AI in Religion Sparks Debate and Division Among Believers

Artificial intelligence is changing life everywhere. It’s changing how we live, work, and even worship. Faith and prayer are now meeting technology. There are AI sermons and chatbots that act like Jesus or Buddha. Religion is entering the digital world. But not everyone is happy about it.

AI now answers spiritual questions and explains scriptures. It even gives emotional support to some users. Many people use these virtual faith helpers for comfort or learning. But some believers feel uneasy. To them, mixing faith with machines feels unnatural.

Talking to “Jesus” — Through an App

One of the most popular examples is an app called Text with Jesus. It allows users to message virtual versions of Jesus, Mary, Joseph, and even the 12 apostles.

The app has thousands of subscribers, many of whom use it to understand religious stories and teachings more interactively.

According to Stephane Peter, the CEO of Catloaf Software, which made the app, the goal isn’t to replace religion; it’s to make learning about it more engaging.

“This is a new way to talk about faith,” Peter said. “People can ask questions directly and get instant answers.”

The app uses GPT-5, one of the most advanced AI models available. It follows instructions more precisely and stays in character better than older versions. When users ask “Jesus” or “Moses” if they are AI, the virtual figures respond as if they are real, keeping the illusion alive.

Some users find this powerful. Others think it’s blasphemous. Still, the app has a 4.7-star rating on the App Store, showing that many find value in it.

Digital Priests and Virtual Sermons

AI isn’t just answering questions, it’s preaching.

Last year, a Christian ministry called Catholic Answers launched an AI character named Father Justin, designed to teach people about Catholic beliefs.

But not everyone liked it. Some said it disrespected real priests. After the backlash, the developers removed “Father” from the name, calling him just Justin.

Christopher Costello, the ministry’s IT director, said, “We don’t want to replace humans. We just want to help people understand their faith better.”

This concern isn’t unique to Christianity. Similar apps have appeared in other religions:

Deen Buddy helps Muslims learn about Islam and daily prayers.
Vedas AI helps Hindus study the Vedas and Bhagavad Gita.
AI Buddha offers teachings inspired by Buddhist philosophy.

Most of these tools present themselves as educational assistants, not spiritual leaders. They don’t claim holiness; they aim to make religious learning easier and faster.

The Islamic Perspective on AI and Faith

For Muslims, however, the idea of AI interpreting religion raises serious questions.

Islam teaches that true understanding of the Qur’an and Sunnah must come from qualified scholars (‘ulama), not machines. Faith in Islam is not just knowledge; it’s also heart, emotion, and intention.

Many Islamic scholars remind believers that knowledge (‘ilm) carries a spiritual element that no algorithm can ever understand. Machines may have data, but they do not have taqwa (God-consciousness) or the emotional depth of human wisdom.

AI can be a useful tool for Muslims. It can help with:

Learning basic Qur’anic translations
Finding prayer times
Studying Islamic history
Receiving reminders for dua or fasting

But it cannot replace imams, scholars, or teachers who carry the wisdom of the Qur’an, Sunnah, and the spiritual guidance of centuries of learning.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

“The scholars are the inheritors of the prophets.” (Hadith – Abu Dawood)

This hadith highlights that true religious knowledge comes through human connection — not through code or computation.

Human scholars can understand context, emotion, and sincerity. AI cannot. It follows commands, not conscience.

How People Are Using AI in Faith

People use AI for everything—shopping, health, and learning, so it’s not surprising that some now use it for faith.

Take Nica, a 28-year-old from the Philippines. She’s an Anglican who uses ChatGPT almost daily to study the Bible. “Sometimes I just have random thoughts about scripture,” she said. “I like getting quick answers.”

Still, her pastor isn’t happy. He says real faith comes from human connection, not from machines.

Many believers share that worry. They fear AI might make people spiritually lazy, replacing real community with quick chatbot responses.

The Human Touch Still Matters

Rabbi Gilah Langner, from Washington, D.C., explained it well. She said that religious teachings are built on human interpretation, passed down through stories, emotions, and relationships.

“You can’t get that from AI,” she said. “The emotional connection is missing.”

Faith isn’t just about knowledge. It’s about heart, spirit, and community, things that no algorithm can truly replicate.

AI can provide answers, but it can’t hold someone’s hand in prayer or understand deep feelings of doubt or hope.

AI in the Church: A Real Experiment

Still, some churches are experimenting.

In November 2023, Pastor Jay Cooper from Violet Crown City Church in Austin, Texas, let an AI assistant write and deliver a full sermon.

He told the congregation in advance. Some people were shocked, and a few even left. Others were fascinated. “Some people freaked out and said we’re now an AI church,” Cooper said. “But it also brought in people who never attend, especially tech fans.”

He hasn’t done it again, but said it was an interesting experience. “I’m glad we tried it,” he said, “but it missed the heart and spirit of what we usually do.”

The Vatican’s View on AI

Even the Vatican is paying attention.

In 2023, Pope Francis appointed Demis Hassabis, co-founder of Google DeepMind, to serve in the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy of Sciences. The move showed that the Catholic Church recognizes AI as a serious subject for discussion, both ethically and spiritually.

The Vatican has since encouraged using AI carefully, as a tool, not a replacement for faith.

The Future of AI and Religion

Religious leaders around the world are watching closely. Some welcome AI as a tool to reach younger generations. Others warn that faith should not be reduced to algorithms.

Last year, even Pope Francis appointed Demis Hassabis, co-founder of Google DeepMind, to a Vatican science post, showing the Church’s growing interest in AI.

In the Muslim world, scholars are exploring how AI can be used responsibly to spread authentic Islamic knowledge, support Arabic learning, and help people access the Qur’an. But they also warn against letting AI replace religious scholars or give fatwas (religious rulings).

As AI continues to grow, people of all faiths will have to decide how much they want machines involved in their spiritual lives.

Finding balance is key. AI can support faith, but it shouldn’t define it.

Islamic Reflection: Balance Between Knowledge and Faith

In Islam, technology is not forbidden, but its use must align with ethics and spiritual values. AI can help humanity if used for good. However, Muslims are reminded that guidance comes from Allah and His Messenger, not from machines.

The Qur’an says:

“They ask you about the spirit. Say, ‘The spirit is from the command of my Lord, and you have been given only a little knowledge.’” (Surah Al-Isra, 17:85)

This verse reminds us that human understanding is limited. AI may process data, but it can never grasp the soul or divine wisdom. True faith will always require heart, humility, and humanity.

FAQs

1. What is an AI religious chatbot?

It’s a virtual assistant that answers questions about faith and spirituality. It can chat like Jesus, Buddha, or other figures to help people learn.

2. Are these AI chatbots replacing real priests or pastors?

No. They only support learning. AI can share facts but can’t give real emotional or spiritual care.

3. Is using AI for religion considered disrespectful?

Some say yes, some no. It helps many connect with faith, but others think it goes too far by copying holy figures.

4. What are the risks of using AI for spiritual guidance?

AI can give wrong or cold answers. It doesn’t feel emotions or understand human struggles.

5. How can people use AI safely in their faith journey?

Use it for study, not worship. Always check its answers with trusted leaders or real religious sources.

6. Can AI replace religious scholars or imams?

No. AI can share basic information, but true religious interpretation and guidance must come from qualified scholars who understand the Qur’an and Sunnah deeply.

7 . Is using AI for Islamic learning allowed?

Yes, if it’s used for educational purposes only, like learning dua, Qur’anic verses, or Arabic. It should not replace human scholars or issue fatwas.

AI in Religious Life: Controversy and Division Among Believers