I recently saw an article on FOX Business about a new app that allows people to talk to biblical figures like Jesus or Moses through an AI chatbot. I don’t want to steal anyone’s joy, so if people can learn something by talking to AI Jesus, more power to them.
However, there are risks in replacing God with computer programs. For starters, AI programs sometimes hallucinate. Your conversation may take a strange turn when “Jesus” says something that simply isn’t true, or makes up a Bible verse or reference that doesn’t exist.
Another risk with AI Jesus comes from replacing the living and true God with a false God. The Bible is quite clear that we are to pray to the real God, not to idols or hypocrites. If we consider that AI Jesus is simply a tool to help some people learn more about Jesus, then it probably doesn’t hurt. If people start to confuse the heavenly God with an earthly app, spiritual danger is imminent.
But there’s a bigger question: why talk to AI Jesus when you can meet the real Jesus?
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The letter to the Ephesians, along with other books in the Bible, says that the church is the Body of Christ. All of us in the church together form one body of which Jesus is the head. So if you want to meet Jesus in a very real sense, come to church!
If you have questions about Jesus, or if you want guidance for your life, just ask people at church. Instead of an inanimate chatbot, a living person answers your questions and supports you through uncertain times. (Cyberguy.com)
If you have questions about Jesus, or if you want guidance for your life, just ask people at church. Instead of an inanimate chatbot, a living person answers your questions and supports you through uncertain times. And as an added benefit, unlike AI programs, the church is filled with the Holy Spirit.
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It may be tempting to talk to AI Jesus as a way to meet the Savior of the world. But such a thing doesn’t exist. If you want to meet the Savior, you can find him in the sacraments of the Church.
I am an Episcopal priest and in our churches we share Holy Communion every Sunday, in which Jesus Christ becomes real for us in blessed bread and wine. Instead of pixels on a screen, you can see, touch and taste the presence of Jesus as you partake of the sacraments.
It may be tempting to talk to AI Jesus as a way to meet the Savior of the world. But such a thing doesn’t exist. If you want to meet the Savior, you can find him in the sacraments of the Church. (iStock)
Now it is true that churches are never perfect. If you ask big questions in different places, you may get conflicting answers. That’s because churches are made of people, and no person is perfect. We all make mistakes sometimes. So it should come as no surprise that all churches get it wrong sometimes.
I’m not here to condemn AI Jesus. If you can grow in faith and love by using a chatbot, that’s great. However, I am here to testify that you can encounter the real Jesus among his followers—and encounter him in the scriptures and the sacraments of the Church.
However, there is beauty in that. One of the best things about churches is that you don’t have to be perfect. In fact, at least in the Episcopal Church and many others, you will be welcomed for who you are – imperfections and all. We can learn from each other in our successes and failures. You can experience true love even if you mess up. AI Jesus, who is a machine, cannot love you the same way.
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Now you could say that AI Jesus is a tool to help you learn the Bible. Fortunately, we don’t need an intermediary. You can simply read the Bible yourself! The four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – tell the story of Jesus Christ. They are not long and complicated books. You could read them all at once.
The four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – tell the story of Jesus Christ. They are not long and complicated books. You could read them all at once. (Getty Images/AFP)
You may be left with questions, but rest assured that a nearby church will help you untangle any mysteries. In fact, many churches have Bible studies where you can read the Bible together with a group of other seekers. You learn the Bible in the company of new friends. That’s much better than interacting with a chatbot.
I’m not here to condemn AI Jesus. If you can grow in faith and love by using a chatbot, that’s great. However, I am here to testify that you can encounter the real Jesus among his followers—and encounter him in the scriptures and the sacraments of the Church. The real Jesus can change your life.
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Furthermore, Christianity is not meant to be a solo sport. Being a follower of Jesus means spending time with others. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus teaches that when two or three people come together, He is present. The letter to the Hebrews teaches that we should ‘provoke’ one another to love and good deeds, and not fail to meet together.
So instead of using an app, why not come to church and meet the real Jesus?
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