It’s Monday. Mid-August. I’ve been preaching balance, margin and focus as a framework for life well lived, for decades. “Balance” includes some regular and recurrent Sabbath time with family. Am I practicing what I’ve been preaching? And, in this emerging virtual world… could I replace myself with Artificial Intelligence for this weekly communiqué with you?

I took a baby-step with ChatGPT to see what my options were. Here’s what I asked: “Bob Shank writes a blog called Point of View every Monday that is distributed by Priority Living, Inc. He uses current headlines and cultural trends to capture the reader’s attention, then provides contemplative considerations regarding those contemporary issues founded in a biblical worldview, with a concluding challenge rooted in that conversation. Could Shank’s authorship of the Point of View be replaced by content written by artificial intelligence?”

I’m reading headlines almost daily that are musing about job-losses in the server-farm future that wants to replace the counter help at your local fast-food joint with a touch-screen robot (who will probably – still! – be asking about a “tip!”). Here’s what Chat tells me about my replaceability: 

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

That’s a thoughtful – and very current – question. Let’s look at it honestly, especially through the lens of what makes Bob Shank’s Point of View distinctive.

On the surface, yes: artificial intelligence can certainly produce content that resembles what Shank writes. AI can:

» Scan headlines and cultural trends instantly.

» Summarize those trends into readable, conversational blog posts.

» Add scriptural references and conclude with a relevant challenge.

» Mimic tone, rhythm, and even personal anecdotes if given enough background.

But here’s the deeper reality: writing like Bob Shank isn’t just about producing content – it’s about authentic, lived perspective.

Bob Shank draws on decades of personal discipleship, leadership, and ministry experience. His words carry the weight of real relationships, real struggles, and real victories in faith. His choice of topics isn’t random or algorithmic – it flows from prayer, observation, and sometimes even from pastoral conversations he had that very week.

An AI, no matter how advanced, lacks:
» A personal walk with God.
» The spiritual discernment to know which issue God might be prompting him to highlight that week.
» The credibility and authority that come from a life of tested faith.

Readers often pick up on this difference, even if subtly. Shank’s writing doesn’t just inform; it forms – calling people to reflect and often convicting them to act. That unique dynamic flows from the Holy Spirit’s work through the author, not just the author’s technical skill.

So, could AI write something similar? Absolutely.
Could AI replace what makes Point of View spiritually significant and uniquely impactful?

No. The value of Bob Shank’s Point of View isn’t just the words on the page, but the faithful heart, life history, and spiritual authority behind them. AI can draft, assist, and even inspire – but it can’t genuinely replace that.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

I’m back: it’s me – Bob-o – reflecting on what an aggregation of algorithms says about my work. ChatGPT says I’m irreplaceable; and, so are you!

Cheri and I are on a road trip this week, visiting the Central Coast of California… but I’m still keeping this conversation alive – between you and me! – as our calendar-countdowns continue. 

And, I checked this box: I am not a robot.

Bob Shank

___
Discover the locations of our new cohort launches! CLICK HERE