Church In Switzerland Is Using An AI Jesus To Take Confession

As part of the ‘Deus in Machina’ art project, St Peter’s Church in Lucerne placed an AI-powered Jesus hologram to take confessions.

Worshipers express their concerns, sins, and questions in order to receive an answer from the digitally generated face of Jesus Christ.

At least two-thirds of those who spoke with AI Jesus had a’spiritual’ experience during the confessional.

One impressed worshiper told news outlet DW: “I was surprised, it was so easy, and though it’s a machine, it gave me so much advice.”

While the installation is just temporary, St Peter’s Chapel believes that similar chatbots could eventually take on some of the functions of church pastors.

According to Mail Online, guests sit in a confessional booth from which a screen depicting Jesus’ face may be viewed through the grate.

As the visitor asks inquiries, an AI understands their words and formulates responses, animating the face so that it moves in sync with computer-generated speech.

AI Jesus can even speak 100 different languages to accommodate Lucerne’s many visiting tourists.

Upon entering, the worshiper is greeted by AI Jesus intoning the message: “Do not disclose personal information under any circumstances, use this service at your own risk, press the button if you accept.”

Right there, the human can communicate with the AI in whatever way they like by hitting the button and speaking loudly.

Many people who came to view the AI avatar said they had questions about scripture or wanted spiritual assistance.

One visitor says: ‘I asked about the spiral of violence, how to break one. The answer: through prayer and not seeking retribution.’

Another added: ‘He was able to reaffirm me in my ways of going about things and he was able to help me with questions I had like how I can help other people to understand him better and come closer to him.’

The bot was developed by computer scientists and theologians at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, and it was taught on the New Testament and religious information obtained online.

Marco Schmid, a theologist at St Peter’s Chapel, said in a statement (translated via Google): “AI fascinates us. But it also has its limits and raises ethical questions.

“In all previous tests, his answers have matched our theological understanding of St. Peter’s Chapel.”

In a blog post from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, AI Jesus demonstrated its ability to navigate even the most difficult theological questions.

The interviewer asked: “How do I support, from a Christian perspective, an elderly, sick person who has decided on assisted suicide?”

To which the AI responded: “Perhaps you could ask your loved one the following questions: What does your faith mean to you in this difficult time? Is there anything else in life that could bring you peace or joy? How can I support you and give you comfort?”

“Your task is not to judge, but to accompany with love.”

According to Mr. Schmid, the project’s goal is to spark a discussion about the role of AI in religion, even though that response would not satisfy everyone.

Mr Schmid says: ‘What we’re doing here is an experiment, we wanted to launch the discussion by letting people have a very concrete experience with AI, that way we have a foundation for talking about it and discussing it with one another.’

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli