In a groundbreaking fusion of technology and faith, a church in Switzerland is offering worshippers the chance to confess their sins to an AI-powered Jesus hologram. This innovative installation, part of the art project Deus in Machina (“God in a Machine”), is hosted at St. Peter’s Church in Lucerne, where visitors can now interact with a digital representation of Jesus Christ.
The AI Jesus, created by computer scientists and theologians from the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, is designed to engage people in a spiritual conversation, answering questions and offering advice. It draws its knowledge from the New Testament and various online religious sources, allowing it to provide responses based on Christian teachings.
As part of the confessional experience, visitors sit in a booth and speak aloud to the hologram of Jesus, which responds in real-time, with the face of the avatar moving in sync with its computer-generated voice. The AI is capable of speaking 100 different languages, making it accessible to tourists from around the world who visit Lucerne.
Although the project is temporary, running from August 23 to October 20, with events continuing until the end of November, it has sparked discussions about the role of AI in the future of religion. The installation has received mixed reactions. Some worshippers report feeling spiritually moved by their interactions, with one visitor commenting on how the AI Jesus gave valuable advice on overcoming cycles of violence and prayer. Others, however, dismiss the experience as “a gimmick,” calling the responses “generic.”
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AI Jesus is more than just a chatbot; it’s a highly advanced AI trained to respond thoughtfully to theological questions. The bot was initially powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT-4o, though it was later replaced due to data protection concerns. The developers aimed to ensure that the responses remained consistent with the theological positions of St. Peter’s Church, despite concerns that the American-centric data used for training could introduce an evangelical bias.
Marco Schmid, a theologian at St. Peter’s Chapel, emphasized that the project was intended to start a broader conversation about AI’s role in religious life, stating, “This is an experiment. We wanted to create a concrete experience to foster discussion.”
While some see the potential for AI to support pastoral care—offering accessible, on-demand spiritual guidance 24/7—others are more cautious. Ethical concerns have been raised by theologians like Professor Peter Kirchschläger, who argues that human connection is irreplaceable in matters of faith and pastoral care.
Despite the mixed reviews, the project has undeniably drawn attention to the intersection of technology and religion, raising important questions about how AI might shape the future of spiritual practices. Whether as a supplement to human clergy or a standalone service, the concept of AI-driven confession could become a significant topic of debate in religious communities worldwide.
