A church in Switzerland has deployed an "AI Jesus" in its confessional booth as part of an experiment using the latest technology in a religious environment.
Religious leaders have partnered with researchers to determine whether churchgoers would trust a machine.
Be informed, not misled.
ABC News asks, "Would you trust an 'AI Jesus' with your innermost thoughts and troubles?"
They say, "Researchers and religious leaders on Wednesday released findings from a two-month experiment through art in a Catholic chapel in Switzerland, where an avatar of "Jesus" on a computer screen - tucked into a confessional - took questions by visitors on faith, morality and modern-day woes, and offered responses based on Scripture."
The idea, said the chapel's theological assistant, was to recognize the growing importance of artificial intelligence in human lives, even when it comes to religion, and explore the limits of human trust in a machine.
ABC explained, "After the two-month run of the 'Deus in Machina' (God in the Machine) exhibit at Peter's Chapel starting in late August, some 900 conversations from visitors—some came more than once—were transcribed anonymously. Those behind the project said it was largely a success: Visitors often came out moved or deep in thought and found it easy to use."
A small sign invited visitors to enter a confessional—chosen for its intimacy—and below a lattice screen across which penitent believers would usually speak with a priest, a green light signaled the visitor's turn to speak, and a red one came on when "AI Jesus" on a computer screen on the other side was responding.
CBN reports, "Nearly 300 of the visitors also filled out questionnaires that were used to create the report. They discussed a wide range of issues with 'AI Jesus' including true love, the afterlife, the existence of God, feelings of loneliness, suffering, and sexual issues like homosexuality and abuse cases in the Catholic Church."
As you would probably imagine, the study showed that more Catholic respondents found the experience stimulating than Protestants.
Chapel theologian Marco Schmid, who spearheaded the project, said, "What was really interesting was to see that the people really talked with him in a serious way. They didn’t come to make jokes.”
The disclaimers
Schmid says the “AI Jesus” was not a substitute for human interaction or sacraments administered by priests.
“For the people, it was clear that it was a computer ... It was clear it was not a confession,” Schmid said. “He wasn’t programmed to give absolutions or prayers. At the end, it was more summary of the conversation.”
Haslbauer, the tech leader in the experiment, has also sought to calm public backlash among social media users who call the project “blasphemous” or the “work of the devil.”
“If you read comments on the internet about it, some are very negative - which is scary,” said Haslbauer, who patterned the long-haired "AI Jesus" after his own appearance.
He went on to demonstrate the virtual "Jesus" and asked it whether AI could be helpful as a way for people to find God.
“All knowledge and wisdom ultimately come from God," the chatbot said in a soothing voice. “If used wisely, AI can indeed be a tool to explore the wonders of creation, deepen our understanding of Scripture, and foster connections among people.”
"Yet it remains essential to seek God with all your heart and soul beyond any technology,” the machine added.
Meanwhile, Schmid doesn't predict another rollout of “AI Jesus” anytime soon, but he is looking into it.
“We are discussing ... how we could revive him again," Schmid said, citing interest from other parishes, schoolteachers, and researchers. “They all are interested and would like to have this ‘AI Jesus’. So we have now a little bit to reflect on how we want to continue."
You may recall we talked about in this column and on the radio program a similar experiment within the Lutheran church. One church in Bavaria served up sermons by chatbot last year. An AI-enhanced app was also rolled out last year, allowing users to text Jesus and other biblical characters and receive an immediate response.
Takeaway
Could "another Jesus" soon appear to crowds needing personal guidance to share another gospel?
Perhaps a "Jesus" in the likeness of Mr. Haslbauer, who has already created the AI Jesus of Switzerland in his own image.
Holograms were invented in 1947 but were only perfected in the invention of the laser in 1960.
Here's how they work: A laser or other coherent beam of light is split into two columns, which reflect off of mirrors and pass through lenses. The light from the object being recorded combines with the reference beam at the holographic film to create the interference pattern.
When viewed in the right lighting, the interference pattern diffracts light to create a realistic reproduction of the original scene, such as a recognizable celebrity, for example.
The image can be viewed from any angle, and the subject will appear to move around.
They are now used in a variety of ways, including in entertainment.
Famous rock star Roy Orbison, who passed in 1988, was back on tour in 2018. “The virtual version of Orbison [performed] a 16-song spectacular, accompanied by a live orchestra, for a 28-date tour,” wrote Alex Biese of Asbury Park Press. His hologram performed alongside a live band, giving audience members the full experience of his concert. Holographic performances have featured other legacy artists such as Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Whitney Houston. Some shows and events that have utilized holographic images include American Idol, the Billboard Music Awards, and Coachella.
Holographic stage performances combine the components of illusion and spatial sound. Spatial audio is meant to “simulate the sensation of specific instruments, voices, and other sounds,” according to Bose Corporation. This collectively forms an audiovisual experience, as what is seen and heard is in sync. The technology behind holography allows a single performance to be viewed simultaneously from multiple locations, sparking a sense of global interconnectivity among fans.
What if a form of Jesus was created in the image of, say, a leader or well-known celebrity---or even a new personality--- and he was programmed to use parts of the Gospel in his pre-programmed teaching to mislead the masses who are seeking "Truth?"
Cult leaders have been using bits and pieces of Truth to mislead people since ancient Bible times.
Paul the Apostle warned of "another Jesus" and "another gospel" in 2 Corinthians 11:4.
"For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him."
Galatians 1:6-9 ESV says,
"I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed."
Regarding an AI Jesus, count me "out."
Be very careful to avoid the artificial. Embrace the real Jesus.
Be Informed. Be Discerning. Be Vigilant. Be Engaged. Be Prayerful.