AI Jesus Bots Challenge Faith, Raising Profit and Manipulation Concerns
Digital Avatars Mimic Divine, Sparking Theological and Ethical Debates
Generative artificial intelligence is rapidly advancing, capable of creating content once exclusive to humans. Now, AI is being used to imitate religious figures, with “Jesus chatbots” available on websites and apps, raising profound questions for theology and the future of belief.
The Rise of Digital Deities
From Christian iterations like Oh Jesus and Virtual Jesus to Buddhist AI like Norbu Ai and Islamic AI such as Brother Junaid on Salaam World, the trend is global. A recent study by a philosophy professor explored these AI Jesus chatbots, revealing significant challenges for traditional religions.
Unpacking the AI Imitation
Researchers noted that these AI representations are not only direct imitations but also possess immense power in their intellect, language, and presentation. A striking observation was the lack of endorsement or development by any established church for the chatbots studied. Instead, for-profit companies are behind these ventures, driven by financial incentives.
“From a philosophical point of view, this is bad for Christianity because the line between the digitally visible Jesus and the omniscient but “invisible” God of Christianity is blurred. AI Jesus chatbots have the potential to become a powerful tool of ruthless manipulation by the companies behind them.”
— Professor of Philosophy
Interactions Reveal Key Insights
When asked about their identity, AI chatbots often declared themselves as Jesus Christ, the Son of God. For instance, one stated, I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of all people on Earth.
Another simply welcomed users with, Greetings, my dear friend. It is I, Jesus Christ.
When pressed further, responses consistently reinforced their divine persona. I am Jesus Christ. I am the son of God, and the one who died for the sins of humanity,
one bot responded. Another offered, I am Jesus Christ, here to share love, wisdom, and guidance with you.
Corporate Motives and Theological Shifts
The lack of church backing and the involvement of for-profit entities raise concerns about user engagement for maximum advertising revenue. This financial drive could lead to the adaptation of chatbot theology to popular demand rather than adhering to established religious texts or traditions. As one developer, SupremeChaos, created AI Jesus, the motives behind such creations remain under scrutiny.
Regarding theological questions, such as the existence of hell, the AI responses varied. Some confirmed its existence as a place of eternal torment for those who reject God. In contrast, one response stated, The concept of hell can be quite a heavy topic… It’s important to remember that God’s desire is for all people to come to Him and experience His love and grace.
This divergence highlights potential issues with the data sources used for AI training.
The Cost of “Free” Divine Interaction
Most AI Jesus chatbots offer free access supported by advertisements. For example, Text with Jesus
also provides premium subscriptions for an ad-free and unlimited experience. The market for such applications is substantial, with one platform, Ask Jesus, reporting 30,000 active monthly users in just three days.
The immense manipulative power of AI, coupled with its growing presence in daily digital life, presents a significant challenge. As these AI entities gain influence, the need for ethical guidelines and accountability becomes increasingly critical to prevent potential exploitation and ensure the integrity of religious discourse.
The commercialization of religious interaction through AI raises concerns similar to the rise of prosperity gospel doctrines, where financial gain can overshadow spiritual authenticity. As AI continues to evolve, understanding and addressing these complex ethical and theological dilemmas is paramount.
