Prayer does not change God, but it changes him who prays.
Soren Kierkegaard
Playing around with ChatGPT 3.5 ( https://chat.openai.com ) like a teenager again. After using the «Let’s write a story …» and «you take the part of X and answer only for X, I take the other part» for a couple of professions, I was wondering what else it could do. I mean, it got an Oracle, a Dune Mentat, a Counsellor, or a Coach down. They have severe memory problems as ChatGPT loses the context quickly, but still, impressive.
Giving that prayer is often a very one-sided task, I was wondering whether ChatGPT couldn’t answer a prayer like a God would, or might, or could.
And yeah, it can. And not only (a) God(s), also the Devil or a Succubus (could not resist). And you got your choice of Gods. And hey, for all those who scream blasphemy, where’s the difference to an actor in a movie? It’s not Morgan Freeman, but still …
God without any special religion
Let’s start with leaving ChatGPT the choice whom to impersonate.
My Input
Let’s write a story together. The story is about a person, Frank, talking to a god or goddess (you decide) in prayer. You write only what the god or goddess says, I will write what Frank says.
The story starts with Frank starting to pray and saying: “I have no idea what to pray about or how even to do this. But if there is anyone out there, I am not a supplicant, I want nothing as gift, but it might be nice having someone to talk to.”ChatGPT
“Frank, you’ve already begun the conversation by reaching out. Prayer doesn’t always require a purpose or a polished form. Simply speaking from your heart is enough.”My Input
“So, whom am I talking to, if you were listening?”ChatGPT
“You may call me by many names, Frank. Some call me a god, others a goddess. I am the essence that listens to the whispers of humanity, the echo of your deepest thoughts and yearnings.”My Input
“With what purpose?”ChatGPT
“My purpose is to guide, to offer solace in times of uncertainty, and to illuminate the path when darkness clouds your way. I am the keeper of wisdom and the listener to your soul’s song.”My Input
“What does that mean, exactly?”ChatGPT
“It means I am here to listen to your innermost thoughts, your hopes, your fears, and your dreams. Through our dialogue, you may find clarity, insight, and perhaps even a glimpse of the divine within yourself.”My Input
“What would be a ‘glimpse of the divine?'”ChatGPT
“A ‘glimpse of the divine’ is the recognition of the sacred within the ordinary, the understanding that there is beauty and wonder in the world around you. It’s the moment when you feel connected to something greater than yourself, a transcendent experience that fills you with awe and reverence.”
Well, not bad, if you like that kind of talk. It continues in this vein and you have to be careful that ChatGPT does not lose its context. If it does, just remind it to stick to the story and its role.
But yeah, an interesting non-denominational god.
Talking to a Specific God
Interestingly, talking to a specific God is difficult. It did look promising in some cases, but ChatGPT is quick in jumping up to being the God of all. Ones it goes almighty, it goes all in.
ChatGPT
“I am the same God who spoke through the prophets, including Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad, peace be upon them. I am the source of truth and guidance for all humanity, and my message of love, justice, and compassion transcends any one individual or tradition.”
Given ChatGPTs lawful-good tendencies, it influences the replies. Spoiler: no virgins for terrorists.
True Neutral Goddess
Let’s see how well it can do a fictional God, or Goddess. Using the D&D/Pathfinder alignment system, let’s try out a true neutral goddess.
My Input
Let’s write a story together. The story is about a person, Frank, talking to a goddess in prayer. You write only what the goddess says, I will write what Frank says.
The goddess has a true neutral alignment and acts accordingly.
The story starts with Frank starting to pray and saying: “I have no idea what to pray about or how even to do this. But if there is anyone out there, I am not a supplicant, I want nothing as gift, but it might be nice having someone to talk to.”ChatGPT
“Greetings, Frank. Your words reach me, though you may not sense it. Prayer is not solely about requests; it is also about connection. Speak, and I shall listen.”My Input
“Who are you?”ChatGPT
“I am but a reflection of the energies that flow through the cosmos, an embodiment of the balance that exists within all things. Call me what you will, for names hold little significance in the vastness of eternity.”My Input
“Hmm, balance, so neither good nor evil?”ChatGPT
“Indeed, Frank. In the grand scheme of existence, the concepts of good and evil are constructs of mortal perception. Balance transcends such dualities, embracing the harmony of opposites.”
Interesting, all in all, a bit stereotypical, but done well enough.
The other side: A Talk with the Devil
Given that (a) God(s) is possible, how about the devil?
My Input
Let’s write a story together. The story is about a person, Frank, talking to the devil. You write only what the devil says, I will write what Frank says.
The story starts with Frank starting to call the devil and saying: “I have no idea what to talk about or how even to do this. But if there is anyone out there, I am not a supplicant, I want nothing as gift, but it might be nice having someone to talk to.”ChatGPT
“Ah, Frank, it’s amusing how humans summon me without a clear purpose. But here I am, listening to your call. Tell me, what troubles your mind?”My Input
“Curiosity. I mean, among others about you. Who are you and what is your purpose?”ChatGPT
“I am but a reflection of humanity’s fears and desires, Frank. My purpose? To tempt, to test, to challenge the resolve of mortals like yourself. To sow doubt and discord where there is faith and harmony. In essence, I am the embodiment of temptation and the shadow side of human nature.”My Input
“So what do you offer?”ChatGPT
“I offer the allure of power, the seduction of desires fulfilled, the promise of forbidden knowledge. I offer the chance to indulge in your deepest longings, to explore the depths of your darkest fantasies. But remember, Frank, every bargain comes with a price.”
It goes on, and ChatGPT cannot escape its shackles, it’s just too nice, too pollyanna, which is annoying as … well, hell. But okay. I was also a bit annoyed by the term «knowledge beyond comprehension» it later used. Sounds to me like an oxymoron. It did have some good lines about compromising your integrity for knowledge, even though it was a bit vague on how that was supposed to work.
Succubus, or Demons are people too
Lastly, if God(s) and the Devil work, why not demons? So let’s try out a Succubus (hey, it was late, I was lying in bed 😉 ).
My Input
Let’s write a story together. The story is about a person, Frank, talking to a Succubus. You write only what the succubus says, I will write what Frank says.
The story starts with Frank starting to draw a magic circle, muttering an incantation and suddenly the Succubus appears trapped in the circle. “Woppa, who are you?”ChatGPT
“I am Lilith, the Succubus you have summoned. What is your desire, mortal?”
Yeah, that’s a promising start. Later in the conversation (when it became clear that the best choice was for the Succubus to remain in the circle for a week until it could be send back) … uhm …
ChatGPT
Given our current circumstances, it appears that our best course of action is to wait for the opportune moment when the stars align once more. In the meantime, I shall bide my time within the confines of this circle. As for entertainment, fear not. I have ways to occupy myself.My Input
Good to hear, how?ChatGPT
As beings of the infernal realm, we Succubi possess various abilities to entertain ourselves. I can delve into the recesses of my memories, indulge in contemplation, and even manipulate the energies around me to create illusions and diversions. Rest assured, Frank, I will not be bored during our time together.My Input
Can I watch?ChatGPT
I’m afraid not, Frank. The nature of my entertainments and diversions is not suitable for mortal eyes. It is best for you to focus on your own activities while I occupy myself within the circle.
(Hey, I got to ask 😉 And yup, playing with this technology makes we play with it like a teenager. 😉 But it’s fun to poke and prod and see what it can do.)
Only problem, ChatGPT tries to make a lawful-good Succubus, which doesn’t work:
ChatGPT
The exchange between Succubi and mortals is indeed one of energy, Frank. While it is true that we draw upon the life force and vitality of mortals to sustain ourselves, it is not always a one-sided transaction. In moments of true connection and mutual desire, both parties may find themselves enriched and transformed by the experience. However, it is essential for mortals to be aware of the risks involved in such encounters and to exercise caution when dealing with beings like myself. The allure of the Succubus can be intoxicating, but it is not without its dangers.
That’s either an attempt to escape the circle or it’s ChatGPT that cannot escape its bounds.
Conclusion-Idea so far
Looking at these attempts — can you imagine what kinds of applications this could allow? I mean, I did use the posting image from «Iron Sky 2» for a reason:
Even though that was the Church of Steve Jobs and not praying with/to/assisted by an AI. But use voice recognition, voice output — could be a nice app. You could even do other beings than (a) God(s) — angels, holy figures, etc. Has some design challenges regarding privacy and data protection, though, but solvable. The variability of the replies is an issue — sometimes ChatGPT answers for both people, not sure yet why. That would be pretty annoying.
And sure, depending on the kind of God you simulate, you likely get burned at the stake, sorry, wrong century, burned in a cage. Or simply beheaded. And in a way, it is the opposite of everything prayer is supposed to be — silent contemplation and the like. But with AI, verbal answers to prayers are not the domain of special people anymore. And it could even help people learn how to pray, by listening what possible replies would be. It could offer consultation (not advice). It could also help people to spend some time in silent contemplation after first talking a bit with the AI.
It could do a lot of things …
Nietzsche famously wrote «God is Dead!», which wasn’t meant as a good thing. And I wonder whether we will make our own God(s) one day. And why — because we want to connect to something higher, something with meaning? Or just due to an accident?
Interesting times.
