In a fascinating blend of technology and faith, a Swiss Catholic Church recently piloted AI Jesus, a digital avatar designed to take confessions and provide advice on topics ranging from love to fear and death. Over two months, 900 visitors engaged with the AI-powered divinity, making the experiment a notable success in the eyes of its creators. However, not everyone sees this innovation as a step forward for faith communities.
A Digital Step for Religion
The AI Jesus project reflects the evolving relationship between technology and spirituality. For researchers, it represents an effort to modernize church practices and appeal to younger generations. Sociologist Sarah Wilkins-Laflamme from the University of Waterloo likened this initiative to past technological adaptations in religion, such as the printing press enabling mass-produced Bibles and televised sermons making services more accessible.
“It’s the next step,” Wilkins-Laflamme said. “Churches are trying to stay relevant, especially for younger generations who often avoid in-person activities.”
In Switzerland, where this experiment took place, only 17% of Catholics attend church regularly. The AI Jesus initiative may be an attempt to re-engage these declining numbers.
Concerns from Canadian Faith Leaders
For Canadian faith leaders like Reverend Mark Kleiner of Christ Church Anglican in Saskatoon, the AI Jesus concept is less inspiring. While technology has its place, Kleiner believes it falls short in addressing the deeper needs of community and connection.
“It’s like choosing between a real ham and cheese sandwich and a hologram of one when you’re starving,” Kleiner said. “The real church is where people come together, not where they engage with a machine.”
Kleiner highlighted the loneliness and brittle relationships many face today, suggesting that technology might widen the gap rather than bridge it. “Church is the mechanism that brings people together,” he explained. “It helps us understand ourselves, each other, and our needs.”
Religion and Technology: A Growing Intersection
The use of technology in religious contexts isn’t new. From live-streamed services during COVID-19 restrictions to apps offering prayers and meditation, the intersection of religion and technology continues to expand. However, experiments like AI Jesus raise questions about whether such innovations will remain novelties or become lasting parts of religious practice.
What’s Next for AI Jesus?
While researchers in Switzerland are exploring ways to revive the AI Jesus project, there’s no immediate plan for its “second coming.” For now, the experiment sparks broader discussions about how faith can adapt to the digital age while staying true to its core purpose: fostering connection and community.
