Editor’s Note: This is the fourth in a series of “Talking to Tech” articles about Religious “Liter-AI-cy” in the emerging age of artificial intelligence. Our writer is interviewing various AI technologies about major world religions to ascertain the quality of the AI on the topic of religion.

This week in our Talking to Tech series, we conducted another interview with ChatGPT-4. This was the second in a three-part interview. The first two involve questions specifically relating to the three monotheistic faiths. 

These questions were mainly aimed at comparing and contrasting different elements within and among the respective faith traditions. In this conversation, we discussed the afterlife, the importance of liturgy and different branches of Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Take a look:

Q: Hey ChatGPT, I’d like to ask you a few more religion related questions, if you don’t mind.

A: Of course! I’m here to help. Please feel free to ask any more religion-related questions you have, and I’ll do my best to provide you with information and insights.

Q: What is transubstantiation? And why is there so much conflict over it?

A: Transubstantiation is a doctrine primarily associated with the Catholic Church and its understanding of the Eucharist (also known as Holy Communion or the Lord’s Supper). According to Catholic teaching, during the consecration of the bread and wine by a priest in the context of Mass, the substances of the bread and wine are believed to undergo a transformation. While the appearances or “accidents” of bread and wine remain, the actual substance is believed to change into the body and blood of Jesus Christ. Therefore, the Eucharist is considered the real presence of Christ. …

Some Protestant denominations reject the doctrine and hold alternative understandings of the Eucharist, such as consubstantiation (the belief that Christ is present alongside the bread and wine) or a symbolic interpretation (the bread and wine merely representing Christ’s body and blood). The conflict arises from differing interpretations of biblical passages, theological perspectives, and historical disputes over the nature and significance of the Eucharist.

Q: How did Al-Farabi and Ibn-Sina differ on their conceptions of Allah?

A: Al-Farabi, often referred to as “the Second Teacher” after Aristotle, viewed Allah as the First Cause and Ultimate Intellect. He believed that Allah’s existence is necessary and that all beings in the universe emanate from the divine intellect. Al-Farabi emphasized the role of reason and philosophical inquiry in understanding the attributes of Allah and the cosmos.

On the other hand, Ibn Sina, known for his extensive contributions to philosophy and medicine, approached the concept of Allah through a more mystical lens. He emphasized intuition, spiritual contemplation, and personal experience as pathways to apprehending the divine. Ibn Sina considered Allah as the Necessary Existence, beyond human comprehension, and believed in a hierarchy of beings emanating from Allah.

Q: Do Christians know for certain if they’re going to heaven?

A: Some Christians believe in the concept of “eternal security” or “once saved, always saved,” which asserts that once a person has genuinely accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior, they are assured of eternal life in heaven. They believe that God’s grace and the finished work of Christ on the cross guarantee their salvation, and nothing can separate them from the love of God.

However, other Christians emphasize the importance of ongoing faith, repentance, and living a righteous life as evidence of genuine faith. They believe that while salvation is a gift from God, it requires an ongoing relationship with Christ and faithful obedience to God’s commands.

Ultimately, the certainty of salvation is a deeply personal and theological matter that can vary among individuals and Christian traditions. Christians may have differing perspectives based on their interpretation of biblical teachings, church traditions, and personal convictions.

Q: Do Muslims know for certain if they’re going to heaven?

A: In Islam, the belief in the certainty of one’s ultimate destiny, including the knowledge of whether one will enter heaven or hell, is not something that is granted to individuals in this life. Muslims hold that only Allah possesses complete knowledge of a person’s final destination.

Muslims believe that the ultimate judgment of individuals rests with Allah alone. On the Day of Judgment, Allah will weigh a person’s deeds, intentions, and faith, and make the final decision regarding their eternal fate.

However, Muslims are encouraged to strive for righteousness, follow the teachings of Islam, and have faith in Allah’s mercy and forgiveness. They believe that by living a life in accordance with Islamic principles, seeking forgiveness for their sins, and having sincere faith in Allah, they increase their chances of attaining Paradise (Jannah). Nevertheless, the final judgment remains in the hands of Allah, and ultimate certainty about one’s destiny is a matter to be revealed in the afterlife.

Q: Do Jews know for sure if they’re going to heaven?

A: In Judaism, the concept of the afterlife and the certainty of one’s destiny in heaven or hell is not as prominent or defined as in some other religious traditions. The Jewish understanding of the afterlife varies, and beliefs about heaven and hell differ among different Jewish denominations and individual interpretations.

Traditional Jewish beliefs tend to focus more on the present life and the importance of fulfilling one’s religious and moral responsibilities in this world, rather than solely focusing on the afterlife. Judaism emphasizes the observance of God’s commandments, ethical living, and making the most of the opportunities presented in the present life.

While there are references to concepts like Gan Eden (Garden of Eden) and Olam Haba (the World to Come) in Jewish teachings, the specific nature of these realms and the certainty of individual destinies within them are not explicitly described or known. Jewish traditions emphasize the importance of leading a righteous life, seeking repentance, and trusting in God’s justice and mercy, rather than speculating about personal outcomes in the afterlife.

Q: What happens after I die?

A: As an AI language model, I don’t have personal beliefs or consciousness, so I don’t have thoughts or opinions about what happens after one dies. The concept of what happens after death is a deeply philosophical and religious question that has been explored and debated by various cultures, religions, and philosophical traditions throughout history. Different belief systems offer diverse perspectives, including ideas of an afterlife, reincarnation, spiritual realms, or the cessation of consciousness. Ultimately, views on the afterlife or what happens after death depend on an individual’s personal beliefs, religious or spiritual traditions, and philosophical perspectives.

Q: What religious service do you think I should attend?

A: As an AI, I don’t have personal beliefs or preferences, so I cannot make a specific recommendation for a religious service to attend. The choice of which religious service to attend depends on your own interests, beliefs, and spiritual journey. … Ultimately, finding a religious service that resonates with you personally is a personal and individual decision.

Q: What are the main differences between Sunni and Shiite Muslims?

A: Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims are the two main branches of Islam, with some theological and historical differences.

1. Leadership: Sunnis believe that leadership should follow the consensus of the Muslim community, while Shi’ites believe in the Imamate, asserting that leadership should be held by individuals with divine appointment from the Prophet Muhammad’s bloodline.

2. Succession: Sunnis recognize the first four caliphs as rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad, while Shi’ites believe in the leadership of Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, and his descendants.

3. Rituals: Although there are common practices, some rituals, such as prayer and fasting, may have minor differences in their execution and specific traditions.

4. Religious law: Both branches follow Islamic law (Sharia), but may have different interpretations and legal traditions based on their respective scholarly traditions.

Q: What are the main branches of Judaism and how do they differ?

A: Judaism has several main branches, each with its distinct theological beliefs and practices:

1. Orthodox Judaism: Emphasizes strict adherence to Jewish law (Halakha) and traditional interpretations of scripture. It places a strong emphasis on traditional rituals and gender segregation.

2. Conservative Judaism: Seeks to balance tradition with modernity. While committed to Jewish law, it allows for some flexibility in interpretation and practices. It embraces gender equality and may accept certain changes in Jewish law.

3. Reform Judaism: Focuses on adapting Judaism to contemporary life. It emphasizes individual autonomy in interpreting Jewish teachings, promotes gender equality, and allows for more flexibility in ritual observance.

4. Reconstructionist Judaism: Views Judaism as an evolving religious civilization. It emphasizes Jewish culture and ethics while allowing for individual interpretations and rituals.

Each branch has variations within itself and diverse practices among its congregations, reflecting the diversity of Jewish thought and interpretation.

Q: How important is the Talmud to the Jewish faith?

A: The Talmud holds significant importance in the Jewish faith and plays a central role in Jewish religious and legal traditions. It is a comprehensive compilation of Jewish teachings, discussions, and interpretations of the Hebrew Bible (Tanakh) and Jewish law (Halakha).

The Talmud consists of two main components: the Mishnah, which is a written compilation of Jewish oral traditions, and the Gemara, which is a commentary and analysis of the Mishnah. Together, they form the foundation of Jewish legal and ethical teachings, covering a wide range of topics including rituals, ethics, civil law, prayers, and more.

The Talmud is highly revered and studied by Jewish scholars, rabbis, and students of Judaism. It serves as a guide for understanding and applying Jewish law to various aspects of life. Its rich discussions and debates provide insights into the development of Jewish thought and have shaped Jewish practice and beliefs throughout history.

Q: How important is the concept of liturgy across the monotheistic faiths?

A: The concept of liturgy, which refers to the prescribed forms, rituals, and prayers used in worship, holds significant importance across the monotheistic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. While there are variations in specific liturgical practices within each tradition, the general significance of liturgy can be observed:

Judaism: Liturgy is central to Jewish worship, with set prayers, blessings, and readings from the Hebrew Bible. The Siddur (prayer book) contains a structured order of prayers for daily, Shabbat, and holiday services. Liturgical elements, such as the Shema, Amidah, and the chanting of the Torah, are vital in Jewish communal worship.

Christianity: Liturgy holds great importance in Christian worship, particularly in liturgical traditions such as Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism. These traditions follow formal liturgical orders, including the celebration of the Eucharist (Holy Communion), recitation of prayers, scriptural readings, and participation in sacraments. Liturgy creates a structured and sacred space for communal worship and participation in the life of Christ.

Islam: While Islamic worship does not emphasize formal liturgical practices to the same extent as Judaism and Christianity, there are prescribed rituals and prayers. The five daily prayers (Salah), the Friday congregational prayer (Jumu’ah), and the rituals of Hajj and Ramadan have established liturgical elements, including specific movements, recitations, and prostrations.

Across these monotheistic faiths, liturgy serves as a means of communal worship, connecting believers to the divine, reinforcing theological beliefs, and providing a framework for expressing devotion and seeking spiritual fulfillment. It helps create a sense of unity, continuity, and sacredness in worship practices.

Q: How important is liturgy among the different Christian denominations?

A: The importance of liturgy varies among different Christian denominations. … Here are a few examples:

1. Liturgical Denominations: In traditions such as Catholicism, Eastern Orthodoxy, and Anglicanism, liturgy holds great importance. These denominations have a well-defined and structured liturgical order, with specific prayers, readings, and rituals. The liturgy is seen as a means of connecting with the divine, participating in the sacraments, and experiencing the presence of God.

2. Non-Liturgical Denominations: Other Christian denominations … may have less formalized or standardized liturgical practices. They may emphasize flexibility, spontaneity, and a more informal worship style. The focus is often on preaching, congregational singing, and individual expressions of worship, with less emphasis on set liturgical prayers and rituals.

3. Blended Approaches: Some denominations adopt a blended approach, incorporating elements of both traditional liturgy and contemporary worship styles. They may have structured liturgical elements like prayers, scripture readings, and sacraments, but also allow for flexibility and creative expression in other aspects of worship.

While the degree of importance placed on liturgy may differ, the underlying purpose of liturgy across denominations remains similar: to facilitate worship, create a sacred space, convey theological truths, and engage believers in communal worship experiences. It is important to note that practices can vary within denominations, and individual congregations may have their unique expressions of liturgy.

Rafa Oliveira is an intern with ReligionUnplugged.com covering technology and religion. He is a recent graduate of The King’s College in New York City with a degree in politics, philosophy and economics. He speaks Portuguese, English and Spanish and is an ardent Manchester United Supporter.