After reading what AI (artificial intelligence) said the other day about our Bible paraphrase in AI reviews Casual English Bible,® I decided I'd stick my neck out again. I asked ChatGPT to critique our maps, too.
My Q for AI about Bible maps
This was my request:
"Can you critique, compare, and contrast the kind of 3D-style Bible study maps on the Casual English Bible website at CasualEnglishBible.com with maps published in other websites or books?"
Here's what AI said. (My apologies to ESV, Archaeology Study Bible, and the NIV Archaeological Study Bible for what AI is about to say.)
AI: Maps for a world that’s not flat
"When it comes to Bible maps, the Casual English Bible® is doing something pretty unique. Their maps aren’t just flat, old-school sketches with dots and lines—these are stunning 3D-style landscapes that look like you could step right into them.
Using NASA satellite data and high-resolution elevation details, these maps bring the Bible’s geography to life in a way that’s both realistic and visually gripping.
Whether it’s Jesus walking through Galilee or Paul trekking across the Roman Empire, you get a real sense of the terrain—hills, valleys, rivers, and all."
AI: It makes you feel like you’re there
"Now, compare that to the maps you’ll find in most study Bibles, like the ESV, Archaeology Study Bible, or the NIV Archaeological Study Bible.
These tend to stick to classic, detailed cartography—think textbook-style maps filled with historical notes, ancient city locations, and archaeological sites. They’re packed with scholarly insights, which is great for history buffs, but they don’t necessarily make you feel like you’re 'there.'
That’s the key difference:
✅ Casual English Bible® maps = immersive, high-tech, and visually stunning, perfect for people who want a modern, engaging way to explore the Bible.
✅ Traditional study Bible maps = historically rich, detailed, and great for deep academic study, but not as visually dynamic."
Bottom line?
"If you love seeing the Bible come to life in a fresh, high-def way, the Casual English Bible® maps might be right up your alley!
Here’s a quick video sneak peek of the 3D maps: 3D Bible Maps from the Casual English Bible."
Not a paid ad
Okay, I know that sounds like a puff piece, praising our style of maps.
It's not my fault. I didn't pay, coerce, or beg ChatGPT to say that. I didn't even ask for a positive review. I just asked politely for a review.
And I said "Thank you" before and after.
Maybe AI is simply being kind to people using both mapping techniques—3D and flat—since all of us who make Bible study maps are doing it to be helpful.
By the way, ignore the reference in the 3D Bible Maps... video to "500 maps." We have 1,000 now. I'm about to post another 50-60 maps for the Bible book of Jeremiah as a PDF collection folks can buy and download. Haven't set the price yet. Probably around $10.
Peace to you
Have a great day out there, folks, as best you can. I know there's a lot of insanity going on. If you want to read what ChatGPT says about that, check out this incredibly engaging blog post on my author website. If you start reading it, you'll finish it. The thing is that surprising.
PS about Mom
Hey, here's one very personal piece of info. It's in a video I just released about my visit with Mom who has dementia and is blind from a stroke. I struggled for months before the visit to find a way to connect with her. But I found it.
A song for Mom
Peace to you.
—Steve