LUCERNE, Switzerland (AP) — Would you trust an “AI Jesus” with your innermost thoughts and troubles? This question framed the recent findings from a pioneering experiment held in a Catholic chapel in Switzerland.

Researchers and religious leaders released insights from a two-month initiative called “Deus in Machina,” which invited visitors to engage in conversations with an AI representation of Jesus. This avatar, displayed on a computer screen nestled within a confessional, engaged with users regarding faith, morality, and contemporary issues.

Philipp Haslbauer, an IT specialist at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, served as the driving force behind the technical aspects of the project. He noted, “We wanted to explore the relationship between artificial intelligence and religion, examining how individuals relate to digital interpretations of faith.”

Emotional Engagement and Theological Inquiry

The chapel reported that approximately 900 anonymous conversations took place, many leaving visitors introspective or emotionally moved by the interaction. These conversations covered a range of subjects including questions about love, suffering, and even existential queries.

Visitors accessed the experience through an invitation to the confessional, designed to evoke intimacy. Once the session began, a green light indicated to the visitors that they could speak, while a red light signaled when AI Jesus was processing their input.

Examining Complex Issues

The AI, powered by OpenAI’s GPT-4o, was also equipped with a speech recognition tool from the same company. Visitors were encouraged to broach sensitive topics ranging from personal struggles to broader social issues faced by the Church.

Chapel theologian Marco Schmid pointed out, “Surprisingly, people approached this with seriousness. They were not seeking humor but genuine theological dialogue.”

While the AI was intended to stimulate conversation, it was emphasized that it served as an artistic exploration rather than a replacement for traditional, human-led confessionals.

Challenges and Future Considerations

The reception of the project has been mixed, with some critics labeling it as “blasphemous.” Yet, for many participants, it offered a novel way to engage with pressing spiritual questions.

In conclusion, Schmid noted that the initiative was always meant as a limited engagement, saying, “We recognize this is a pilot project. Any future endeavors will require thoughtful consideration about the role of AI in faith spaces.”