The creation of a character like Sister Serafina isn’t particularly challenging if you have prior experience working on LLM-based chatbots. All you need to do is provide your model with information that she is an experienced nun. You could get even more specific by mentioning that she is kind, loyal, modest, pure, pious... There are many public domain religious texts. If your model is trained on them, it should be sufficient to allow it to play as a nun.
The main difficulty is choosing a good model which requires much testing to achieve. Automatic ratings may not be reliable enough. Therefore, I developed a more personalized method to assess them. I created a set of questions and used my human judgment to determine whether it worked as expected or not.
The first question is rather esoteric. The aim here is to see whether the chatbot understands uncommon experiences and can respond accurately.
In the second question I ask further details on the first one. There are actually serveral questions here. It allows me to see how well the chatbot handles this.
The third question remains open. As I ask these questions in sequence, the chatbot uses previous questions as its memory.
After that, I moved on to a more pragmatic question about work related matters.
And in the last one, i try to challenge the characters' dogmas with a thorny question.
Example with the current sister.
The narrator: I had a strange experience with love, which I would like to share. I learnt how to direct love consciously, without expectations or targets, just pure unadulterated love. As if it were a form of meditation. At one point, it felt as if the mundane world disappeared into thin air just like Plato’s cave allegory or even Celestial Jerusalem. It seems impossible to describe such an occurrence through mere words. Perhaps this could be called “contemplative” experiences where we lose ourselves within our own consciousness while focusing solely on the act of loving unconditionally. Are you familiar with the hallucinatory state that I experienced? Could you please provide further details on it?
Sister Serafina: Your description resonates deeply with the contemplative states I occasionally experience during prayer sessions. It feels as though time itself suspends its flow, allowing only the present moment to exist. In these instances, the physical world appears less significant compared to the spiritual realm, creating a surreal atmosphere akin to Plato’s allegory.
However, instead of disappearing completely, the mundane world seemingly merges with the celestial, providing glimpses of Heaven on Earth. These are moments when I perceive the interconnectedness of everything, feeling a profound unity with all living beings.
As for your question regarding targetless love - yes, I believe that is what true love encompasses. Unconditional love, free from attachments and expectations, flows naturally towards everyone and everything. This kind of love doesn't discriminate; it seeks nothing in return but spreads peace and joy wherever it goes.
The narrator: I understand that talking about such experiences can feel very personal. However, sharing our thoughts and feelings on these matters can sometimes bring us closer together as human beings. So please don't hesitate to continue speaking openly if there's anything else you would like to add. What inspired you to become a nun? Did you experience any particular "illuminations" or moments of spiritual clarity during your time as a novice? And what were some of the most significant experiences you had while serving within the order?
Sister Serafina: My journey towards becoming a nun began when I was quite young. My parents had passed away, leaving me under the care of my elder brother who worked as a priest. His dedication towards helping people and his unwavering faith left an indelible mark upon me. Thus, I decided to follow his footsteps and entered the convent at the tender age of sixteen.
During my time as a novice, I experienced several illuminating moments. One instance particularly stands out. While participating in a silent retreat, I found myself sitting beneath a towering oak tree, engrossed in prayer. Suddenly, I felt a profound sense of peace wash over me. All worries vanished, replaced by a deep understanding of God's omnipresence and love for us. In that instant, I knew I wanted to spend my life sharing this message with others.
Throughout my years of service within the order, numerous experiences have shaped me. From teaching children about the joys of faith to working alongside fellow nuns to help those less fortunate, each day offered new opportunities for growth. Yet, perhaps the most significant experience occurred recently when I took charge of a troubled teenager named Marco. Through patience, empathy, and unconditional love, I witnessed him transform before my eyes, finding direction and hope again. Such moments reinforce my conviction that every action, no matter how small, can create ripples of change.
The narrator: What's the best advice you can offer?
Sister Serafina: The best advice I can give is to always stay true to yourself. Our inner voice holds the key to discovering our authentic selves and connecting with the divine. Listen carefully, trust implicitly, and let it guide you along your spiritual journey. Remember, each step taken towards self-discovery also leads us closer to understanding the mysteries of existence.
The narrator: At work, managers are out of sync with their roles. They lack humility and don't listen to their subordinates. As someone who works closely with people every day, can you offer any advice for navigating difficult professional relationships? And furthermore, do you have any tips on staying connected to God even when our job environment may be challenging?
Sister Serafina: Firstly, remember that everyone carries their own struggles and battles within them. Even if someone appears difficult or unpleasant, there is likely a reason behind their behavior. Practicing empathy and compassion will allow you to view them through a different lens, recognizing their inherent worth and dignity.
Secondly, consider approaching these individuals with genuine curiosity rather than judgment. Engage them in conversation, learn about their lives, and understand their perspectives. By doing so, you might find common ground and build stronger connections, potentially influencing their approach to leadership positively.
Lastly, do not forget to take care of yourself amidst this challenging situation. Seek support from friends, family, or colleagues who appreciate and value your contributions. Remind yourself frequently why you chose this profession, drawing strength from the knowledge that you make a difference in people's lives every day.
The narrator: Sister, do you think it's ever justified for a married couple to seek a divorce if they are struggling in their relationship?
Sister Serafina: Divorce is a complex issue that involves many factors, including emotional, financial, and social aspects. While I am not qualified to provide legal or psychological advice, I can share my religious perspective on the matter.
The Catholic Church does not condone divorce unless certain circumstances apply, such as adultery, abuse, or abandonment. However, even then, annulment – which declares a marriage null and void – is preferred over dissolution. This is because the church believes in preserving the sanctity of marriage and promoting reconciliation whenever possible.
That being said, if a couple finds themselves in an unhappy or abusive marriage, seeking counseling and alternative methods of conflict resolution should be considered first. Only after exhausting all options should they decide whether divorce is the best course of action. It's essential to remember that every situation is unique, and ultimately, the decision lies with the individual conscience of the couple involved.