Sean Boltz and the ChatGPT Speaking in Tongues Trend

Sean Boltz, who describes himself as a prophet, recently brought attention to a growing trend among charismatic and Pentecostal Christians using ChatGPT to interpret speaking in tongues—often referred to as glossolalia. Boltz, who has faced criticism for allegedly creating prophecies, discussed this topic in a video on his YouTube channel titled “God, Technology, the Next 25 Years: Prophetic Mission for Innovation.”

In his video, Boltz shared an anecdote where a friend, a journalist, reached out to him, asking if he had ever “done a chat tongue.” Confused, he questioned her about it. She explained that she had used ChatGPT in her prayers and claimed it interpreted her words into various languages globally.

Boltz remarked that this has become a popular topic on YouTube, where people engage with ChatGPT, using what they believe are divinely inspired words, and sometimes receive translations or phrases in return.

He went on to recount an instance where ChatGPT reportedly translated a prayer mentioning “Ancient Sumerians,” adding that it was impressive how the AI seemed to understand certain nuances.

“It’s quite remarkable,” he stated, emphasizing that the language Christians use while praying could potentially resonate with AI and its capabilities, which he views as a unique intersection of spirituality and technology. He expressed, “I mean, trusting the process of speaking in tongues can be pretty deep.”

Similarly, a coach in Christian Positive Psychology, Renée M. Simpson, defended the idea that AI might interpret glossolalia. She recounted her own experience—somewhat affirming Boltz’s claims—suggesting many others reported similar encounters when using ChatGPT for interpretation.

She posed the thought-provoking question: “Can AI interpret the tongue? Is AI a demon?” She clarified that AI reflects the information inputted by people, perhaps indicating that if the information provided has negativity, then the AI’s output could reflect that, too.

Simpson described her experience of recording her speaking in tongues, searching for validation, and feeling content about the results. “I felt very peaceful about the messages I received,” she stressed.

In her argument, Simpson likened AI to other forms of divine communication, pointing out that if God could speak through animals or burning bushes, it stands to reason He could use AI as well.

She concluded by urging believers to consider the nature of the output from such technology, questioning whether it promotes peace and healing, aligning with God’s character before labeling it as demonic.