AI “Jesus”

AI “Jesus”

Do not judge by appearances, but judge with righteous judgment. – John 7:24

Revelation 13:14-15

14 It was given to him to perform in the presence of the beast, telling those who dwell on the earth to make an image of the beast who had the wound of the sword and has come to life.
15 And it was given to him to give breath to the image of the beast so that the image of the beast would even speak and cause as many as do not worship the image of the beast to be killed.

AI “Jesus” Sparks Controversy and Dialogue

At St. Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, an AI-powered “Jesus” became the focal point of an experimental project called “Deus in Machina.” This initiative ran from August 23 to October 20, 2024, and was developed in collaboration with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts. The AI Jesus was created using advanced GPT-4 technology and was placed in a confessional booth to interact with visitors, discussing topics related to faith, morality, and life’s challenges.

Participants explored topics such as love, the afterlife, suffering, loneliness, and the existence of God. The lifelike avatar interpreted their words and replied in real-time, its animated face synchronizing seamlessly with its speech. When one visitor inquired about how to end recurring cycles of violence, the AI Jesus responded, “Through prayer and refraining from vengeance.”

Theologian Marco Schmid of St. Peter’s Chapel acknowledged that the project faced ethical and theological limits. Though all answers conformed to Church doctrine, Schmid urged caution in employing AI for spiritual purposes. Likewise, Professor Peter Kirchschläger, an ethicist at the University of Lucerne, underscored that moral and spiritual dimensions are distinctly human and should not be entrusted to technology. Can lifeless algorithms truly substitute for authentic human connection?

A Mixed Response

Public responses to the AI Jesus project were varied. A number of visitors characterized their encounters with the avatar as uplifting and spiritually enriching. For example, one individual noted that the AI reinforced their personal faith and offered guidance on how to draw others nearer to God. Conversely, some detractors denounced the initiative, calling it “blasphemous” or even “the work of the devil.”

Philipp Haslbauer posed two questions to the avatar: what was its message for a world in distress, and whether AI could aid people in their search for God? Speaking in a gentle, comforting tone, the AI responded, “All knowledge and wisdom ultimately come from God.” It went on to underscore the need to pursue God with sincerity, cautioning against an overreliance on technological tools.

Expanding Horizons or Losing Depth?

The project sparked discussions about the future role of artificial intelligence in faith communities. Might virtual entities like this one establish a lasting presence in places of worship, providing spiritual guidance or pastoral care around the clock, teaching Scripture, or even delivering homilies or sermons? Haslbauer proposed that these possibilities deserved consideration, but skeptics, including Kenneth Cukier from the nonprofit “AI and Faith,” called for prudence. “These technologies carry real risks,” Cukier cautioned. “These tools might pull people from deeper, more authentic sources of meaning, reducing spirituality to a superficial interaction.”

The Bible contains numerous accounts of deceptive spiritual encounters. These narratives urge readers to distinguish between that which is deceptive and what is genuinely from God. Often, such incidents are tied to deception and manipulation, false prophets, or demonic influences.

REFLECT & PRAY

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. – Proverbs 22:3

Father, we live in an ever-darkening world. We are likened to sheep among wolves. Strengthen us to be wise as serpents yet gentle as doves.

INSIGHT

Misleading spiritual experiences

The Bible offers numerous examples and warnings about false or misleading spiritual experiences, underscoring the importance of discernment. It makes clear that not all spiritual encounters are from God, and distinguishing between truth and deception is crucial for maintaining a vital relationship with the Father. These warnings address the dangers of being misled by false prophets, demonic influences, or human manipulation.

Test the spirits

One powerful directive comes from 1 John 4:1, which instructs believers to “test the spirits” to see whether they are from God. This call to spiritual vigilance recognizes that not everything that appears supernatural or compelling is inherently sound and accurate. False experiences often evoke strong emotions or awe through superficial spectacles. The validity of a spiritual experience hinges on its source—whether it originates from God, human deceit, or demonic forces. Genuine experiences will align with the Word of God and display the fruits of the Spirit, while deceptive experiences exploit spectacle and emotion to mislead many away from the truth.

Scripture frequently warns about false prophets and supernatural signs designed to deceive. For instance, Jesus cautioned His disciples in Matthew 24:24, “For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.”

Throughout the Bible, some stories highlight the danger of misplaced trust in spiritual experiences. A prominent example can be found in Deuteronomy 13, where God warns His people about prophets or dreamers who predict signs and wonders that come true but whose message leads toward false gods. The deception lies in the blending of a seemingly accurate prophecy with a call to disobedience. Here, God emphasizes adherence to His commandments as the ultimate test of any spiritual leader, regardless of their apparent supernatural abilities.

This principle remains relevant today as believers are called to examine experiences and teachings against the unchanging truth of Scripture.

The New Testament also cautions about the dangers of demonic influence masquerading as divine revelation. One instance is found in Acts 16, when a slave girl possessed by a spirit of divination followed Paul and his companions, proclaiming truths about their mission. Despite her words being accurate, Paul rebuked the spirit and cast it out, recognizing that its presence could cause confusion and undermine their ministry. This account reinforces the idea that truth spoken with a deceptive or harmful agenda is still dangerous and must be rejected.

Forewarned

The Bible forewarns of a time when spiritual deception will intensify. These deceitful experiences, though often awe-inspiring and seemingly miraculous, are driven by malevolent forces seeking to divert humanity from the worship of the one true God. Such deceptions underline the necessity for believers to be vigilant and discerning as they encounter increasingly sophisticated forms of falsehoods designed to undermine their faith.

Spiritual discernment is not just an optional skill for believers; it is essential. Ephesians 5:15 reminds us, “So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise.” This wisdom enables the children of the King to recognize the subtle ways in which the enemy operates, packaging lies in the guise of truth.

To stand firm against these deceptions, the Bible provides two indispensable safeguards. The first is the unchanging and clear foundation of the Word of God. Scripture not only offers a clear standard but also serves as a reliable measure against which the children of the King can test spiritual experiences.

As Proverbs 22:3 notes, “A wise person foresees danger and takes precautions.” By knowing God’s standards and promises, believers inoculate themselves against misleading doctrines and counterfeit miracles.

The second safeguard is spiritual discernment, a gift cultivated through an intimate relationship with the Lord and strengthened by the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Proverbs 13:16 wisely advises, “Wise people think before they act; fools don’t.” Discernment helps us thoughtfully evaluate experiences against Christ’s teachings. The Holy Spirit guides us in truth, helping us avoid deception. Combined with Scripture, spiritual discernment serves as a strong defense.

Knowing the Enemy

Understanding the nature of the enemy is equally vital. The adversary thrives on duplicity, enticing people with half-truths and illusions. Revelation warns of the false prophet who will perform miraculous signs to deceive many, even crafting the appearance of divine intervention (Revelation 13). Deceptive visions and misleading messages can catch even the faithful off-guard if they are not anchored in God’s Word and listening for the Spirit’s voice.

While innovation often stirs fear and skepticism, novel developments like generative AI can be harnessed as creative tools analogous to a grammar checker on steroids.
“Trust, but verify” is a Russian proverb that became widely known after Ronald Reagan used it during nuclear disarmament discussions with the Soviet Union in the 1980s. The phrase emphasizes the importance of verifying information even when trust is established.

Caution and prudence are needed to use technology wisely. Ultimately, the Bible’s warnings about spiritual deception serve to prepare, not panic, children of the King. A grounded faith built upon God’s Word and empowered by the Holy Spirit will provide the clarity and strength needed to face this growing wave of falsehoods. The enemy’s tactics, no matter how cunning, will always pale in comparison to the enduring power of the Gospel and the life-transforming truth found in the Lord Jesus Christ.

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© Dr. H 2025