By L. J. Anderson | January 2025
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has opened exciting possibilities in technology, creativity, and communication. But with that potential comes ethical responsibility—especially for Christians. Today, I want to speak plainly about a disturbing trend: the use of AI-generated deepfake worship videos that feature the voices, faces, and names of non-Christian artists like Eminem or Rihanna singing worship songs without their consent.
Spoiler alert: It’s not just unethical. It’s deceptive—and Christians should have no part in it.
The Rise of AI Worship Videos Featuring Celebrities
I recently stumbled across a YouTube channel claiming to be run by a Christian, using AI to generate music videos that depict popular secular artists performing Christian worship songs. These include AI-generated versions of Eminem, Adele, Billie Eilish, and Rihanna singing titles like “Jesus is Alive (Powerful Worship Song).”
Some videos have over 3 million views, with the most recent one already surpassing 65,000 views in just two days. The thumbnails, titles, and voices are designed to make you think these artists actually performed the songs. Only occasionally is “AI” even mentioned.
Is It Legal? Maybe. But Is It Ethical? No.
The creator claims these videos aren’t copyright violations. Even if that’s legally defensible, the larger issue is moral integrity.
- These videos mislead viewers.
- They exploit someone’s likeness and voice without consent.
- They damage Christian credibility by embracing deception.
- The creators are making money, sometimes significant amounts, based on a lie.
Imagine This Happened to a Christian Artist
Imagine John Cooper of Skillet finds a video where his voice and face are used to sing songs about Satanism or something else completely contrary to his beliefs.
He would be rightly outraged.
So why are we okay with doing this to non-Christians?
Misrepresentation Hurts Everyone
Let’s be clear: using AI to make it seem like Eminem or Billie Eilish is praising Jesus, without their knowledge or consent, is a form of digital impersonation.
It doesn’t matter if it’s “for the kingdom.”
The kingdom is not meant to grow through fraud. This is fundamentally unChristlike.
What Christians Should Do Instead
- Don’t watch or share AI-generated celebrity worship content.
- Report misleading videos (if possible).
- Focus on creating authentic, Spirit-led worship.
- Educate fellow believers about ethical AI use.
AI isn’t inherently evil—it’s a neutral tool. But using it to trick people or misrepresent others is always wrong, even if it is legal to do so.
A Final Word for Christian Creators
If you’re a Christian using AI, that’s fantastic. Use it ethically. This blog post is an example. I did a video on this first and used AI to take my own content and translate it into another form of content (a blog). I then spent time tweaking it for accuracy. AI can be a powerful tool, but we must not abuse it. In the case of these deepfake videos:
God values truth.
Don’t trade integrity for virality.
Be honest. Be creative. Be Christ-like.
Share this:
L. J. Anderson - Author and Blogger 