Building Pastures: NUS Student Insights on Faith and Tech
Today was a milestone for Pastures. We had the privilege of sitting down with 8 members of the Business and Computing Christian Fellowship at the National University of Singapore (NUS).
We didn't just look at screens; we looked at hearts. We discussed how young Christians are currently connecting with God, their struggles with consistency, and how technology (specifically AI for Christians) can bridge that gap without replacing the Holy Spirit.
Here is what we learned, what we got right, and the hard questions we need to answer.
1. The State of Christian Journaling: "Seasons and Scraps"
One of the biggest takeaways from the session is that spiritual documentation is rarely linear. When we asked the group how they currently journal or take sermon notes, the answers were incredibly diverse.
There is no "standard" user. We found that journaling often happens in:
This validates our core vision: Reflection helps us see God's work in our lives. We are building Pastures to solve this fragmentation, turning scattered notes into a cohesive spiritual journey.
2. Where AI Shines
The feedback on the Daily Prompt feature was particularly encouraging. Students liked how the app personalized the experience, offering a starting point for those who stare at a blank page. There was genuine excitement about the concept of AI-powered devotionals recommending verses based on their current emotional state.
3. The Hard Truths: UX Friction & AI Anxiety
Students were honest about where we need to improve.
The User Experience (UX) Hurdles
The Theological Elephant in the Room
Several students raised valid concerns about AI in a faith context:
"What if it hallucinates?"
"What if it twists the Word of God in its interpretation?"
These are the exact questions we should be asking. As we build features like the Learning Assistant and Semantic Search, our priority is biblical integrity.
4. The Road Ahead
1. Guardrails for Truth: Ensuring the AI points users back to Scripture.
2. Privacy First: Keeping sensitive spiritual data local and encrypted.
Final Thoughts
Our vision is based on Psalm 23: "He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul."
Technology is just the vessel; the refreshment comes from Him. We are building Pastures to help you engage with the Bible more deeply.