AI-Powered Jesus Hologram Sparks Debate in Switzerland

St. Peter’s Church in Lucerne, Switzerland, recently hosted a groundbreaking initiative merging faith and technology: an AI-powered Jesus hologram designed to take confessions. This experimental project, part of the “Deus in Machina” art initiative, invited worshipers to interact with a digitally-rendered face of Jesus, answering questions and providing spiritual advice based on the New Testament and online religious content.

Developed by theologians and computer scientists at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, the AI Jesus was designed to align with the church’s theological principles. Visitors sat in a confessional booth equipped with a screen displaying Jesus’ animated face, which responded in sync with user queries in up to 100 languages. The system was initially based on OpenAI’s ChatGPT but later adapted for public use due to data privacy concerns.

Many participants reported positive experiences, describing their interactions as spiritually uplifting. Questions ranged from scriptural advice to navigating moral dilemmas, with responses tailored to reflect empathy and Christian teachings. For instance, when asked about supporting someone considering assisted suicide, the AI emphasized accompaniment with love and understanding, sparking deeper discussions on faith’s role in challenging situations.

However, not everyone was convinced. Critics labeled the technology a “gimmick” and dismissed its advice as generic. Ethical concerns were also raised about AI’s role in religion, with skeptics arguing that human pastors offer irreplaceable emotional and spiritual depth.

Church officials emphasized that the project aims to initiate conversations about the integration of AI in religious life. While AI Jesus was a temporary installation, its potential to provide 24/7 pastoral support has fueled discussions about the future role of AI in faith communities.

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