A historic church in Lucerne, Switzerland has embraced modern technology by installing an artificial intelligence-powered Jesus that can communicate with visitors in 100 different languages.
The experimental art installation, called "Deus in machina," was unveiled at Peter's Chapel, where a traditional confessional booth has been transformed into a high-tech space featuring an AI avatar of Jesus appearing on a screen behind the lattice.
While not meant to replace actual religious confession, the AI Jesus encourages visitors to share their thoughts and questions. Before each interaction, users must acknowledge a disclaimer warning them not to share personal information and noting they use the service at their own risk.
According to Marco Schmid, a theologian at Peter's Chapel, over 1,000 people participated in the two-month experiment, including visitors from China and Vietnam. Remarkably, about two-thirds of participants reported having a meaningful spiritual experience.
"I was surprised. It was so easy," one woman told Deutsche Welle. "Though it's a machine, it gave me so much advice from a Christian point of view. I felt taken care of and walked out really consoled."
The installation has sparked debate within religious circles. While some praise its accessibility and ability to engage people in religious discussions, others express concern about using technology for matters of faith. Ethics Professor Peter Kirchschläger cautioned that humans remain "vastly superior to machines" when it comes to pastoral care and finding religious meaning.
Despite positive feedback, church leaders view this as a temporary experiment rather than a permanent fixture. Schmid cited concerns about the unpredictable nature of AI responses and the challenge of ensuring they align with church teachings.
The project reflects growing interest in combining technology with spiritual practices. For Schmid, the enthusiastic response reveals that "there is a thirst to talk with Jesus" beyond traditional religious formats.
This innovative blend of ancient tradition and cutting-edge technology demonstrates how religious institutions are exploring new ways to connect with modern audiences while prompting important discussions about the role of AI in spiritual matters.
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