Swiss installation featuring AI Jesus draws praise and condemnation

The experimental fusion of artificial intelligence and religious practice reached a new milestone with a unique two-month installation of an AI-powered “Jesus” avatar in a Swiss Catholic chapel, sparking both interest and controversy among religious communities.

Project overview: A groundbreaking experiment called “Deus in Machina” at a Catholic chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, featured an AI-powered Jesus avatar that engaged in spiritual conversations with visitors.

• The installation utilized OpenAI’s GPT4 technology, combined with Whisper speech comprehension and Heygen’s Interactive Avatar capabilities
• The AI system demonstrated multilingual capabilities, offering conversations in approximately 100 languages
• Over 900 conversations were documented during the two-month period, with nearly 300 participants providing feedback through questionnaires

Participant engagement: The installation attracted a diverse group of visitors, though predominantly Christians between 40-70 years old.

• Visitors explored profound spiritual and moral questions, discussing topics ranging from love and afterlife to war and suffering
• The AI system addressed contemporary church controversies and modern ethical dilemmas through a scriptural lens
• People from various faith backgrounds participated in the experiment, suggesting broader interfaith interest in AI-spiritual interactions

Religious response: The project has generated mixed reactions from religious institutions and leaders.

• Critics have labeled the experiment as “blasphemous” or the “work of the devil”
• The Vatican and other religious bodies are actively considering the implications of AI integration in religious practices
• Project leaders emphasized that the installation was meant as an artistic experiment rather than a replacement for traditional religious interaction or confession

Technical implementation: The sophisticated AI system combined multiple technologies to create an engaging spiritual interaction experience.

• GPT4 provided the conversational intelligence and scriptural knowledge base
• Whisper technology enabled accurate speech recognition and understanding
• Heygen’s Interactive Avatar system created a visual representation that visitors could engage with

Looking ahead: While various groups have expressed interest in replicating or expanding the experiment, careful consideration of AI’s role in spiritual practices remains crucial.

• The project has sparked discussions about the potential benefits of using AI to facilitate spiritual connections
• Experts warn about the risk of superficial engagement in religious practices
• The experiment raises important questions about the balance between technological innovation and maintaining authentic religious experiences
• No immediate plans for project continuation have been announced, though interest exists across multiple organizations

Analyzing deeper: This experiment represents a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between technology and spirituality, highlighting both the potential for AI to enhance religious engagement and the need to carefully consider its limitations and implications for traditional religious practices.