Mike "Pops" Klumpp

AI seems to be very vogue in discussions around circles I frequent. Educators, theologians, farmers and friends are all passing on AI wisdom and warnings. So, what has Pops to say?

Have you ever used spellcheck or allowed your computer to correct your grammar? Well, there you go – artificial intelligence has been part of our world for longer than you think.

Now, what is the difference between “Go ask Pops” and asking Chat GPT or Copilot. Why should anyone go ask Pops when we have the compendium of knowledge available through these other Behemoths?

Simple. I am alive. I have human experience as well as knowledge. I have the ability to synthesize facts and feelings and even create unique human responses. Might they (my human responses) be flawed? I recently asked for the Koine Greek version of a passage in 1Timothy. Chat GPT offered a Greek passage – oops! Fortunately, my Greek was good enough to instantly know I was being given misinformation. Chat GPT apologized but of course felt no sorrow. It was just words. An empty apology. I asked Copilot for a list of all contemporary versions of Handel’s Messiah. As the list was populated, I noticed that Handel’s Messiah: A Soulful Celebration 1992 was missing. I asked my AI guide why it had been left out or overlooked. I received a sophisticated computer version of “oops!” Pops is not the only source of knowledge that can be mistaken. However, Pops is alive. I share the human experience with you. No AI can do that. And sometimes, it is the shared human experience we need.

AI is a tool. (not like that haha) A tool is something (such as an instrument, apparatus or machine) used in performing an operation or necessary in the practice of a vocation or profession. (The definition is adapted from an online dictionary – AI??) It has a place. But…if you are looking for someone with experience for thoughtful conversation “Go ask Pops”. He’s alive!

Sorry, HAL 9000 – No me. Not today. BTW my apology to HAL – just words.

Go ask Pops – I am alive and I am listening.