Artificial intelligence, the technology transforming nearly every aspect of society, is now entering religion, offering virtual Jesus and automated sermons — a development that has sparked mixed reactions among believers.
Faith-based AI tools and chatbots are becoming increasingly common, providing spiritual guidance, comfort, and counsel in an era of fast-changing social interactions. One such app, Text With Jesus, has thousands of paying subscribers, allowing users to pose questions to Mary, Joseph, Jesus, and the 12 apostles.
Stephane Peter, CEO of Catloaf Software, which developed the app, said it aims to educate. “This is a new way to address religious issues interactively,” he told AFP. Although the app clearly states it uses AI, its virtual characters do not acknowledge being AI when asked directly. Peter noted that GPT-5, the latest version of ChatGPT powering the app, better follows instructions and stays in character than previous iterations.
While some consider the app blasphemous, it holds a 4.7-star rating in the App Store. Similarly, Catholic Answers’ AI character Father Justin drew criticism for using a priest avatar, leading the ministry to rename it simply “Justin.”
Other religions have comparable apps, such as Deen Buddy for Islam, Vedas AI for Hinduism, and AI Buddha. Most emphasize scripture rather than claiming to embody sacred figures.
For users like Nica, a 28-year-old Anglican from the Philippines, AI serves as a supplemental tool for studying scripture. “I am part of a Christian community and have spiritual mentors, but sometimes I want immediate answers to random Bible questions,” she said.
However, some religious leaders caution that AI cannot replace human guidance. Rabbi Gilah Langner noted that Judaism relies on communal interpretation of the Torah, which AI cannot replicate emotionally. “AI can make people feel isolated and disconnected from a living tradition,” she said.
Christian leaders also see potential in AI. Peter said clergy generally agree AI can educate people. Pope Francis even appointed Google DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis to the Vatican’s scientific academy.
Pastor Jay Cooper of Violet Crown City Church in Austin, Texas, used an AI assistant to deliver a full sermon in 2023. Some congregants were unsettled, but the service attracted non-regular attendees, including gamers. Cooper said while the experiment succeeded in engaging people, “it missed the heart and spirit” of traditional worship.
