I want to encourage fellow Christian writers to avoid using AI. Personally, I can usually tell if something was written by AI just by looking at it. When I notice that, I tend to skip over those articles or posts without reading them.

If you’re not sure how to recognize AI writing, one of the easiest signs is that it feels overly structured. The sentences often repeat the same pattern, and instead of sounding natural, the writing can feel stiff or mechanical. They are often short, choppy, or don’t flow naturally.

You might also notice that AI writing often lacks depth. It can sound polished, but it usually misses real emotion, personal experience, or those small details people naturally add. Sometimes it feels generic, as if it’s saying the right words but not really saying anything meaningful.

You’ll probably notice a lot of repetition, too. There are often short sentences and phrases like “it’s not this, it’s that.” The same sentence styles keep showing up, which makes the writing feel flat. Most people naturally mix up how they speak and write, but AI tends to repeat itself. I even see influencers using these scripts, like “it’s not _____, it’s not ______,” which is a classic sign of AI. Or “not _____, not _____” the sentences start with “not,” or “they didn’t”- many negative statements. It is very telling if you know what to look for, and as an avid reader before AI, I find it very easy to spot.

AI writing also tends to lack a clear voice. Real writing has personality, and you can sense who’s behind the words. With AI, the writing often feels neutral, as if anyone could have written it. This makes it harder to connect with and leaves out any sense of the actual writer.

Sometimes, there are small moments when something feels off. Maybe the tone suddenly changes, a detail doesn’t fit, or there’s a made-up fact or data point. It’s not always easy to spot, but it can make the writing feel disconnected.

A recent study led by MIT researchers explored how the use of AI tools like ChatGPT affects learning and brain activity. People who relied on ChatGPT to write essays showed less brain engagement over time, weaker neural connections, and less critical thinking. Their writing was more generic, and they had a harder time remembering what they wrote.

On the other hand, people who wrote on their own first and then used AI showed greater brain engagement and better memory. This suggests that AI is more helpful when used after you’ve done your own thinking, not as a replacement. The researchers also pointed out that relying too much on AI could lower mental effort and might affect learning and critical thinking in the long run, though the study is still early and hasn’t been peer-reviewed yet. As my son would call it, “brain rot,” and that is something none of us wants for ourselves.

As a writer, I know it can be hard to come up with new ideas, but it’s worth the effort for both our readers and us.

God has given us talents, so we don’t need to rely on AI for help. Besides, AI often fabricates information or produces false data.

Scripture calls us to study to show ourselves approved to God (2 Timothy 2:15), not to rely on shortcuts, but to be rooted in truth. God promises that if we ask for wisdom, He will give it generously (James 1:5). Jesus reminds us that apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:5). This is why we lean on the Lord and depend on the Holy Spirit, who guides us into truth (John 16:13). There is no substitute for time in the Word, for prayer, and for allowing God Himself to shape our understanding. Tools may exist, but they should never replace seeking Him first.

Reference:

Kosmyna, N., et al. (2025). [Preprint on AI tool use and neural connectivity in learning]—Massachusetts Institute of Technology. (Reported by Cristantiello, R., 2025, June 20).

*This note from my son went viral on Instagram a couple of years ago. He posted his “wish” for the school year. This was all from his little mind and heart, no AI.