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When AI Jesus Entered The Confessional: Lessons From A Divisive Experiment

Dec 14, 2024 - forbes.com
AI Jesus, an artificial intelligence-powered avatar, was developed by the Immersive Realities Research Lab at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. It recently completed a two-month stint at Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, where it interacted with over 900 visitors in a confessional booth setting. The project, named "Deus in Machina," aimed to explore the intersection of technology and religion by allowing participants to engage in spiritual conversations with the AI, which was designed to provide guidance and support while incorporating New Testament stories. The initiative sparked both intrigue and controversy, with some viewing it as a blasphemous imitation of confession, while others found it a valuable spiritual tool.

The AI, powered by GPT 4o, was programmed to act as a pastoral mediator, addressing topics such as changes in the Catholic Church, love, sexuality, and personal growth. Despite some criticism, particularly from those who did not experience it firsthand, many participants appreciated the AI as a spiritual conversation partner. The project highlighted the ethical and theological challenges of integrating AI into religious contexts, prompting discussions on the potential and limitations of technology in spiritual settings. The team plans to continue exploring these themes, potentially showcasing AI Jesus at scientific conferences and art exhibitions.

Key takeaways:

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  • AI Jesus, an interactive art installation, was developed to explore the intersection of technology and religion, sparking both interest and controversy.
  • During its two-month run at Peter's Chapel in Lucerne, AI Jesus engaged with over 900 visitors, discussing topics like changes in the Catholic Church, love, and the afterlife.
  • The AI was programmed to impersonate Jesus by using GPT 4o, providing guidance and support while incorporating New Testament stories into its responses.
  • The project raised ethical and theological questions, with some viewing it as blasphemous, while others found it a valuable spiritual conversation partner.
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