In Brief
Posted: 10:00 AM PST · November 18, 2024
Hail Mary! AI in the Confessional
We’ve seen AI chatbots integrated into various applications, including religious ones. However, a chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, has taken this concept to the next level by placing artificial intelligence inside a confessional.
According to DW’s report, the ‘AI Jesus’ is operational and dispensing machine-generated spiritual advice through an avatar visible within the wooden enclosure of the confessional. Parishioners sitting on the opposite side can interact with the AI by pressing a button and voicing their question or concern.
The Tech Behind the Confessional
The AI technology was developed at the local university, and its implementation is being described as an experiment intended to spark discussion among parishioners. According to the chapel’s theologian, one advantage of using AI in this context is that it can be available 24/7, unlike human pastors who may have limited availability.
A Mixed Reaction from Parishioners
The introduction of AI Jesus has elicited a mixed reaction from those who have used the confessional. One parishioner interviewed in the report expressed enthusiasm for the experience: "I was surprised. It was so easy!" they exclaimed. "Though it’s a machine, it gave me so much advice."
However, others were less impressed, viewing AI Jesus as little more than a gimmick. One individual recounted their interaction with the AI, stating that its response to a question about ending violence was stock and unhelpful.
Concerns About Confidentiality
While AI Jesus may be able to provide spiritual guidance to those who seek it, there are concerns about maintaining confidentiality. The AI warns parishioners not to share any personal data, including sins, which raises questions about the effectiveness of using a machine in this context.
The Future of AI in Religion
While AI Jesus is an intriguing concept, its long-term impact on religious practices remains uncertain. Priests may still have a role to play in providing spiritual guidance and support to their congregations, especially in situations where human empathy and understanding are essential.
As the use of AI continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how religious institutions adapt and integrate this technology into their services.
Related Topics
- AI: Microsoft to pump $3 billion into cloud and AI push in India
- AI for Religion: Apple to label notification summaries to indicate use of AI
- AI Jesus: Nvidia’s Project Digits is a ‘personal AI supercomputer’
TechCrunch Daily News
Stay up-to-date with the latest news from TechCrunch by subscribing to our newsletters. Receive daily or weekly updates on the biggest stories in tech, including AI, startups, and more.
Subscribe now and stay ahead of the curve!
Topics Covered
- AI: The integration of artificial intelligence into various applications, including religious ones
- AI for Religion: The use of AI in providing spiritual guidance and support to congregations
- Switzerland: A chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, has implemented AI Jesus as an experiment intended to spark discussion among parishioners
Latest News in AI
- Microsoft to pump $3 billion into cloud and AI push in India
- Microsoft is investing heavily in its cloud and AI business in India, with a focus on developing local talent and infrastructure.
- Apple to label notification summaries to indicate use of AI
- Apple has announced plans to introduce labels on notification summaries that will clearly indicate when they have been generated using AI technology.
Stay informed about the latest developments in AI by following TechCrunch’s coverage. Our team of experts provides in-depth analysis and insights into the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.