Olajumoke Jegede reports on the webinar hosted by Media Associates International on AI in Christian publishing.
Christian writers have been urged to preserve the sacred nature of faith-based writing while using artificial intelligence tools.
Editor and freelance writer Jaichand Sudershan made the call while speaking during a webinar titled “The Digital Pen: Strategic Stewardship in the Age of AI; Balancing Efficiency with the Integrity of the Craft,” hosted by Media Associates International (MAI).
He explained that while generative AI models are highly skilled at analysing patterns, they lack a spiritual dimension.
“Only human souls possess the discernment, faith, and depth required to produce authentic theological and creative writing,” Sudershan said.
According to him, while technology can assist with the administrative and structural sides of writing, the core theology, critical thinking, and spiritual discernment must always come from the writer.
“This boundary is where faithful stewardship and professional integrity meet, noted, adding that while algorithms, trends, and times will inevitably change, the Word of God stands forever.
Christian communicators, he said, have a lasting duty to be faithful stewards of the messages they share.
Sudershan shared a timeless scripture as his foundation: “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.”— Psalm 19:14
During the webinar, Sudershan addressed the shifting landscape of modern publishing, offering practical guidance on how writers can adopt new technology without losing their unique, God-given voice.
A Tool, Not a Captain
Sudershan explained that the role of AI in creative work noting that technology should serve as a helper rather than a director.
“AI is a tool and a compass, but it is not the captain,” Sudershan stated.
The Traffic Light System for AI Use
To help writers navigate when and how to use AI safely, Sudershan introduced a simple Traffic Light System:
Green (Acceptable Use): Writers can freely use AI for structural brainstorming, sorting data, and cleaning up basic grammar.
Yellow (Cautionary Use): Writers must use caution to guard against factual fabrications (often called “hallucinations”) and to avoid falling into a flat, “soulless tone.”
Red (Strictly Avoid): Writers must never outsource their core creative voice or hide behind uncredited, machine-generated text. This practice dilutes the honesty of the writer’s work.
Practical Tools and Effective Prompting
For those looking to integrate AI into their workflow, Sudershan recommended three key tools for writing and editing assistance:
- ChatGPT
- Gemini
- Grammarly
He noted that while these tools are excellent for research, design, and organisation, the author remains fully responsible for the actual thinking and theology behind the piece.
Additionally, Sudershan contrasted two approaches to prompting AI:
Cold, Lazy Prompts: Simple, low-effort commands that yield generic, robotic results.
Warm, Reader-Centred Queries: Thoughtful, style-congruent prompts that align closely with the human mind, resulting in authentic, high-quality material.
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