Keep the Word distinct, and teach it truly

Every screen teaches. Let readers always tell Scripture from our words, and our words from a machine’s.

From the calling

Scripture and tradition

“Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly” (James 3:1). “Make every effort to present yourself approved to God, an unashamed workman who accurately handles the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

The Second Vatican Council asked for editions of Scripture with suitable notes, and Augustine tested every interpretation by whether it builds up love of God and neighbour. faith.tools asks of every app it lists whether it aligns “with the teachings in the Bible”, because “A lot of apps for Christians are seen as an authority figure by the users”.

Sources: Dei Verbum · On Christian Doctrine, Book I · faith.tools selection criteria

What it rules in, and out

In

Headings, notes, media and AI answers labelled and styled so they cannot be taken for Scripture
Sources at the claim, not at the end
The traditions named, each with its strongest passages, where Christians differ
A verse shown with its passage, and a translation with its character

Out

Generated text that looks like a verse
One tradition’s reading presented as simply what the Bible says
Verses cut from their passage to fit a mood
Theology checked at the end, if at all

What the maker gives up. A cleaner, more confident answer, and the shortcut of a house view presented as neutral.

Qualification. Every product holds a tradition. Say which openly; fairness across traditions does not mean having no confession.

Test a design

Can a reader always tell Scripture from our words, and our words from a machine’s?

Where do we present one tradition’s view as simply “what the Bible says”?
Who in our team can say “that isn’t what the text says”, and are they in the room early?

Worked out in the deep dives

Every pattern tagged with this principle