This is a world where artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing our lifestyles and working habits. It seems that even religion is not untouched by the wave of innovation. A small church in Switzerland lately became the center of attention by introducing an AI-powered version of Jesus Christ in its confessional booth. This bold experiment of Peter’s Chapel called Deus in Machina aims to explore intersection of faith and technology.
Chapel Theologian Marco Schmid said that the idea was about understanding the reaction of people while speaking with an AI version of Jesus. They wanted to see what people would talk about with an AI Jesus and whether they could find value in it. Schmid explained that the results of the two-month experiment were surprising as well as thought-provoking.
How Does AI Jesus Work
Visitors encountered a digital Jesus instead of a traditional confessional booth where a priest listens to personal confessions. The AI was trained with theological texts to respond to questions in real time. It is learned that the AI Jesus could communicate in more than 100 languages to become accessible to a global audience.
A clear boundaries were there and visitors were cautioned against sharing deeply personal information. They were also reminded that it was not a replacement for confession but just an attempt to imitate one.
Mixed Reactions
More than 1,000 people interacted with the AI Jesus over the course of the experiment. They included tourists and people of different faiths such as Muslims. Feedback was collected from 230 participants and two-thirds of them reported a positive experience. The interaction was described as “spiritual” and even uplifting.
Some visitors found it difficult to connect with the machine and felt that the responses were sometimes too superficial or inconsistent. A local reporter remarked that some moments were surprisingly good while others fell flat and lacked depth or warmth.
Some Catholic colleagues criticized the use of the confessional booth for the purpose arguing that it diminished the sacredness of the space. Protestant colleagues expressed discomfort with the idea of representing Jesus in this way.
Why Experiment with AI in Religion
Schmid saw value in the project and believed that it showed people are searching for new ways to connect with religion. Traditional rituals, the Bible and sacraments may not always resonate with everyone and especially younger generations or those unfamiliar with Christian practices.
The AI Jesus provided an alternative and it was a chance to ask questions as well as reflect on spirituality in a more modern way. It was not about replacing priests or changing the essence of religion. It was about exploring what technology could offer to people.
Challenges of Mixing Faith and Technology
The experiment also highlighted the limitations of AI in deeply human experiences like religion. Spirituality often involves empathy, understanding and the ability to navigate complex emotions. The AI Jesus could provide responses based on theological knowledge, but it lacked the nuance and warmth that human interaction offers.
Schmid acknowledged the limitations and said that the responsibility is too great to put a Jesus in this form permanently.
Glimpse into the Future
The AI Jesus experiment raises larger questions about the role of technology in religion. Religious institutions are under pressure to adapt. Can innovations like this help make faith more accessible or do they risk diluting its meaning?
The experiment felt like an exciting step forward. It crossed a line for others in making something sacred feel mechanical and impersonal.
What Did We Learn
The AI Jesus was removed after the two-month experiment and the church decided against making it a permanent feature.
The experience was a reminder for many participants that spirituality is about more than rituals and it is about seeking meaning, asking questions as well as finding a sense of connection. The search remains deeply human whether through traditional practices or modern technology.
The AI Jesus may not return to Peter’s Chapel, but it has left a lasting impression. It is likely that the world will see more experiments like this in religious spaces as technology continues to evolve.
