Artificial Jesus: questions of faith in the digital confessional

Artificial Jesus: questions of faith in the digital confessional

In the Peterskapelle in Lucerne, a unique project is currently causing a sensation that makes the boundaries between technology and spirituality blur. Under the title "Deus in Machina", believers can communicate with a AI generated hologram of Jesus Christ. The Installation, which was to be experienced between the end of August and the end of October 2024, offers a space of intimacy in which visitors can share their concerns and thoughts, and attracts people from near and far. Among other things, media from the United States and India reported about the Ki-Jesus, which had around 900 discussions during this time, while the theological value of the campaign was heavily discussed, such as the nzz

Mixed feedback about the technology

But the reactions of church visitors are shared. Some are critical of the idea of entrusting their confession to a AI-Hologram, while others report a deep spiritual experience and appreciate the intimacy of the conversation with the digital figure. In the Austrian daily newspaper it is emphasized that despite the authentic confessional atmosphere, it is not a real conference Ki-Jesus cannot forgive sins. Visitors are expressly warned to reveal personal information, which raises questions about data security.

The installation uses the well -known Bible texts to respond to questions from users, but some answers came under criticism because they were perceived as evasive and kitschy. While Marco Schmid, who headed the chapel, reported that he was positively surprised by the openness of the people, voices also spoke up that found the design of the Ki-Jesus problematic and advocated more modern theological approaches. The brutal influence of such technologies on society and the individual soul life is clearly addressed by experts, whereby ethical and theological issues are raised that could be decisive for the future of religious applications of AI.