AI Theology

Conservative, Progressive, or Post-Progressive?

This week, a self-indulgent post. I asked ChatGPT some things about myself. 

Some of this was driven by a curiosity about where ChatGPT would locate me on the theological spectrum. I've written a lot online since 2007 when I started this blog. And I've authored some books. ChatGPT has access to all that, so how would I be characterized?

I started with this question: "Would you characterize Richard Beck's theology, from his books and his blog Experimental Theology, as being conservative or progressive?"

The answer:

Richard Beck's theology, as reflected in his writings, can be characterized as progressive. He often engages in theological exploration that challenges traditional Christian doctrines and practices, and promotes ideas that are considered progressive within the context of modern Christianity. For example, he has written on topics such as the intersection of faith and psychology, Christian inclusivity and hospitality towards marginalized groups, and the deconstruction of traditional evangelical paradigms. Beck's writings also reflect a willingness to engage with contemporary issues, such as social justice, sexuality, and the role of doubt in faith, which are often associated with progressive theological perspectives.

I'll let longtime readers judge, but this seems fairly accurate. I frequently describe my views as "progressive," and I think ChatGPT's answer gets at why that label fits, even if not perfectly.

That said, over the last few years I've come to describe myself as "post-progressive." Since the publication of The Slavery of Death, readers of my work will have noted a change in my writing. The strong theme of deconstruction in my early work, seen in The Authenticity of Faith, has been slowly replaced with themes of reconstruction, culminating most recently in Hunting Magic Eels. Over this time, I began to point out worrisome trends I was observing within progressive Christianity and started writing about these, finally reaching the assessment that I no longer felt the label "progressive" fit my views. While ChatGPT's description above remains true for me, I have changed in significant ways. 

So, I asked ChatGPT about that change. I queried: "Richard Beck also describes his theology as post-progressive and often criticizes progressive Christianity. How does his theology reflect this post-progressive position?"

Richard Beck's theology is often described as post-progressive because he engages critically with both progressive and conservative theological perspectives, seeking to move beyond the limitations of these traditional categories. However, he has also identified areas of concern with some of the tendencies of progressive Christianity.

One area of concern for Beck is what he has called "progressive Christian disenchantment." He has observed a tendency among some progressive Christians to reject or downplay traditional Christian practices and beliefs associated with supernatural or mystical experiences. Beck's concern with progressive Christian disenchantment is that it can lead to a loss of the transformative power of the Christian faith.

Richard Beck's theology also reflects a post-progressive perspective in his critique of what he sees as a tendency towards tribalism in progressive Christianity. He has criticized the way in which certain progressive Christians can become overly focused on politics and creating a sense of in-group/out-group dynamics.

Another area of concern for Beck is that, while he acknowledges the importance of social justice and inclusivity, he has argued that some progressive Christians downplay or ignore the role of personal transformation in the Christian life.

Beck's post-progressive theology also seeks to move beyond the traditional liberal/conservative theological divide by engaging in dialogue and understanding with a wide range of perspectives. He has called for a renewed emphasis on the practice of hospitality as a way of building bridges between different theological and ideological communities.

Overall, Richard Beck's post-progressive theology reflects a willingness to engage critically with both progressive and conservative theological perspectives while seeking to move beyond the limitations of these traditional categories.

Some of the limitations of ChatGPT are on show here. I don't think my theology is "often" described as post-progressive. As far as I know, I coined that label and am the only person I know who uses it in reference to myself. I also don't think I've ever used my work on hospitality (Unclean, Stranger God) to call for "building bridges between different theological and ideological communities." I don't recall ever writing about or calling for this explicitly. My writing about Left/Right issues has been less about "bridge building" than calling down curses upon both houses. 

Still, some of my concerns about progressive Christianity do show up in the chatbot's answer: Disenchantment, politicalization, and tribalism. ChatGPT's answer isn't deep or wholly accurate, but it's not the worst. 

Apologies again for a self-indulgent back and forth with ChatGPT this week. It was partly a test to see how an AI chatbot would classify and analyze an author's work that has changed over time. But this conversation also helps to give new readers a sense of my spiritual history and theological journey and where, currently, I tend to stand.