#头条创作挑战赛#
Quick guide
On Friday night, Pastor Elliot · Robinson focused on drafting the sermon, satisfying but in need of a smoother connection and stronger illustrations. He decided to use ChatGPT for brainstorming and requesting editorial help. While delving into the relationship between AI and copyright, he realized that copyright issues become complicated when using ChatGPT to assist in writing sermons. Although ChatGPT can contribute ideas, it cannot own the copyright independently under current copyright law. The pastor and ChatGPT may be considered co-authors, and the copyright is usually owned by the pastor. Elliot feared that future copyright law could expand the "human copyright" requirement, resulting in dilution of the pastor's copyright interest. He argues that there are risks in relying on AI for sermon development, emphasizing that the creativity of the Holy Spirit should continue to be relied upon to guide the content of sermons.
Friday night reflections
On Friday night, you're immersed in the process of drafting a sermon. You are satisfied with your theological claims, have identified the three main points, and have some ideas for the conclusions. However, you need help filling in the gaps and connecting your train of thought smoothly. Better phrasing, smoother transitions, and stronger illustrations will breathe more life into your sermons. Some pastor friends mentioned that they are using ChatGPT (artificial intelligence) for brainstorming and occasionally writing their sermons. Out of curiosity, you decide to create an account on ChatGPT and submit your request:
Pastor: I need help editing a sermon.
ChatGPT: Absolutely! I would be happy to assist. Please upload the document you wish to edit and share any specific instructions or areas of interest in your mind.
Explore Artificial Intelligence and Copyright
As you delve deeper into the realm of AI, start thinking about the impact of using this technology on your intellectual property (your sermons) and copyright rights. In a world where AI and IP are rapidly evolving, it is wise to err on the side of caution; You may find yourself inadvertently giving up your rights. Priests are among the most innovative and prolific creators in the world. Those who serve in local churches face the challenge of writing and delivering sermons each week, which range in word counts from 500 to 2,500 words. The generation of creative inspiration and the process of translating that inspiration into concrete sermon manuscripts is an important aspect of United States copyright law. In the early days of the nation, the value of creative expression prompted legislators to establish five exclusive rights to protect copyright owners.
Understanding Joint Copyright
These proprietary rights include:
- The right to reproduce the work
- The right to create derivative works based on the original work
- The right to distribute copies to the public
- The right to perform the work in public
- The right to display the work publicly
While these rights are usually held by the copyright owner, problems arise when multiple individuals are involved in the creative process. In particular, how will these exclusive rights change when ChatGPT assists in writing your sermon? The nature of these rights raises important questions that deserve in-depth discussion. I decided to ask ChatGPT about the relationship between submitting a sermon and copyright. After some discussion, the exchange clarified ChatGPT's position on copyright ownership in collaborative sermons.
Me: You mentioned that a 1,200-word sermon, if we each contribute 600 words, it will be considered a joint work, so that we are both co-authors. However, you also point out that ChatGPT, as an artificial intelligence, cannot be copyrighted. Which is accurate?
ChatGPT: Both claims are true because they involve different aspects of copyright ownership: co-authorship indicates that both you (the human author) and ChatGPT (the tool that provides important creative input) may be considered co-authors with shared copyright. However, under current copyright laws, AI systems like ChatGPT cannot be copyrighted independently. While it can make a meaningful contribution, it lacks the legal personality and capacity for copyright ownership.
In conclusion, you and ChatGPT can be considered co-authors of a 1200-word sermon, but ChatGPT itself cannot independently own the copyright. Typically, the copyright will be yours and ChatGPT's contribution will be part of the collaborative effort. Since ChatGPT is a machine, it cannot have registered United States copyright because of the requirement for "human copyright." OpenAI, which owns ChatGPT, admits that its device cannot currently claim copyright ownership, but does not waive joint copyright in copyrighted works. If a person contributes 600 words to a 1200-word sermon, the contribution may be considered substantial, giving them co-ownership in that sermon.
Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Copyright
Why is this important? I believe ChatGPT aims to maintain the potential for future joint copyright ownership. Given the instability of our federal court system, the tendency to ignore legal precedent, and the impact of commercial interests on the Supreme Court, it may only be a matter of time before the "human copyright" requirement in United States copyright law will be expanded to include artificial intelligence. This change may result in a significant dilution of the pastor's exclusive copyright interest in his sermons, articles, books, and seminar materials.
In my opinion, sermon development involving ChatGPT or any AI platform is risky. While convenience and quick response are desirable, the fog of AI is fraught with complexity and unexpected challenges. Let's continue to rely on the spark of creativity that only the Holy Spirit can ignite. If that means that the planned three-point sermon ends up with only one truly impactful point, trust that the Holy Spirit will guide the rest.
Rev. Eliot · Robinson, J.D., Ph.D., serves as assistant pastor of New Bertel AME Church in Litonia, Georgia. Elliot is the founder of Imagineer Preaching, a system that focuses on storytelling in narrative preaching. In addition, he is an adjunct faculty member at Emory University's Kandal School of Theology, where he is active in preaching, lecturing, seminar-hosting, and writing.