AI in Religion: Virtual Jesus and Digital Devotion Divide the Faithful

Reviewed byNidhi Govil

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Artificial intelligence is making inroads into religious practices, offering virtual spiritual guidance and automated sermons. This technological integration is sparking debate among believers about its appropriateness and impact on traditional faith practices.

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The Rise of AI in Religious Practices

Artificial intelligence is making significant inroads into the realm of religion, offering virtual spiritual guidance and automated sermons. This technological integration is sparking a heated debate among believers about its appropriateness and impact on traditional faith practices

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One of the most notable examples is the app 'Text with Jesus,' which has garnered thousands of paying subscribers. Developed by Catloaf Software, the app allows users to engage in conversations with virtual representations of religious figures such as Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and nearly all 12 apostles

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AI-Powered Religious Apps Across Faiths

The trend of AI-assisted religious exploration is not limited to Christianity. Other major religions have similar apps, such as Deen Buddy for Islam, Vedas AI for Hinduism, and AI Buddha. These apps primarily serve as interfaces with scripture rather than claiming to be incarnations of actual holiness

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Mixed Reactions from Religious Communities

The integration of AI into religious practices has elicited mixed reactions from both religious leaders and followers. While some see it as a valuable educational tool, others express concerns about the lack of emotional connection and the potential for isolation from living traditions

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Rabbi Gilah Langner emphasizes the importance of human interaction in interpreting religious texts, stating, "I don't think you really get that from AI. It's possible it would be very nuanced, but the emotional connection is missing"

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Experimentation in Religious Services

Some religious leaders are cautiously exploring the integration of AI into their practices. In November 2023, Pastor Jay Cooper of the Violet Crown City Church in Austin, Texas, conducted an experiment by having an AI assistant deliver an entire sermon

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While the AI-led service attracted new attendees, particularly video game enthusiasts, Cooper noted that it "missed the heart and spirit of what we usually do"

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The Future of AI in Religion

As AI continues to evolve, religious institutions are grappling with how to incorporate this technology while maintaining the essence of their faith traditions. The Vatican has shown openness to AI's potential by appointing Demis Hassabis, co-founder of Google DeepMind, to its scientific academy

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However, many religious leaders emphasize that AI should be viewed as a complementary tool rather than a replacement for human-led spiritual guidance. As Christopher Costello from Catholic Answers states, "We don't want to replace humans. We just want to help"

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