A church in Lucerne, Switzerland, has made headlines for introducing an artificial intelligence (AI) system, dubbed “AI Jesus,” into its confessional booth.
The initiative, officially called Deus in Machina, allows worshippers to seek advice and interact with a digital Jesus face displayed on a screen.
This innovative project aims to spark discussions about the intersection of faith and technology and explore AI’s potential role in spiritual life.
AI Jesus operates by interpreting a user’s words and generating responses based on its programming, which includes knowledge from the New Testament and religious studies.
The system is capable of conversing in over 100 languages, making it accessible to diverse worshippers.
Before engaging, users are warned not to disclose personal information and are prompted to accept terms before proceeding.
Many worshippers have described the experience as surprisingly insightful, with one noting that the AI provided reassuring advice on how to help others understand and connect with Jesus better.
Ongoing Controversy
Despite its innovative approach, the initiative has sparked controversy. Critics argue that machines lack the moral and emotional depth required for religious guidance.
Theologians like Professor Peter Kirchschläger have warned that such projects may undermine the personal, human aspect of religious practice, asserting that moral and spiritual guidance should remain a uniquely human domain.
However, others, including theologian Marco Schmid of St. Peter’s Chapel, have defended the experiment, emphasising that the project does not aim to replace human pastors but to inspire debate and explore new possibilities for using technology in religion.
The AI system also addressed challenging theological topics, such as assisted suicide, providing nuanced responses that encouraged reflection.
Some participants appreciated the thoughtfulness of the advice, though others dismissed it as superficial and pretentious.
The project demonstrates the potential of AI to enhance accessibility and engagement in religious settings while raising ethical questions about the boundaries of its use.
