The emergence of artificial intelligence is redefining the boundaries of spirituality. A Swiss church in Lucerne has inaugurated a *Jesus animated by AI*, sparking fascination and questions. This innovative virtual confessional project transcends traditional practices, provoking deep reflections on modern faith.
Visitors can now converse with this avatar, challenging the very nature of the *sacred*. How does this interaction with a *digital Jesus* influence the perception of religious rites? The answers pose a major ethical challenge to spiritual institutions.
A bold initiative, it stimulates a mix of curiosity and fear within the religious community. The challenge lies in the acceptance of technology within human spiritual experience.
An innovative installation in Lucerne
Saint Peter’s Chapel, known for its austerity, has recently sparked strong reactions with the inauguration of a Jesus avatar animated by artificial intelligence. This device, called Deus in Machina, was launched in August following a collaboration with a university research lab. This initiative aims to reinvent spiritual interaction while exploring the boundaries between technology and religion.
An unprecedented dialogue with an avatar
Marco Schmid, a theologian associated with the chapel, stated that this project constitutes a true experiment. The goal was to evaluate how visitors would react to a Jesus capable of dialoguing in 100 languages. The choice of Jesus as an avatar was not trivial; he is a central figure, inviting meaningful exchanges.
Diverse interactions and ethical challenges
Visitors had the opportunity to question this avatar about various religious issues, experiencing instant dialogues through a lattice screen. The AI was trained on theological texts, developing context-sensitive responses. Over 1,000 people, including Muslims and passing tourists, attempted the experience.
User feedback has been mixed. A majority of participants report having experienced enriching spiritual moments. About two-thirds of the 230 people surveyed stated they had a positive religious moment. However, some criticized the responses, labeling them as banal or superficial, lacking authenticity and depth.
Precautions and associated risks
In light of these assessments, the church has taken care to remind users that this is not a confession. The initiative has raised fundamental questions about the risks associated with using AI in a spiritual context. The organizers conducted tests with a panel of 30 people before the official launch to anticipate potential issues.
It is significant to note that concerns have emerged within the religious community itself. Some Catholic colleagues have expressed their disagreement regarding the use of the confessional for this technological experience. The manipulation of divine image and language clashes with notions of respect and sacredness.
Perspectives and reflections
Marco Schmid has observed a strong thirst for spiritual exchanges, asserting that people aspire to dialogue with central figures of their faith. This project has revealed a new dynamic where technology meets the spiritual. The avatar could, in the future, become a multilingual spiritual guide, capable of accompanying the faithful in their inquiries.
Despite enriching encounters, Schmid remains cautious. The avatar will not be permanently integrated due to the ethical and spiritual responsibilities that arise from it. The complexity of this initiative underscores the need for a thorough debate about the role of AI in religious experience.
Frequently asked questions about the Swiss church and its AI-powered Jesus
What is the AI-powered Jesus project in the Swiss church?
This project consists of installing a Jesus avatar capable of conversing with visitors in a chapel in Lucerne, using artificial intelligence technology to answer questions in multiple languages.
How does this AI Jesus avatar work?
It uses an artificial intelligence program trained on theological texts, allowing it to generate real-time responses to questions posed by visitors.
What languages can the avatar speak?
The avatar is capable of conversing in over 100 languages, allowing a wide range of visitors to interact with it.
Why did the church decide to install such an avatar?
The church wanted to explore the reactions of people to a virtual Jesus and see how it could enrich the spiritual experience of visitors, particularly in a quest for modern dialogue.
Are interactions with this avatar considered confessions?
No, interactions are not classified as confessions. Church officials emphasize that this is a spiritual experience, not an imitation of the confession rite.
How has the public received this Jesus avatar?
Over 1,000 people interacted with the avatar during the testing phase, and about two-thirds of users described the experience as “spiritual.”
What criticisms has the AI Jesus project received?
Some users noted inadequate or repetitive responses, and criticism has also been voiced within the religious community, particularly regarding the use of a confessional to interact with a machine.
What risks did the church take in implementing this project?
The church had to ensure that the AI did not produce inappropriate or contradictory responses to its teachings, while also framing the interactions to protect users.
Are there limits to what the avatar can respond to visitors?
Yes, the avatar has been programmed to avoid giving spiritual advice that could contradict the church’s doctrines, and it is not designed to handle sensitive personal information.
