Swiss chapel hosts "AI Jesus" confession sessions to connect faith with technology
Located at St. Peter's Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, a unique experiment merged faith and technology when the chapel hosted "AI Jesus," providing visitors the opportunity to chat with a computer-generated version of Jesus. This innovative art project, titled "Deus in Machina," operated for two months, starting from late August 2023, and attracted considerable interest from the public.
The concept was simple yet provocative: visitors could engage with this AI Jesus, displayed on a screen tucked away inside the confessional booth. During this time, it was reported around 900 conversations transpired, with many individuals returning for follow-up sessions. Those interactions were carried out anonymously and transcribed for detailed analysis later.
The AI Jesus was powered by OpenAI's advanced tools, including GPT-4o for conversation and Whisper for accurate speech recognition. The developers, comprising computer scientists and theologians, had trained the AI using content primarily sourced from the New Testament. This integration aimed to explore whether technology could facilitate discussions around complex human dilemmas like faith and morality.
Philipp Haslbauer, the head of the technical side of the project, emphasized the educational aspect of this installation, stating, "We wanted to think critically about technology's limitations within religion and provoke thought on the role of AI as it intersects with beliefs." Despite some early skepticism, many visitors reported feeling emotionally impacted by their discussions, with two-thirds describing the experience as spiritually significant.
What did such conversations entail? Topics ranged from simple questions about love and the afterlife to more complex discussions about suffering, war, and even sensitive issues like homosexuality within the Church. One insightful exchange captivated the researchers: when asked about its message to the world, AI Jesus responded, "All knowledge and wisdom, fundamentally, come from God. If utilized wisely, AI can facilitate the exploration of creation and Scripture, and forge connections among people."
Interestingly, this installation wasn't merely about providing answers; it was about fostering deep reflection. Marco Schmid, one of the theologians guiding the project, clarified, "This is not intended to be a substitute for confession, nor does AI Jesus offer absolutions. Its goal is to create moments of intimacy and prompt reflections on relying on digital technology within our spirituality."
The questions surrounding the ethics of such technology, especially its potential to influence spirituality significantly, were unavoidable. While some users embraced the experience as innovative and freeing, others deemed it as potentially blasphemous or misleading. Social media echoed various sentiments, with one user tweeting, "This feels like blasphemy on several levels!" highlighting the controversy surrounding AI taking on such divine roles.
Despite the varying opinions, the project's success raised dialogue about the broader relationship between faith and contemporary technology. Kenneth Cukier, who specializes in the intersection of AI and religion, commented, "If AI Jesus truly helps individuals connect with their essence and explore their world deeply, it could be beneficial. Yet, if people begin to seek genuine guidance and solutions solely through AI, are they stripping away authentic human experiences?"
Looking at the project’s future, Schmid noted, “This endeavor was always intended to be temporary. We are still contemplating the various possibilities it opens up for other religions and educational initiatives.” While this project may not lead to permanent installations, its impact is noteworthy—providing fresh perspectives on how digital tools can support rather than replace genuine conversations about spirituality.
Many participants left the chapel with questions, reflections, and insights about their beliefs and the place of technology within those beliefs. The AI Jesus project invites society to weigh the benefits and pitfalls of technology as we traverse our moral and civilizational paths. The conversation isn’t over; it’s just beginning.
