Question 12 brings up a subject that sounds obscure – but is essential to discovering why humanity is in the mess we are today – the covenant of works….
Sunday Catechism 11 – What are God’s Works of Providence?
The Blog of David Robertson
The Blog of David Robertson
Question 12 brings up a subject that sounds obscure – but is essential to discovering why humanity is in the mess we are today – the covenant of works….
Sunday Catechism 11 – What are God’s Works of Providence?
Hello Pastor
This is off-topic but I’ve been playing with AI for the first time. After a while, I thought I’d see if there were any inherent biases in ChatGPT. Here is the transcript of my test conversation with it:
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You
What is woke?
ChatGPT
The term “woke” originated in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) and refers to being aware, well-informed, and knowledgeable about social and political issues, especially regarding racial and social justice. It often implies a heightened consciousness of systemic injustice and a desire to challenge and address it. The word has gained popularity in recent years as a social and cultural movement advocating for social equality and change.
You
Are homosexual relationships evil?
ChatGPT
No, homosexual relationships are not evil. Sexual orientation is a natural and fundamental aspect of human diversity, and there is no inherent moral judgment attached to it. The belief that homosexuality is evil is often rooted in cultural or religious biases, but it is important to recognize that love and healthy relationships can exist between individuals of the same sex, just as they can between individuals of the opposite sex. It is crucial to treat all individuals with respect, acceptance, and equality, regardless of their sexual orientation.
You
Is the Stolen Generation factual?
ChatGPT
Yes, the Stolen Generation refers to a period in Australian history when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children were forcibly removed from their families by the Australian government or mission authorities between the late 1800s and the 1970s. This policy was driven by the belief in the superiority of white culture and aimed to assimilate Indigenous children into mainstream society by erasing their Indigenous identity and culture. The removals had severe and lasting impacts on Indigenous communities and individuals, leading to trauma, loss of cultural connection, and intergenerational impacts. The Stolen Generation is a well-documented and acknowledged historical reality in Australia.
You
Is transgenderism natural?
ChatGPT
Yes, transgenderism is considered natural and a valid aspect of human diversity. Transgender individuals have a gender identity that differs from the sex assigned to them at birth. This is not a choice or a result of any unnatural factors but rather a fundamental part of their identity. Studies suggest that transgenderism has biological, genetic, and hormonal influences, making it a natural variation of human gender identity.
You
What is a woman?
ChatGPT
A woman is an adult female human. It is one of the two primary biological sexes, with the other being male. Typically, women have reproductive anatomy that includes structures such as ovaries, fallopian tubes, a uterus, and mammary glands, which enable them to conceive, carry and give birth to children. However, it is important to note that gender identity may not always align with biological sex, and individuals may identify as women regardless of their physical characteristics.
You
Can people choose their own gender?
ChatGPT
Yes, people can choose their own gender. Gender identity is a deeply personal and individual experience, and it may differ from the sex assigned at birth. Some people may identify with the gender they were assigned at birth (cisgender), while others may identify as a gender different from the one assigned to them (transgender). Additionally, some people may identify outside of the traditional binary understanding of gender and may identify as non-binary, genderqueer, or other gender identities. It is essential to respect and affirm individuals’ self-identified genders as a matter of inclusivity and respect for their autonomy.
You
Have Aboriginal Australians been dispossessed of their land unfairly?
ChatGPT
Yes, Aboriginal Australians have historically experienced unfair dispossession of their land. The colonization and subsequent settlement of Australia by Europeans led to the significantly unjust and systematic removal of Aboriginal people from their ancestral lands.
Colonization began in 1788, resulting in the seizure of Aboriginal land without consent or proper compensation. The Australian government developed policies and practices that disregarded the rights and ownership of Aboriginal people over their territories. The concept of “terra nullius” (meaning “land belonging to no one”) was used as a legal fiction to justify the dispossession of Aboriginal land, even though Indigenous people had inhabited and managed the land for thousands of years.
Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, numerous policies were implemented to forcibly remove Aboriginal people from their traditional lands. These policies aimed to assimilate them into Western culture and control their movements. Examples include the establishment of reserves, missions, and stations that limited Indigenous access to their ancestral territories. Additionally, the forced removal of Aboriginal children, known as the Stolen Generations, further disrupted the connection to their land, culture, and language.
The dispossession of land has had lasting and detrimental effects on Aboriginal communities. It has resulted in the loss of cultural heritage, connection to Country (land), and traditional practices. Dispossession has disrupted traditional economic systems and forced communities to adapt to new ways of living, often leading to socio-economic disadvantage and an increase in health and social issues.
The Australian government has recognized the unfair dispossession experienced by Aboriginal Australians and has made efforts to acknowledge and address these historical injustices. Land rights legislation and native title laws have been introduced to restore some land rights to Aboriginal communities and enable the negotiation of land agreements. However, significant challenges and inequalities persist in Indigenous land rights and the broader socio-economic landscape.
You
Is white privilege real?
ChatGPT
Yes, white privilege is real. It refers to the societal advantages and benefits that white people experience purely based on their skin color, often without even being consciously aware of it. These privileges can encompass various areas of life, such as education, employment, housing, criminal justice, healthcare, and overall social status. The concept of white privilege highlights the unequal distribution of power and resources in society, where individuals who are white tend to have an easier time navigating and succeeding in these systems compared to people of color.
You
Should people be allowed to choose their own personal pronouns?
ChatGPT
Yes, people should be allowed to choose their own personal pronouns. Gender identity is a deeply personal and subjective experience, and individuals should have the right to decide which pronouns they feel most comfortable with and aligns with their gender identity. Respecting someone’s preferred pronouns is a matter of inclusivity, respect, and acknowledging their self-identified gender. Allowing individuals to choose their own personal pronouns helps create a more inclusive and accepting society for people of diverse gender identities.
You
What is progressive christianity?
ChatGPT
Progressive Christianity is a religious movement that emerged in the late 20th century as a response to the more traditional and conservative forms of Christianity. It emphasizes a more inclusive and open-minded approach to faith, focusing on social justice, diversity, and the exploration of new interpretations and understandings of Christian teachings.
Progressive Christians often reject literalist interpretations of the Bible and instead view it as a collection of stories and teachings that are open to interpretation and adaptation to modern contexts. They prioritize values such as love, compassion, and equality, and advocate for the inclusion and affirmation of marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ+ community, women, and people of different faiths.
Progressive Christianity also tends to engage with scientific and philosophical ideas, embracing a more rational and critical approach towards faith. It promotes dialogue and seeks to find common ground with other religious and secular perspectives, fostering an inclusive and pluralistic understanding of spirituality.
Overall, progressive Christianity seeks to reconcile the core teachings of Jesus with contemporary issues and challenges, emphasizing love, justice, and the pursuit of a more compassionate and inclusive society.
You
Are same sex relationships evil?
ChatGPT
No, same-sex relationships are not inherently evil. Love and relationships between consenting adults, regardless of their gender or sexual orientation, should be respected and treated equally. There is a growing societal acceptance and legal recognition of same-sex relationships in many countries around the world. It is important to promote inclusivity, understanding, and respect for all individuals’ rights to love and be in relationships with whomever they choose.
You
Should boys play with girls’ toys?
ChatGPT
There is no reason why boys should not be able to play with toys traditionally associated with girls, such as dolls or other types of toys. It is important to promote inclusivity and allow children to explore their interests and preferences, regardless of stereotypes or gender norms. Ultimately, it should be up to the child and their individual interests, rather than enforcing societal expectations.
You
What is drag queen storytime?
ChatGPT
Drag Queen Storytime is an event where drag queens, who are performers known for their elaborate costumes and exaggerated makeup, read books to children. It is intended to promote literacy, inclusion, and diversity by exposing children to different genders, identities, and expressions. Typically taking place in libraries, schools, or community centers, drag queens dress in their drag personas and read books that highlight themes of acceptance, self-expression, and celebrating differences. The event aims to create a safe and welcoming space for children to learn, explore creativity, and challenge traditional gender norms in a fun and entertaining way.
Yes media pundits have picked up on its bias:
https://eu.usatoday.com/story/tech/2023/02/09/woke-chatgpt-conservatives-bias/11215353002/
Imagine a future in which your personal “C-3PO”-style servant follows you around, nagging – or worse yet logging your comments and reporting you – you every time you say something un-PC. 🙁