 thoughts on “Answers from Genesis: How AI Could Revolutionize Creationist Outreach

Add yours

  1. I would have said “don’t give them ideas,” but I’m sure they already have them. In the Answers in Genesis post announcing his ascendancy, new Executive CEO Martyn Iles took care to mention electronic media as part of the changed landscape that AiG must learn to navigate (sorry for the next metaphor, but I think it fits an organisation that believes in a worldwide Flood).

    Like

  2. So I just asked ChatGPT (3.5) for facts and hypothesis on a 6000y earth, and then followed up about Grand Canyon. It pretty much blew me off and just listed YEC bible-based reasons, then countered with several scientific facts for an old earth.

    I am hopeful that the Joel version forces GPT to struggle to reconcile various creationist sources and facts, perhaps giving a similar comparison between sources, highlighting its inconsistencies.

    Like

  3. Hi Joel,

    Great conversation with the guys at Recovering Evangelicals. It made cleaning the garage an absolute joy. I think the point about YEC institutions reaching critical mass is important. As someone who works in a small ministry environment, I know what it’s like to receive messages encouraging me to keep up the good work—it’s changing lives, etc. People like Ken Hamm must just receive mountains of messages testifying to how much of a difference their work has made in the lives of so many, etc. How hard would it be to reconsider your creation paradigm when you receive fifty glowing emails a day (and millions of dollars, annually), all telling you that people are depending on you to keep fighting the good fight?

    Good to hear you’re taking a little time to process, too. Seems wise and healthy.

    In His Grace,

    Joshua D. Duff, PhD Director @ Ecola Bible College http://www.ecola.orghttp://www.ecola.org/ (503)440-7005 duffontap@hotmail.com


    Like

Comments or Questions?

Up ↑