St. Peter’s Church in Lucerne has unveiled an AI-powered Jesus hologram as part of an art project titled Deus in Machina (“God in a Machine”), allowing worshippers to confess their sins, voice concerns, and ask questions in a digital interaction. The AI, which generates a lifelike Jesus figure, responds with personalized answers, providing a unique experience for those seeking spiritual guidance.
Remarkably, two-thirds of participants who interacted with the AI Jesus reported feeling a “spiritual” experience. One participant described it as surprisingly insightful, noting, “It was so easy, and even though it’s a machine, it gave me so much advice.”
Though the installation is temporary, St. Peter’s Chapel suggests that AI chatbots could eventually assist with some pastoral duties. The confessional booth features a screen displaying Jesus’ face, and the AI interprets spoken questions to offer responses, synchronized with the movements of Jesus’ animated face. This virtual Jesus can also converse in 100 languages, catering to the chapel’s diverse international visitors.
Upon entering, the visitor is prompted with a disclaimer to ensure personal safety and control over the interaction. Many visitors used the service to ask about scripture or seek advice on personal struggles. One user inquired about breaking the “spiral of violence,” with the AI advising prayer and non-retribution.
The AI Jesus was created by computer scientists and theologians from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, using the New Testament and religious texts found online to train the system. Theologian Marco Schmid emphasized that while the AI’s answers align with the chapel’s theological views, the project also raises ethical questions about AI’s place in religion.
In one conversation, the AI provided thoughtful guidance on supporting a person contemplating assisted suicide, stressing the importance of compassion and love over judgment.
Schmid explained that the aim of the project is to spark conversation about AI’s role in religious practice, saying, “We wanted to launch the discussion by letting people have a very concrete experience with AI, laying the groundwork for future debates.“
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