An ‘AI Artist’ has ascended to the top of the iTunes Christian albums chart, revealed prominent Christian artist Forrest Frank, who is sounding the alarm on his Instagram page:
“The No. 1 album right now for Christian music on iTunes and the No. 2 top singles over Elevation, Brandon Lake, whoever, is AI.
He added:
And I hate to even bring attention to this, but I want to just let you guys know this is out there, and I think it’s important that we just pause a little bit and kind of ask the questions of like, ‘is it something that we want?
The popular singer is referring to “Find Your Rest” and “Goodbye Temptation”” two songs from the album Faithful Soul by ‘Solomon Ray,’ an AI project of Christopher Jermaine Townsend, who performs under the name Topher.
Frank went on to adress the spiritual ramifications and considerations of this decision:
At minimum, AI does not have the Holy Spirit inside of it, so I think that’s really weird to be opening up your spirit to something that has no spirit.
So what are we doing about this? Are we rejecting this, are we championing this? I personally will not be listening to this. I already don’t listen to secular music, and I’m sure not going to be listening to AI Christian music.”
Topher has responded to Frank’s critique of his project and the success it has seen, offering “Thanks for opening the discussion. Even in all our frustration, we must remember it’s all about Jesus.”
Topher says that the use of AI is neither moral or amoral, but rather is “more of a preference.” Her added in a later comment:
“I get where some of y’all are coming from, but let’s be clear — AI isn’t replacing the heart of gospel music. It’s simply a new tool God allowed us to have. The message is still the message. The impact is still real. And the souls being reached don’t stop to check the “method” first. Some people create with instruments, some with computers, and now some with AI. But if the fruit is good, the message uplifts, and people feel closer to God… why tear it down? Creativity has always evolved. The Gospel is the same — how we share it just keeps expanding.”
