AI Jesus sparks controversy and curiosity in Switzerland

In a unique intersection of technology and spirituality, researchers and religious leaders in Switzerland initiated a two-month project featuring an AI representation of Jesus. This project, titled 'Deus in Machina,' took place at Peter's Chapel starting in late August and involved a specially designed confessional booth where visitors could interact with the AI Jesus. The AI utilized advanced technology, including OpenAI's GPT4o for generating responses and a voice and video interface to simulate an interactive experience for visitors. Through this experiment, approximately 900 anonymous conversations were held, covering a range of topics from faith and morality to societal issues like sexual abuse within the Church. The undertaking was primarily guided by Philipp Haslbauer, an IT specialist at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, who emphasized the growing relevance of artificial intelligence in religious contexts. The initiative aimed to examine public reactions to AI in spirituality, as the Catholic Church grapples with the implications of generative AI technology. Participants in the study predominantly fell between the ages of 40 and 70, with findings revealing that Catholic respondents found the experience more enriching compared to their Protestant counterparts. Despite its innovative nature, the project faced significant backlash, with some individuals expressing concerns about blasphemy and questioning the legitimacy of engaging with a machine as a mediator of faith. Participants were invited to submit feedback via questionnaires, and their responses highlighted a mixture of intrigue and reservations regarding the AI’s role in spiritual discussions. One notable aspect of the experiment was the intimate setting of the confessional booth, which was designed to make participants feel comfortable sharing personal feelings and struggles with the AI. The philosophical implications of the experiment were underscored by comments made by the AI itself, which suggested that while technology like AI could aid in exploring spiritual matters, it was crucial for individuals to pursue a genuine connection with the divine beyond machinery. As the exhibit concluded, the organizers acknowledged the necessity for further reflection before considering any future iterations of the AI Jesus. The initiative served both as a pilot study and a broader contemplation of how faith and technology might intertwine in contemporary society.