Full Disclosure

This post was written half by me, half by AI. I'm publishing it for two reasons:

• The message is important enough that I want to publish it regardless.
• I want to open the dialogue about this kind of use for AI.

For my own position, I do NOT support the use of AI to replace one's own expertise, voice, or, most importantly, research integrity. I'm even hesitant about using it to replace content creation, though I'm fine with it for expanding/embellishing/multiplying on a theme/filling in. I've published on this before (here), and I am VERY concerned about how AI can be used in the wrong ways, especially by ministry leaders, and equally concerned about the impact of AI hallucinations. I fully welcome AI for some things, like scheduling events and tasks or building outlines for a subject. For other things, I think we need to put a cold, hard stop to it, especially regarding research. I worry that the quality and integrity shortcuts it implicitly encourages will be far more damaging than the benefits it provides.

So, I am publishing this piece to foster discussion on the subject. A sacrificial lamb, as it were, intentionally offered up as an example that can be torn apart and examined.

The way I used AI was as follows:

• I created all of the original content (everything before "AI Content").
• I added all of the Scripture passages, without asking AI for recommendations.
• I then entered the prompt found below. Everything below "AI Content" is AI-generated. I edited nothing in the AI content, minus accommodating the formatting between the original AI and my blog site.

Original Content

Title: Slander and Accusations

There's a fine line between slander and a true accusation, so...

If YOU want to make the accusation

Then YOU need to verify the accusation

As always, hold three principles at hand:

• Primary sources first and foremost; then secondary; tertiary rarely if at all.

• Do the same research you'd expect someone to make if they were saying the same things about you.

• Seek edification and justice, not vindication and pain.

Scripture

• Titus 2:7–8 (ESV) -Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.
• Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) -Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.
• Proverbs 26:18–19 (ESV) -Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “I am only joking!”
• Romans 14:13–19 (ESV) -Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Prompt

Please take the above content and expand it into a full blog post.

AI Content:

Slander and Accusations: A Call for Integrity and Justice

There’s a fine line between slander and a true accusation. In today’s world, where opinions spread faster than facts, it’s crucial to approach accusations with care, integrity, and a commitment to truth. Words carry immense power—they can build up or tear down. So, how do we ensure that our words reflect justice and not harm?

The Responsibility of Accusation

If you feel compelled to make an accusation, the responsibility lies with you to verify it. It’s not enough to rely on hearsay or assumptions. False accusations can cause irreparable harm, not only to the accused but also to your own credibility.

To navigate this responsibility, hold these three principles close:

1. Primary Sources First: Always prioritize primary sources. Secondary sources can be helpful, but they often carry bias or incomplete information. Tertiary sources should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.
2. Do Unto Others: Conduct the same level of research you would expect someone to do if they were making claims about you. This ensures fairness and demonstrates respect for the truth.
3. Seek Edification and Justice: Your goal should be to build up and pursue what is right, not to seek revenge or cause pain.

The Power of Words

Scripture reminds us of the weight our words carry. Proverbs 18:21 (ESV) states, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” This verse underscores the dual nature of speech—it can either bring life and healing or destruction and harm.

Similarly, Proverbs 26:18–19 (ESV) warns against careless words: “Like a madman who throws firebrands, arrows, and death is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, ‘I am only joking!’” Even words spoken in jest can have serious consequences, especially when they damage someone’s reputation.

A Biblical Approach to Accusations

The Bible provides a framework for handling accusations with integrity. Titus 2:7–8 (ESV) encourages us to “show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned.” When we speak with integrity, we leave no room for others to find fault in us.

Romans 14:13–19 (ESV) further emphasizes the importance of pursuing peace and mutual edification. It urges us to avoid placing stumbling blocks in the paths of others and to focus on righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Practical Steps for Handling Accusations

1. Pause and Reflect: Before speaking, take a moment to reflect on your intentions. Are you seeking justice, or are you acting out of anger or frustration?
2. Verify the Facts: Gather evidence from reliable sources. Avoid jumping to conclusions based on incomplete or biased information.
3. Speak with Purpose: Choose your words carefully. Aim to build up, not tear down.
4. Be Open to Correction: If you discover you were wrong, acknowledge it and seek to make amends.

Pursuing Peace and Justice

In a world filled with noise and misinformation, it’s more important than ever to approach accusations with wisdom and care. By prioritizing truth, integrity, and justice, we can use our words to bring about peace and mutual understanding.

Let us strive to be models of good works, as Titus 2:7–8 encourages, and to pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding, as Romans 14:19 reminds us. In doing so, we honor not only those around us but also the God who calls us to live with integrity and love.