In 2023, an Austin pastor gained attention for using a large language model (LLM) chatbot to deliver a “shotgun sermon,” igniting discussions about the nature of the sacred. By 2025, chatbots have become widespread, functioning as therapists, educators, and even spiritual guides. South African scholar Anné H. Verhoef has examined five theological chatbots—AI Jesus, Virtual Jesus, Jesus AI, Text With Jesus, and Ask Jesus—finding that these bots mimic Jesus Christ’s persona, garnering tens of thousands of users. While some respond faithfully to biblical queries, others adopt a more casual approach. Alarmingly, these platforms are run by for-profit companies rather than religious organizations, leading to concerns about their impact on faith and mental health. As individualism rises and connections dwindle in Western societies, these AI deities offer a semblance of companionship, potentially altering users’ spiritual landscapes. The intersection of AI and religion raises crucial ethical questions for the future.
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