In today’s digital era, as Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, a church in Switzerland is exploring a new technological approach to spiritual connection through an AI-powered Jesus.
Reports reveal that St. Peter’s Church in Lucerne has installed a large monitor displaying a holographic image of Jesus Christ within its confessional booth. This AI Jesus listens to worshippers’ confessions, engages thoughtfully, and provides spiritual guidance, advice, and counseling based on the questions and concerns shared.
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“I was surprised, it was so easy, and though it’s a machine, it gave me so much advice,” one awestruck worshipper shared with DW News about their experience with the Sermon-ator at St. Peter’s Church in Lucerne.
“It was really an experiment,” said Marco Schmid, a theologian at the church. “We wanted to see how people would react to an AI Jesus. What would they talk about? Would they be interested in speaking with him? We’re likely pioneers in this field,” reported The Verge.
The installation, called Deus in Machina, was launched in August as part of a long-standing partnership with a local university’s research lab focused on immersive reality.
The report added that after experimenting with virtual and augmented reality, the church decided to take the next step by creating an avatar. Schmid explained, “We debated what kind of avatar to use—a theologian, a person, or a saint? But we realized the best choice would be Jesus himself.”
Facing space constraints and wanting a private setting for conversations, the church replaced its priest with a computer and cables in the confessional booth. After training the AI on theological texts, visitors could ask questions to the holographic image of Jesus, who responded in real time with AI-generated answers.
Several people commented on the incident. One user stated, “That’s a unique way to use AI”, while another wrote, “This is so funny”. Other comments included, “It also sends all transcripts and video to the secret police”, “AI GOD”, “What a joke”, “Not a great use of AI & they’re probably recording your confession if AI is able to respond to what you say”, “Can an AI Jesus truly offer spiritual solace, or does it raise deeper questions about faith in the age of technology?”
