# What are AI guardrails?

> Rules and filters that limit what an AI system will say or do.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/christian-ai-glossary/guardrails
By Andrew Kittridge · November 10, 2026

## Why it matters for Christians

Christian tools use guardrails to avoid, for example, speaking as God. Some publish theirs. Ask to see them.

## What to do

Ask a Christian app what it will refuse to do. Good answers include: it will not speak as God or Jesus, it will point people in crisis to real help, and it will not claim to be a pastor.

## Related words

- [System prompt](https://www.lumin.faith/christian-ai-glossary/system-prompt.md): Hidden instructions an app gives the model before your conversation starts. It sets tone, limits, and often theology.
- [Alignment](https://www.lumin.faith/christian-ai-glossary/alignment.md): The work of making an AI system behave according to the goals and values its makers intend.
- [Persona](https://www.lumin.faith/christian-ai-glossary/persona.md): A character an AI is instructed to play, such as a historical figure, a counselor, or a friend.

Every word: [Christian AI glossary](https://www.lumin.faith/christian-ai-glossary.md)