First, just as with spiritual growth and maturity, the craft of writing offers no shortcuts. AI might be a useful tool in some cases, but it can never replace one’s own knowledge and skills. Similar to using a spell checker, you have to know enough of the craft to recognize whether or not a tool’s effects are correct and good.

Second, in terms of ethics, sources should always be acknowledged. Failure to cite any source (beyond what is common knowledge) constitutes plagiarism, which sadly is prevalent even in the church. Citing sources gives credit where credit is due and offers transparency regarding the authorities to which you’ve appealed. (Citations don’t need to be formal but can be passingly mentioned, as is usually done in sermons and speeches.) Would you be willing to cite AI as a source in your work? If not, ask yourself why not.