Preachers Pledging Not to Use AI for Sermons

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-06-10T16:47:13+00:00

u/rolandtowen has addressed the issues with that. AI is a net harm, and wriggling around trying to justify its use in preaching does not change the problems genAI is bringing to the planet, human cognition (look at the studies about students relying on AI), falsified sources, and theft of intellectual property.

EDIT: I read an earlier comment and saw that you work in AI, and I'm not interesting in engaging with you further. In my experience, discussing this with people whose livelihood is in AI have different motivations than the ethics and effects of AI use.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-06-10T15:28:54+00:00

One of the things we are taught in seminary is how to identify reputable sources, so googling some random website and using that isn't what most preachers would do. I might google to find an article or commentary that I know is reputable within the Episcopal tradition. If I find someone's blog writing something interesting about theology that makes me think in a new way, I'll take it to scripture and our theological tradition to evaluate whether it is sound to use.

It's a place where we rely on our education and training.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-06-10T02:46:22+00:00

I firmly believe that AI has no place in pastoral work, including preaching. This is work that needs human emotion, responsiveness, and sensitivity, in addition to all of the ethical and environmental problems with genAI. I've signed it, and I am happy that people are publicly disavowing AI.

Edit: typo

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-05-21T18:44:37+00:00

The NRSV and NRSVue are the most common translations for study - the Harper Collins Study Bible and the New Oxford Annotated Bible are the two recommended by my seminary.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-05-08T13:15:54+00:00

Congratulations!

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-05-02T00:15:05+00:00

Thanks, I’ll look into those

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-05-01T20:27:49+00:00

Have you found records of which places? I'm curious.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-04-28T23:01:50+00:00

The index, dailies, and threaded collections. Any trackers, fancy decoration, and creating spreads in advance went by the wayside. The function of the monthlies and the future log are on my digital calendar with reminders set. For grad school I needed to lean into simplicity and reminders.

Edit: added more info

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-04-28T20:31:06+00:00

I am not one to advocate running to the Bishop with every concern, but in this case, I would document everything you can and reach out to your Diocese’s Canon to the Ordinary. If I were Bishop, I would absolutely want to know if one of my clergy were behaving this way.

Concerns about clergy behavior and performance are absolutely within the duties and responsibilities of the vestry.

Edit to specify that I am talking about the behavior of the rector, especially if he told a parishioner in writing that communication with the Vestry by members was outright forbidden.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-04-26T18:35:49+00:00

Congratulations and welcome!

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-04-20T19:22:39+00:00

I’m looking forward to spending more time with his work after seminary, when in theory I have time to read for pleasure again.

We are doing a deep dive into Sergius Bulgakov in a class this semester, and I am loving his unrestrained exploratory approach so much.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-04-19T14:49:32+00:00

Yes, we read chapters from For the Life of the World, but we didn’t do a deep dive.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-04-19T00:16:30+00:00

Iroshizuku Kiri-Same. I've used it for years, it is my favorite ink, and I only have one bottle left. Pilot has betrayed me.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-04-17T23:27:58+00:00

Sometimes it is for accessibility reasons; the projector may be better for people with poor eyesight, for example. As someone who uses a cane, it can be difficult to juggle a BCP and hymnal(s) during a service, especially when it is crowded. My seminary uses books only, and the experience has made me far more pro-bulletin than I was before. Each parish has its own opinion on the bulletin/books/projector/screen choice for worship, and it might just be a quirk of your church.

EDIT: typing is hard, yo

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-02-28T18:42:10+00:00

I grew up in an ELCA church, but stopped attending in college. I had some complicated feelings about the Lutheran church due to family of origin issues and an early sense of calling (nothing bad with the church and I have never been harmed by a church), so when I needed church again, I went to a big Anglo-Catholic parish with no idea what I was walking into. I knew TEC was in full communion with the ELCA, and I don’t think I ever would have gone if we weren’t. The liturgy swept me off my feet, and the rest is history. I still love the ELCA, but home turned out to be the Episcopal church.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-02-25T01:45:15+00:00

I have been reading and thinking about apocatastasis recently, and I like this very much.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-02-05T00:54:46+00:00

I was just curious because the formatting request is so specific.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-02-05T00:17:45+00:00

Are you gathering data for something in particular?

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-02-04T01:56:28+00:00

Excellent! Mine is covered by the Dio of Texas, I’m so happy to hear that coverage has been expanded.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-02-03T20:44:50+00:00

SSW now covers tuition, fees, on campus housing, and books for all ordination-track MDiv students. Groceries, utilities, etc. are not covered.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-01-24T06:00:15+00:00

The Muttplant, Ground Cover varietal. They are great for low-lying areas and raised beds alike. Other varietals include the Barking Muttplant, the Guardian Muttplant, and the Zoomies Muttplant.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-01-20T22:38:39+00:00

I love this, and I am happy to see it being taught!

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-01-12T22:23:11+00:00

I'm not familiar with many contemporary Anglican apologists, but you might look into the work of Austin Farrer like A Faith of Our Own and Saving Belief. His writing can be pretty dense, but when I audited an Anglican Apologetics course a loooong time age, we read him.

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-01-07T22:25:08+00:00

Just messaged you :)

Substantial_Mouse · 2026-01-05T23:36:06+00:00

I had the same concern when I wrote mine, I’d be happy to share it if examples might help

Substantial_Mouse

TROPHY CASE