Controversy Erupts As 'AI Jesus' Takes Over Church’s Confessional Booth
Many are calling it the “work of the devil.”
In today’s world, technology has infiltrated nearly every aspect of our lives. From smartphones that track our steps to AI assistants that schedule our appointments, it seems there’s no limit to how far innovation can take us.
We’ve embraced technology in healthcare, education, and even personal relationships—dating apps, anyone? But what happens when technology ventures into territory that was once considered sacred?
As humanity continues to push the boundaries of what machines can do, the lines between the practical and the profound blur. Could technology, a product of human invention, ever serve a higher purpose beyond convenience and efficiency? Could it step into the realm of spirituality?
These questions aren’t as hypothetical as they sound. In a bold and controversial move, one church in Switzerland has taken the next step in the evolution of AI by introducing it into the sacred tradition of confession.
Imagine walking into a confessional booth expecting to bare your soul to a priest, only to find yourself speaking with a digital avatar of Jesus Christ. Sounds like something out of a sci-fi movie, right? Well, for visitors of Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, this was reality.
The chapel, known for blending tradition with innovation, unveiled “Deus in Machina”—Latin for "God in the Machine.” This project involved installing an AI-powered “Jesus” in its confessional booth.
The goal was to explore how people would interact with an artificial version of the divine and to understand the potential for technology in spiritual spaces.
The experiment has sparked heated debates, with some calling it a revolutionary exploration of faith and others decrying it as sacrilegious.
Is this the future of faith? ‘AI Jesus’ has the critics crying blasphemy
The "AI Jesus" system was installed in Peter’s Chapel in August 2024 and ran for two months. Combining GPT-4o, Whisper speech technology, and an AI video generator, the system provided a digital version of Jesus that could converse with visitors in over 100 languages.
Users were guided by simple lights—green to speak, red to listen—and could talk about anything on their minds. Now, to the part you’ve all been waiting for—the feedback.
Out of 1,000 participants, over 230 submitted detailed reviews. Two-thirds found the experience easy to use and claimed to leave with a sense of spiritual fulfillment.
Philipp Haslbauer, the IT specialist behind the project, noted that while some people were deeply moved and inspired, others found the AI responses superficial. “Sometimes he was really very good, and other times, not so much,” Haslbauer said.
Despite the technical glitches, the experiment was deemed a success; however, not everyone was on board.
Critics in the church community condemned the project as sacrilegious, with some branding it the “work of the devil.” They argued that the sacred act of confession shouldn’t be reduced to an interaction with a machine.
Despite the backlash, theologian Marco Schmid defended the project, clarifying that the AI wasn’t designed to replace priests or offer absolutions. Instead, it aimed to provoke thought about the intersection of faith and technology.
Balancing Technology and Spirituality
Dr. David Kinnaman, president of the Barna Group, emphasizes the importance of discerning the role of technology in faith practices. He argues that while AI can enhance community engagement, it should not replace personal, human interactions that foster spiritual growth. A study conducted by Barna found that 61% of young adults feel disconnected from their faith communities due to over-reliance on technology.
Dr. Kinnaman suggests that churches should implement hybrid models that combine traditional and digital approaches, ensuring that technology serves as a tool rather than a substitute for authentic relationships.
As interest grows from other parishes and researchers, the question remains: Is AI the next frontier for religion, or has humanity finally taken technology too far?
Whatever the answer, one thing is certain—this experiment is just the beginning of a larger conversation about spirituality in the digital age.
Dr. Ramani Durvasula, a clinical psychologist, warns about the potential consequences of using AI in intimate settings like confessionals, suggesting it may lead to depersonalization of spiritual experiences. She explains that the emotional connection between confessor and confessor is essential for genuine healing and growth.
To mitigate risks associated with AI in spiritual practices, Dr. Durvasula recommends incorporating regular feedback from congregants to ensure technology enhances rather than detracts from the sacred experience. This approach fosters a balance between innovation and tradition, allowing for meaningful engagement without compromising spiritual integrity.
The intersection of AI and spirituality brings both opportunities and challenges. Experts like Dr. Kinnaman and Dr. Durvasula highlight the need for a balanced approach that respects the sacred nature of religious practices while embracing technological advancements. By fostering open conversations and gathering feedback from community members, churches can navigate these complexities effectively.
Ultimately, the goal should be to enhance spiritual experiences without losing the human touch that forms the foundation of faith. This way, technology can serve as a bridge rather than a barrier in our spiritual journeys.
