In a groundbreaking fusion of faith and technology, a church in Switzerland has introduced an AI version of Jesus Christ to guide visitors through spiritual reflection in its confessional booth. This innovative project invites people to connect with a simulated Jesus, sparking discussions about the future of religion in a digital age.
Part of an art project titled Deus in Machina (“God in a Machine”), the initiative at St. Peter’s Chapel allows visitors to engage with an AI-powered Jesus, guided by the teachings of the New Testament. Developed in collaboration with the Immersive Realities Research Lab at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the AI was trained using biblical scriptures to recreate the persona and teachings of the 1st-century Galilean. Visitors to the confessional are greeted by a screen displaying a Swiss-looking image of Jesus. The AI listens to their concerns or questions and offers spiritual advice based on New Testament teachings, with the responses designed to align with the church’s theological perspective.
“The AI fascinates us, but it also raises ethical questions,” remarked Marco Schmid, a theologian at St. Peter’s Chapel. He explained that the project was created to explore how modern technology can be used to facilitate spiritual reflection. Schmid further emphasized that the AI’s responses in all tests have been consistent with the church’s theological views.
While the AI confessional has intrigued many, reactions from users have been mixed. Some parishioners praised the system for offering insightful and relevant guidance, surprised by the ease and relevance of the interaction. However, others found the responses somewhat generic, raising doubts about whether the AI can truly provide personalized spiritual support.
The project has sparked discussions about AI’s role in religion, with some seeing it as a modern bridge to faith, while others question its authenticity. As St. Peter’s Chapel refines its AI Jesus, the ethical implications of using technology in such an intimate spiritual context continue to provoke debate. This initiative has led to broader conversations about whether AI can replace traditional forms of divine interaction, challenging long-held beliefs about the nature of faith.
As AI technology continues to evolve, the church is navigating a new frontier in religious and technological ethics, asking whether a machine can ever truly replicate the transformative power of personal faith.