I recently asked ChatGPT how to evaluate the claims of Mormonism. Less than a second later, I received the response below. We're living in a different world!

"Evaluating the truth claims of any religious tradition, including Mormonism (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, or LDS), involves examining several aspects such as historical evidence, theological consistency, personal experience, philosophical reasoning, and comparison with other belief systems. Here’s a structured approach for assessing the truth claims of Mormonism:
1. Historical Evidence

Origin of the Book of Mormon: One of the central claims of Mormonism is that Joseph Smith translated the Book of Mormon from golden plates given to him by an angel named Moroni. Investigate the historical evidence surrounding the discovery of the golden plates, the translation process, and the witnesses of the event.
Are there corroborative historical documents or evidence supporting Smith's story of the translation?
How reliable were the witnesses to the events, and what were their subsequent testimonies or changes in beliefs?
Archaeological and Linguistic Evidence: Mormonism claims that the Book of Mormon describes ancient civilizations in the Americas, including large-scale migrations from the Near East. Evaluate the archaeological evidence for such civilizations and whether linguistic, cultural, or genetic data from indigenous peoples support these claims.
Are there archaeological findings that corroborate the existence of the civilizations described in the Book of Mormon?
Are there connections between the languages and cultures mentioned in the Book of Mormon and those of ancient America?

2. Theological Consistency

Doctrine of God: Mormonism teaches a distinct view of God, including the idea that God the Father and Jesus Christ are separate beings with physical bodies, and that humans can become like God. This differs from traditional Christian views of God’s nature. Examine whether these teachings are consistent with the historical development of Christian doctrine and the Bible’s portrayal of God.
How does the LDS conception of God compare with other Christian theological teachings?
Is there internal consistency within LDS theology, and how do changes in doctrine over time (such as polygamy, the ban on black priesthood holders, etc.) affect the overall reliability of its teachings?
Additional Scriptures: Evaluate the theological claims related to the Doctrine and Covenants, the Pearl of Great Price, and other texts of Mormonism. Are there inconsistencies or contradictions between these texts and the Bible?
How do Mormon scriptures align or conflict with other religious traditions, especially the Bible?
Are there any doctrinal revisions or new revelations that suggest inconsistencies?

3. Philosophical and Logical Examination

The Problem of Evil: Assess how Mormonism addresses the problem of evil, suffering, and the nature of free will in its theological framework. Does the LDS worldview provide a coherent and satisfactory explanation for these issues?
How does Mormonism explain the existence of suffering and evil in the world? Does it provide a satisfactory account of free will and God’s role?
Cumulative Case for Belief: Use philosophical reasoning to assess whether the totality of evidence (historical, logical, experiential, etc.) points to Mormonism as the most plausible explanation for reality, or whether it is just one of many possible interpretations of life’s big questions.

4. Personal Experience

The "Burning in the Bosom": Mormonism encourages individuals to pray and ask God for personal confirmation of the truth of the Book of Mormon and the teachings of the LDS Church. This experience, often referred to as the "burning in the bosom," is central to the belief system.
Consider the validity of personal spiritual experiences as evidence for truth claims.
How do personal experiences of religious conviction compare across different faiths? Are such experiences unique to Mormonism, or do they occur in other religious contexts?
Testimonies of Converts and Ex-members: Look at the experiences of both converts to Mormonism and those who have left the faith. Many find personal fulfillment and transformative spiritual experiences within Mormonism, but others leave due to doubts about the truth claims.
How do personal testimonies, whether from members or ex-members, align with historical, philosophical, and theological assessments?
Are there any common threads in the reasons people are drawn to Mormonism or leave it?

5. Comparative Analysis

Comparison with Christianity: Examine how Mormonism compares to mainstream Christian beliefs, particularly regarding salvation, the nature of God, Jesus Christ, and Scripture. Are there significant doctrinal departures that would place Mormonism outside of orthodox Christianity?
Comparison with Other Religions: Compare the claims of Mormonism with other world religions (e.g., Islam, Buddhism, etc.). Are there overlapping themes or teachings? What are the similarities and differences in terms of cosmology, morality, and the afterlife?

6. Ethical and Social Impact

Community and Social Practices: Assess how Mormon teachings affect the lives of adherents in terms of ethics, family life, community structure, and service. Does Mormonism promote a positive social and ethical framework?
How does the LDS community contribute to its members' personal growth, social welfare, and ethical behavior?
Are there controversies regarding Mormon practices (such as polygamy, racial issues, or treatment of women) that raise ethical concerns?

7. Critical Thinking and Openness

Bias and Confirmation Bias: While evaluating the truth claims of Mormonism (or any religion), it’s important to be aware of personal biases. These biases can affect how one interprets evidence and experiences. Be open to new information and willing to change one's perspective based on objective reasoning and evidence.
Engage with Critics and Apologists: Both critics of Mormonism (e.g., former members, scholars) and apologists (e.g., LDS defenders, theologians) present arguments for and against the faith. Consider engaging with both perspectives to gain a fuller understanding.

In the end, evaluating truth claims is a complex, multifaceted process. It requires careful examination of historical, philosophical, theological, and experiential evidence. As with any religious claim, the balance between faith, reason, and evidence plays a crucial role in how an individual assesses the truth of Mormonism or any belief system.

Being extremely naive, I'm hoping that AI, at least temporarily, could be focused on scientific research & development of medical needs and not misused to sway public opinions regarding political, economic or social matters;


Political objectives currently tend to be very narrowly focused and opinions are easily manipulated by information regardless of how accurate or overall truthful it is.

"could be focused on scientific research & development of medical needs"

There is much work to be done before President Nelson's head can live indefinitely in a jar on his desk.

A more achievable goal would be to call an AI prophet. Then you don't have a changing of the guard when a meat computer assumes room temperature. You just have the eternal progression of system upgrades.

for Once, IDK what to say, Bradley, Congrats!!