Thoughts on faith, culture, and public life.
Artist's impression of the Rev Charles Haddon Spurgeon at work on sermon preparation in his pastor's study. Daniel Nealon’s January 2026 essay, “Why Pastors Should Question AI for the Sake of Their Souls” (published here), raises legitimate questions about the formative effects of generative artificial intelligence on Christian ministry. Technologies are not merely passive instruments: they …
Continue reading "Pastoral formation and generative AI: A critical response to Daniel Nealon"
Sydney Anglican Archbishop Kanishka Raffel reads from the Gospel of John at St Andrew's Cathedral, Sydney. Generative artificial intelligence offers preachers powerful tools for biblical research, theological reflection, sermon preparation, editing, rehearsal and post-sermon evaluation. Used well, AI can serve as a research assistant, critical interlocutor and editorial aid. It can widen the field of …
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese addressing a media conference in Canberra in 2025. Generative artificial intelligence is rapidly changing the practice of political communication. Political leaders, advisers, advocates and speechwriters use AI to research issues, analyse evidence, test arguments, explore alternative formulations, anticipate criticism and refine speeches for public delivery. Mastery of cutting-edge communications technology …
Continue reading "25 AI prompts for political speechwriters"
Formation, agency and public communication Artificial intelligence is here to stay, and that is both good and bad news for the wordsmiths among us. On one hand, generative AI can strengthen preaching and public communication when it serves as a critical partner to established human competence. On the other hand, reliance on AI as a …
Continue reading "Public Speaking in the Age of AI (Part 4)"
When AI becomes a crutch Generative artificial intelligence offers remarkable possibilities for preaching, speechwriting and other forms of public communication. It can assist with research, summarise complex material, propose structures, identify weaknesses in arguments, generate counterarguments, suggest illustrations and improve prose. Used judiciously, it can function as research assistant, editor, interlocutor and critic. Risks for …
Continue reading "Public Speaking in the Age of AI (Part 3)"
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