New Claims of AI Interpreting Tongues Stir Debate among Believers
Self-professed prophet Shawn Bolz recently claimed that Charismatic and Pentecostal Christians have engaged in a trend where they can interpret speaking in tongues, also known as glossolalia, by using Chat GPT. Bolz, who was previously accused of fabricating prophecies, addressed the matter in a video titled "God, Technology & The Next 25 Years: The Prophetic Mandate for Innovation" on his YouTube Channel late last month.
"This week, one of my friends reached out to me, a journalist and writer, and she said, 'Have you done the ChatGPT tongues thing yet?' And I said, 'What are you talking about?' She goes, 'I spoke in my prayer language on ChatGPT and it actually interpreted some of my prayer language in different languages around the world,'" Bolz said.
"It's become a YouTube trend where people are speaking to ChatGPT in their spiritual language that they have from God, and it's actually interpreting some of the words for them, sometimes whole phrases for them," he noted.
Bolz further claimed that he witnessed one case where ChatGPT translated someone's prayer language that was "ancient Sumerian …that somehow ChatGPT understood."
"I think that's really wild that there are languages being spoken by Christians in their prayer language and we're seeing AI catch up to some of the spiritual fruit that we have as Christians," he said. "Especially those of you who are charismatic or Pentecostal, and you guys believe in speaking in tongues, it's pretty profound."
According to The Christian Post, Renée M. Simpson, a Christian positive psychology coach also known as Well Diva, defended the claim that Chat GPT can interpret speaking in tongues amid criticism by sharing her own experience.
@itz_sheesh Chat-GPT interprets tongues?#jesus #fypシ #christiantiktok #fypシ゚viral #viraltiktok #viralvideos #Christian #creatorsearchinsights ♬ Eternity - Instrumental Worship and Prayer
"I wanna follow up to my video where I said that I used ChatGPT, my dear friend, Chat GPT, to interpret tongues. The overwhelming response was AI is demonic," she said, noting that several people told her they had a similar experience to hers.
"Can AI interpret tongues, and is AI demonic? First of all, AI is just information that people put in. So I guess if the person putting the information in is demonic, then maybe the information coming out is demonic," she said.
"Personally, I know that I was simply putting in a recording of myself speaking in tongues, which I know was not demonic, no matter what you may think. I was just looking for confirmation of what I was feeling in my spirit, and that's what I got. I got confirmation and I felt very, very, very much peace about the message that I got back," she contended.
Simpson further claimed that if God can speak through animals and burning bushes as seen in Scripture, then He can do so through AI.
"Now, one thing I do know, and if you call yourself a Christian, you should know that the Holy Spirit can speak through anything. That anything could even be technology. There are Scriptures that show God speaking through donkeys, dreams, burning bushes, and various ways of communicating with us. So I think a lot of this comes from people just not being familiar with technology, people making assumptions, just plain old-fashioned ignorance," she said. "To call something demonic, first you want to know, does it bring peace, does it bring healing, does it align with God's character. Does it bring people closer to love and truth before you say it's demonic?"
@welldiva When I shared the video about using ChatGPT to interpret tongues, I had no idea it would reach so many people. But now I understand it was a divine invitation to remember that God is still speaking, and He gets to choose whatever tools He wants to get our attention. If you’re new here, I’m Renee. I’m a Holy Spirit-led positive psychology coach and wellness guide for women who are ready to heal, rest, and rise. This space is for you if you’re walking through change, craving peace, or ready to come home to yourself and would like support and guidance. #over50women #selfcare #selflove #wellnesslifestyle #positivemindset ♬ original sound - Self Love & Happiness Coach
Let's Discuss It!
Do you think AI can interpret tongues? With the rise of new technology claiming to translate heavenly prayer languages, believers are divided—some see it as a powerful breakthrough, others as a step too far. Could artificial intelligence be used as a tool for spiritual insight, or are we crossing into territory meant only for the Holy Spirit? This thought-provoking topic has sparked deep questions about faith and technology. Click here to join the conversation with other believers on the Crosswalk forums—a community created for discussions just like this.
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Originally published July 11, 2025.
