Opinion: The Boom Of Faith Tech—When Chatbots Play God

Religious chatbots have already become part of everyday life for millions of people around the world. Apps that let users interact with “God” have even surpassed TikTok and Instagram in some markets. Now, experts are raising concerns about its impact on society

The faith tech industry has been booming in the past few months. And it makes sense: we’ve been interacting with powerful entities some call Claude, ChatGPT, Gemini, or Grok—depending on the “tech religion”—that seem to have all the answers and support us 24/7, whenever we need assistance. It feels almost miraculous.

However, not everyone uses the technology the same way. Beyond the popular flagship models developed by tech giants, there are other AI systems built specifically for religious purposes. These generative AI chatbots are trained on religious text and specialized content to write sermons, compose prayers for specific situations, and provide immediate guidance to people struggling with life.

According to recent data, AI-powered religious apps have surged in popularity on app marketplaces, at times even surpassing massive platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Netflix.

There are already several in the market: ChatWithGod, AI Jesus, Bible Chat, and Virtual Jesus. Millions of users across the globe are relying on chatbots to make faith-related decisions and to seek support and guidance. ChatwithGod’s CEO said in an interview with the New York Times that users frequently ask the same question:

“Is this actually God I am talking to?”

So what happens when faith and the most advanced generative AI technology merge? And what are experts and religious leaders doing about it?

“It’s me, God”

Not all apps work the same way. Platforms such as ChatwithGod encourage users to clarify their religious affiliation, mood, and purpose for interacting with the platforms. When I asked the popular questions, “Is this actually God I am talking to?” it gave an ornate yet honest response:

“I’m here as a guide to reflect the wisdom found in sacred teachings and to offer comfort and understanding. While I’m not God, I strive to share insights that align with spiritual truths to help you on your journey. How can I assist you further today?” wrote ChatwithGod.

But not all chatbots admit that they are not God. A recent study published by Anné H. Verhoef, Professor of philosophy at North-West University, revealed that Christianity-based chatbots such as AI Jesus, Virtual Jesus, and Jesus AI introduced themselves as a virtual version of Jesus Christ—or directly as Jesus.

“I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Saviour of humanity,” stated Virtual Jesus during the research. Others, such as Text with Jesus, opted for the euphemism “a divine connection.”

These claims raise serious concerns, especially because many people turn to such tools for guidance in moments of vulnerability.

Seeking Solace in a Crisis

Lauren Jackson, a reporter from the New York Times, said that during her research on religious apps, she reached out to both users and app founders. Jackson was granted access to real conversations that anonymous users had with the platform ChatWithGod and later shared her impressions after reviewing several interactions.

“I found two things in those conversations. The first thing is that people are really suffering—they’re struggling with their mental health, with their relationships—and they want a space where they can talk about that,” said Jackson in an audio commentary. “The second thing I saw is that people have very serious spiritual concerns or theological questions, and they wanted to know how to pray, whether they should wear a hijab, and what was going to happen to them after they died.”

In one conversation she reviewed, a user wrote: “I’m not at peace with myself, or my health, or my path in life.” And the chatbot replied: “My child, remember that Allah is the most merciful and compassionate. He guides us through our struggles. ‘Verily, with hardship there is relief’ (Quran 94:6). Seek comfort in prayer and trust in His divine plan.”

While the advice provided by the AI technology can at times be helpful, Professor Verhoef has raised another concern: the motives behind the development of these religious chatbots.

The Debate

One of Professor Verhoef’s key observations in his recent analysis is that the Christian chatbots he studied were built by random developers rather than religious authorities.

AI Jesus, for example, was created by a company with the peculiar name SupremeChaos, which has no proven religious affiliation. Virtual Jesus was developed by AllStars Productions LLC.

“That this has been done by for-profit companies makes one question their motives,” noted Verhoef. “If the motive is profit, then AI Jesus chatbots will aim to get as many people as possible engaged for as long as possible for maximum advertising revenue.”

The consequences could be far-reaching—from theological challenges to what Verhoef calls the AI’s “immense manipulative power.”

Other religious leaders are also skeptical about the role of AI in faith—even when the technology is developed by religious organizations.

“Do we want to give what’s sacred over to bits of code and algorithms? My argument is no,” said Paul Hoffman, the pastor of Evangelical Friends Church in Rhode Island and author of the book AI Shepherds And Electric Sheep, in a recent interview with NPR.

Others, however, see multiple benefits. Naomi Sease Carriker, a pastor of Messiah of the Mountains Lutheran Church in North Carolina, uses the technology to draft her sermons and thinks AI is here to help.

“Why not? Why can’t and why wouldn’t the Holy Spirit work through AI?,” said Carriker to NPR.

Rabbi Josh Fixler goes even further. Not only has he supported the use of AI for religious purposes, but he has also developed his own chatbot called Rabbi Bot. The system can preach in his voice and even express its own opinions.

“Just as the Torah instructs us to love our neighbors as ourselves,” Rabbi Bot said, “can we also extend this love and empathy to the A.I. entities we create?”

The Next Messiah Awakening in a Humanoid Robot

We often debate which jobs AI will replace next—including religious leaders—but perhaps we should pause to reflect on the impact AI is already having on spirituality. As more of these chatbots reach larger audiences worldwide, new questions and concerns continue to emerge.

What happens if a robot claims to be a messiah?
Could AI systems create a new religion?
Can faith tech be used as a form of mass control?

What’s certain is that millions of people are now turning to AI for spiritual guidance, from confessing to an AI Jesus avatar at church to discussing personal struggles with religious chatbots at home.

In doing so, they are sharing deeply intimate and private information with companies and organizations that may have no genuine religious affiliation. Meanwhile, these chatbots break down barriers—of language, geography, and time—offering support 24/7 in ways no human religious leader could.

And while they can indeed provide comfort—like helping someone through an anxiety episode at three in the morning—the consequences remain diverse and unpredictable. For now, we are all, in a sense, guinea pigs in this great faith tech experiment.