We make mistakes at ONE Magazine. Perhaps you’ve noticed. Misspelled name here, typo there, a wrong date, or a statistic with an extra zero. Despite our hard work and best efforts, mistakes still happen. We are only human.
And we plan to stay that way.
Following several lengthy (and intense) discussions, the ONE Magazine editorial team recently crafted a policy regarding the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI), which was later approved during the annual meeting of the magazine’s Oversight Board. Since this policy is long and detailed, let me offer a summary:
Both human creativity and technological advancement offer a marvelous reflection of God’s image at work in creation. However, because humanity is also broken and sinful, we must be discerning about how (and which) technology we use.
ONE Magazine writers, editors, and designers WILL NOT use generative AI to produce “original” content, nor will we ask AI to mimic or copy the style of another writer, publication, artist, or designer.
ONE Magazine writers, editors, and designers WILL continue to use traditional (or corrective) AI — think spelling check and grammar tools or red-eye correction in photos. These tools refine rather than create content.
On occasion, articles may be written on AI addressing theological implications, cultural impact, moral questions surrounding Artificial Intelligence, and more. In these instances, authors may need to interact with AI for illustrative purposes. When this is the case, our team always will be transparent about where and how AI was used through a caption, a credit, or an editorial note.
In summary, it is the goal of ONE Magazine to avoid the unlawful use of pre-existing content and ensure our publication aligns with the highest degree of
biblical, journalistic, and professional ethics.
At the same time, we want to use technology in a biblically ethical way to promote the gospel and refine how we communicate.
ONE Magazine may never deliver a mistake-free issue, but you always can be sure it’s us: human and broken but also redeemed by the One whose Word is, and always will be, perfect.
It still amazes me God has chosen to work through His imperfect people, even if we are
only human.
About the Columnist: Eric K. Thomsen has been the managing editor of ONE Magazine since 2005. He is the worship leader at Bethel FWB Church near Ashland City, Tennessee, where he and his wife Jennifer also teach a college and young career Sunday School class.
