Written by: Gillian Fraser
Article source: JOY! Magazine
In a world of rapid digital innovation, we are more connected – and more vulnerable – than ever before. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) means that videos, voices, and even entire sermons can now be generated using tools that mimic people almost perfectly. This has led to a new wave of misinformation where trusted voices are being digitally cloned to say things they never said.
A viral example of deception
One recent example that raised concern among our readers was a video circulating online in which the late Billy Graham appears to claim that tithing is a sin. While this may seem credible at first glance, a closer examination reveals that the voice is not his – it was generated by AI. These technologies only need a few seconds of real audio to create a convincing replica. What’s more, the tone, style, and theological content of the clip do not reflect the faithful Bible teaching that characterised Billy Graham’s ministry.
The age of misinformation
We live in an era where fake news, deepfakes, and AI-generated messages are increasingly common. As believers, this means we must be more vigilant than ever. The Bible instructs us to “test all things; hold fast what is good” (1 Thes 5:21) and to be like the Bereans, who “searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so” (Acts 17:11).
What discernment is – and is not
Discernment is not suspicion. It is not scepticism for the sake of being critical. Discernment is a spiritual discipline – a gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12:10) – that helps us rightly divide truth from error. This applies not only to news and online videos, but especially to theological teachings. We cannot afford to take any message at face value, regardless of who seems to be delivering it. Whether a well-known preacher or a viral quote, every teaching must be weighed against the unchanging truth of God’s Word.
The Bible is our measuring stick
Scripture gives us all that we need to know what is true. As Paul told Timothy, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16). We must anchor ourselves in the Bible so that we are not “tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine” (Eph 4:14).
Even uncertain content must be tested
Even when we are not sure if something is fake or not, the call remains the same – use discernment. Don’t blindly accept information just because it’s online, on a screen, or spoken from a pulpit. Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom. Read the Bible for yourself. Seek counsel from mature believers. Guard your heart and mind.
Sound theology shapes sound living
Theology matters. What we believe about God shapes how we live. In this age of AI and deception, let us be people of truth – grounded in Scripture, led by the Spirit, and unwavering in our commitment to sound doctrine.
This article is featured in the June issue of JOY! Magazine. Read a digital version of this magazine here: joygifts.co.za
Click here to KEEP UPDATED on the latest news by subscribing to our FREE weekly newsletter.
> Please support Christian media and journalism in South Africa. Help us to spread the Word of God and take a stand for the truth by making a donation to our ministry. We appreciate your support. Click here to take hands with JOY! Magazine.
Date published: 15/06/2025
Feature image: Image for illustrative purposes only.
DISCLAIMER
JOY! News is a Christian news portal that shares pre-published articles by writers around the world. Each article is sourced and linked to the origin, and each article is credited with the author’s name. Although we do publish many articles that have been written in-house by JOY! journalists, we do not exclusively create our own content. Any views or opinions presented on this website are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the company.
