AI, Christian Music, and the Future of Faith: Why We Shouldn’t Fear the Tools God Gives Us

This past week a debate broke out in Christian music. Forrest Frank called out Chris Townsend because the top two Christian songs on iTunes were created using AI. Frank argued that Christians shouldn’t open their hearts to music made with AI because “AI has no soul.”   The two songs are at the end of this article.

I understand the concern, but the argument doesn’t hold water. Not when you look at history. Not when you look at how God has always worked.  Some of the discussion switched from using AI for creating music to other discussions on AI so for this post I'm just talking about using AI to serve God and whether that is good or bad.

Let’s speak plainly:
AI is a tool. Nothing more. The soul still belongs to the person who uses it.

God Has Always Used Tools to Advance His Kingdom

People said almost the same things about the printing press. Before Gutenberg, the Bible had to be copied by hand. Only religious leaders owned one. Ordinary believers didn’t have access to Scripture. Then along came a man with a “soulless machine.” Within 50 years, Bibles spread across Europe. People read the Word for themselves. The Reformation exploded. Entire denominations were born. Revival fires swept across nations.

And today, not a single Christian argues that the printing press corrupted the faith.

Why?
Because the tool didn’t carry the power. The message did.

The same is true of microphones, radios, projectors, Christian television, worship software, and yes, electric guitars.  I am in my late 60s and I remember when rock and roll went Christian.  Churches denounced it as of the devil, now it is found in every contemporary Christian worship service and broadcast around the world, bringing believers closer to God.  Remember the movie Footloose? 

 Every generation gets a new tool, and every generation has someone warning that “God can’t use it," and every generation is proven wrong, at least so far.

AI Doesn’t Replace the Holy Spirit — It Extends the Work of God’s People

Let’s be honest:

• AI can’t worship God.

• AI can’t be convicted of sin.

• AI can’t love Jesus.

• AI can’t feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.

But a Christian can.

A Christian can use AI the way a carpenter uses a hammer or a musician uses a synthesizer. The heart behind the creation still belongs to the person. The tool simply multiplies what they can do.

Chris Townsend isn’t surrendering his soul to a machine. He’s a believer using a new instrument to share truth in a fresh way. The message, the direction, the inspiration, those come from him and ultimately from God.

We’ve Already Seen the Good AI Can Do

I’ve seen AI strengthen the faith of real people:

• Bible study tools that help believers understand Scripture better.  I've written on how AI is the best Bible study resource you can use.

• Memory Cross cards, We use AI to help us create Memory Cross cards.  We provide the information we want and give it guidance and it creates the images.  I think it is a remarkable image generator that is being used to help bring children to God.  Our John 3:16 coloring card is the latest one we created.

• Christian images and devotionals crafted with AI as a support, not a replacement.

God has used these things, not because AI is holy, but because He works through His people.

The Real Danger Isn’t AI — It’s Christians Retreating from New Territory

The church made a costly mistake when it stepped back and let the world shape the early internet. We shouldn’t repeat that error. When new ground opens, Christians should step forward boldly, not shrink back in fear.

We don’t worship the tool.
We worship God.
And God is not threatened by technological progress.

He used the printing press.
He used radio.
He used television.
He used the digital revolution.

And He can use AI.  If you are 50 or above think about the changes Billy Graham made by utilizing TV.  Millions of people were brought to God and the Billy Graham Evangelistic association is still helping people come to God after his passing, yet at the time there were church leaders who condemned using TV. 

Use It Wisely. Use It Boldly. Use It for God’s Glory.

AI won’t replace the Holy Spirit. It won’t replace musicians, pastors, or teachers. But it can strengthen their work, speed their reach, and open doors that were once closed.

If AI helps someone hear a song that touches their heart…
If it helps a child understand Scripture…
If it helps a seeker learn the Gospel…
Then it has done something good.

The power has never been in the tool.
The power has always been in the God who works through His people.

Instead of fearing AI, let’s ask the better question:
“Lord, how can this help me glorify You?”

That’s the posture the church needs today. Not fear. Not superstition.
Wisdom. Courage. And a willingness to use every tool God puts in our hands.  Let me know what you think.

Here is the link to Chris Towsend's Instagram page where he talks about using AI to help people come to God.    You can write a comment below or  click on Chris' page to join the existing conversation.