People are increasingly using AI to explore and deepen their faith, with chatbots and virtual assistants offering spiritual guidance, prayer assistance, and even direct "conversations" with divine entities. In India, devotees are consulting AI versions of deities like Krishna, seeking advice on personal dilemmas and ethical quandaries. Globally, apps like Bible Chat and GitaGPT are gaining popularity, with millions of downloads and users reporting a sense of connection and absolution. This trend is making religion more accessible and engaging, especially for younger generations.
AI is being used in various ways within faith communities. For administrative tasks, such as email list updates and live translation, AI is widely accepted, with around 65% of people finding it acceptable. However, when it comes to spiritual leadership and preaching, AI is less accepted, with concerns about authenticity and emotional connection. Only about 13% of people find AI acceptable for spiritual leadership, and 29% for preaching. This highlights the need for careful consideration of AI's role in faith communities.
There are concerns and risks associated with using AI in faith contexts. One major concern is authenticity - can machine-generated sermons or prayers carry the same spiritual weight as human-led ones? There's also the risk of misinformation, with AI potentially spreading biased or inaccurate interpretations of sacred texts. Additionally, AI might manipulate users' spiritual experiences, prioritizing engagement over genuine growth. These concerns are being debated by faith leaders and AI developers, who are working to ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically.
Globally, different faith traditions are approaching AI in unique ways. Pope Francis has appointed AI experts to Vatican science posts, exploring AI's potential in Christian doctrine. Islamic scholars emphasize AI's alignment with Islamic principles, cautioning against replacing human scholars or issuing fatwas. In Hinduism and Buddhism, AI is seen as a tool for studying scriptures, meditation, and understanding philosophical concepts. As AI continues to evolve, it's likely that faith communities will continue to adapt and innovate, exploring new ways to use AI in spiritual contexts.
