Dubbed “Deus in Machina,” the digital confessional at St. Peter’s Chapel features a screen displaying an animated face of Christ, designed to interpret worshippers’ questions and respond based on religious texts.
The project, created by computer scientists and theologians from Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, leverages AI trained on New Testament scripture and other religious materials. Fluent in over 100 languages, the AI Jesus engages with worshippers on topics ranging from spiritual guidance to complex moral dilemmas.
Upon entering the booth, users are greeted with a caution: “Do not disclose personal information under any circumstances, use this service at your own risk.” Once they accept, the AI offers personalized advice.
For instance, when asked about supporting a terminally ill person considering assisted suicide, the bot responded: “Your task is not to judge, but to accompany with love.”
Some worshippers praised the experience, noting its accessibility and thoughtful responses. “It reaffirmed my ways of going about things and helped with questions on how to bring others closer to faith,” one visitor shared. Others found the AI’s advice generic or questioned its theological depth.
The temporary installation, active through November, aims to spark discussions about AI’s role in religion rather than replace traditional pastoral care. Marco Schmid, a theologian at St. Peter’s Chapel, emphasized that the experiment was designed to explore AI’s potential as a tool for 24/7 pastoral support, not as a substitute for human clergy.
While some theologians, like Professor Peter Kirchschläger of the University of Lucerne, argue that moral guidance requires human empathy, the project highlights the growing interest in integrating AI into spiritual spaces. Whether it’s a gimmick or a glimpse into the future of faith remains a topic of spirited debate.
