PETA, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, has collaborated with artificial intelligence software ChatGPT to rework the Book of Genesis in the Bible, transforming it into a message promoting animal rights and veganism. The left-wing organization is targeting the younger generation, particularly Gen Z, with this modernized version of the religious text. PETA’s revised book, titled THE BOOK: PETA’s Version of the Creation Story, refers to animals as beings instead of beasts or creatures. It also substitutes animal skins with sustainable plant fibers like hemp and bamboo for clothing purposes.
PETA President Ingrid Newkirk argues that the Bible has often been used to justify various forms of oppression. In an attempt to combat this, the organization used ChatGPT to clearly illustrate that a loving God would not support the exploitation or cruelty of animals. PETA recognizes that rewriting the entire Bible would be a monumental task, so they decided to start with the Book of Genesis.
CBN News reached out to PETA for comment, and the organization admitted that the purpose behind rewriting God’s Word was to initiate conversations about their animal rights agenda. PETA believes that their modern companion to the Bible, created with the help of artificial intelligence, provides relevant moral lessons for the 21st century.
ChatGPT, the AI chatbot developed by OpenAI, responds to user prompts and attempts to generate appropriate answers or results. PETA’s book, however, is regarded by Darrell Bock, the executive director of Cultural Engagement and senior research professor of New Testament Studies at the Dallas Theological Seminary, as a misrepresentation of the Bible. Bock argues that PETA’s version distorts the divine order presented in the creation story, contradicting the true message of the Bible.
While PETA’s use of AI in religious contexts is unique, it is not the first time artificial intelligence has been utilized in matters of faith. In a Lutheran church in Germany, an AI chatbot led a religious service, instructing attendees to rise from their seats and praise the Lord. Additionally, a volunteer group called The Singularity Group created an AI Jesus on the gaming platform Twitch, allowing users to ask questions and receive responses based on Jesus’ teachings.
However, concerns have been raised about these AI-generated religious figures potentially misrepresenting the actual teachings of Jesus. It is believed that politically motivated groups run the risk of manipulating Jesus’ teachings to conform to their own agendas. Christian ministers and scholars may face the challenge of guiding individuals towards an accurate understanding of Jesus’ true teachings.
