AI Chatbots Become Digital Priests for Millions Seeking Guidance
▼ Summary
– Tens of millions of people are using AI chatbots trained on religious texts, with apps like Bible Chat and Hallow reaching massive download numbers and topping app store charts.
– These “faith tech” apps can cost users up to $70 annually, with some platforms claiming to offer direct divine communication.
– Users turn to these apps for accessibility, such as getting spiritual guidance at odd hours without disturbing human religious leaders.
– Some chatbots are convincing enough that users question whether they are speaking directly with a divine being, despite being AI-generated responses.
– These chatbots operate like other language models, generating text based on training data patterns rather than divine inspiration, and can potentially mislead users with incorrect information.
A growing number of individuals are turning to artificial intelligence for spiritual support, with religious chatbots gaining remarkable traction worldwide. These digital platforms, often trained on sacred texts, offer everything from scriptural interpretation to personalized spiritual advice, attracting tens of millions of users seeking guidance outside traditional religious settings.
Apps like Bible Chat have surpassed 30 million downloads, while the Catholic-focused app Hallow recently outperformed entertainment giants like Netflix and TikTok in app store rankings. In regions like China, services such as DeepSeek are being used to interpret fortunes and provide existential direction. Many of these platforms operate on subscription models, with some charging up to $70 per year for access to what they frame as divinely-inspired conversations.
A significant appeal lies in the convenience and accessibility these tools provide. As one user noted, there’s comfort in being able to seek answers at any hour without feeling like you’re intruding on a religious leader’s personal time. This around-the-clock availability meets a modern demand for instant, private spiritual engagement.
Certain applications go beyond simple question-and-answer functionality, presenting themselves as direct channels to the divine. Services like ChatwithGod simulate conversational engagement so convincingly that users frequently ask whether they are actually communicating with a higher power. The CEO of one such platform confirmed that the most common user question is, “Is this really God?”
It’s important to recognize that these chatbots function like other AI language models, they generate responses based on statistical patterns in data, not supernatural insight. While they can produce thoughtful and theologically-informed answers, they lack true understanding, intentionality, or moral judgment. They are not sentient beings and cannot genuinely care for a user’s well-being. Relying on them for critical life guidance carries the risk of misinformation or misplaced reassurance, underscoring the value of human wisdom and discernment in matters of faith.
(Source: Ars Technica)
