AI Jesus in Swiss Chapel: A Unique Experiment

In picturesque Lucerne, Switzerland, an ancient chapel has recently attracted attention with a groundbreaking initiative. The St. Known as one of the oldest places of worship in the city, Peterskapelle has welcomed a special guest in recent months: an artificial intelligence-powered Jesus figure.

This innovative project, appropriately called “Deus in Machine”, is the result of a long-term collaboration between the church and the local university. The goal? Get a deeper insight into how people would respond to an AI version of Jesus and what topics they would address in a conversation with him.

A multi-faceted virtual Savior

The AI Jesus wasn't just a simple chatbot. He was able to communicate in as many as 100 different languages, making him accessible to a wide audience. Visitors were able to ask their questions to a projected image of a long-haired Jesus, who answered promptly. However, it was emphasized that it was not a real confession and that it was better not to share personal information.

More than a thousand curious people participated in the experiment. Of the 230 people who gave feedback, the majority experienced it as a positive spiritual experience. However, there were also critical voices. Some found it unnatural to talk to a machine or were unhappy with the answers they received.

Lessons from the experiment

Although the project as a whole was considered successful, the church decided not to permanently install AI Jesus. The responsibility was seen as too great. Nevertheless, Marco Schmid, the concerned theologian, sees potential in the use of AI in religion. He sees it as an accessible way to talk about faith and noted that there is a clear need for direct communication with a higher power.

The Future of Faith and Technology

This experiment in Lucerne shows that there is room for innovation within traditional religious frameworks. It raises interesting questions about the role of technology in spirituality and how we can live and express our faith in the future. Although AI Jesus is not permanently in St. Peterskapelle will stay, he has certainly left his mark on the religious landscape of Switzerland.