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Submitted
November 18, 2024
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December 15, 2024
Published
December 26, 2024
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Abstract

With discussions across disciplines, AI technologies are here to stay. For both professors and students, academic debates raise ethical and moral questions. This study attempts to address the latter issue through these research questions: Can graduate theology scholars use ChatGPT for their publications? What are the advantages and drawbacks of using ChatGPT in scholarly publications for graduate Theology students? What are the implications for graduate Theology students? What guidelines should be followed when using ChatGPT? The literature shows that professors are already worried about potential scholastic perversions resulting in plagiarism and academic fraud. Originality, creativity, synthesis, and critical thinking, diligent editing are still necessary. AI technologies have theological ramifications for soteriology and ecclesiology. ChatGPT's biblical knowledge is theologically unsound and prone to errors. It’s unreliable in translations of ancient Biblical texts and should not replace professional knowledge of languages, particularly when handling intricate linguistic problems. Thus, AI technology should be viewed as a supportive tool for missions. It should not replace spiritual discernment, the Holy Spirit's guidance, theological understanding, or insights into the Christian experience.

Keywords

ChatGPT Theology graduates Critical thinking Artificial intelligence

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Copyright (c) 2024 Mahlon Nyongesa Juma

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

Author Biography

Mahlon Nyongesa Juma, Adventist University of Africa, Kenya

Dr. Mahlon Juma coordinates the Master of Chaplaincy Program at the Adventist University of Africa. He holds a Ph.D. from the Adventist University of the Philippines and master's degrees in Educational Administration and Counseling. Dr. Juma is a Board-Certified Chaplain, a Full Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE) Supervisor (Chaplaincy Diplomate), and a Certified Life Coach and Mentor for the "My Journey to Recovery" program. He is the interim Vice-Chair of the Professional Association of Chaplains in Kenya. Dr. Mahlon’s research interests include psychology, correctional justice systems, religion, CPE, and chaplaincy concerns.

How to Cite
Juma, M. N. (2024). Navigating the ChatGPT Theological Terrain: Considerations for Graduate Theology Students. Pan-African Journal of Education and Social Sciences, 5(2), 158–166. https://doi.org/10.56893/pajes2024v05i02.11
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