AI Enters the Realm of Religion: Virtual Jesus and Automated Sermons Spark Debate
Artificial intelligence is increasingly permeating various aspects of society, including religion, leading to the emergence of virtual religious figures and automated sermons. This development has elicited diverse reactions from the faithful, with some embracing the technology and others expressing reservations about its role in spiritual matters.
The Rise of Faith-Based Digital Tools
A growing number of religious chatbots and digital tools are offering counsel, comfort, and spiritual guidance as socialization and engagement rapidly transform. These tools, like the Text with Jesus app, are attracting users seeking accessible and immediate answers to their religious questions.
Stephane Peter, CEO of Catloaf Software, the company behind Text with Jesus, explains that the app aims to "address religious issues in an interactive way." While the app clarifies that it uses AI, the virtual representations of religious figures like Moses and Jesus do not acknowledge their artificial nature when questioned directly.
Concerns and Criticisms
Despite its positive rating in the App Store, the Text with Jesus app has faced accusations of blasphemy. Catholic Answers also experienced controversy when it launched "Father Justin," an animated AI character. "A lot of people were offended it was using a priest character," said Christopher Costello, the ministry's director of information technology. The avatar was subsequently stripped of its title.
Some individuals believe that matters of faith require human interaction and emotional connection. As Emanuela stated while leaving St Patrick's Cathedral in New York, "People who want to believe in God maybe shouldn't ask a chatbot. They should talk to people that believe, too."
Differing Perspectives and Acceptance
Rabbi Gilah Langner emphasized the importance of human connection in interpreting Jewish law. She believes that AI lacks the "emotional connection" necessary to connect individuals to the tradition of their faith. "I don't think you really get that from AI. It's possible it would be very nuanced, but the emotional connection is missing," Langner told AFP.
However, Christian communities have not entirely rejected AI. Some clergy members see AI as a potential tool for education. Pope Francis appointed Demis Hassabis, a co-founder of AI research lab Google DeepMind, to the Vatican's scientific academy.
Experimentation and Integration
Some religious leaders have experimented with incorporating AI into their services. In November 2023, Pastor Jay Cooper of the Violet Crown City Church in Austin, Texas, had an AI assistant deliver an entire sermon. Although some parishioners were initially apprehensive, the service attracted new attendees, particularly video-game enthusiasts. Cooper concluded that while the experiment was interesting, it "missed the heart and spirit of what we usually do."
