AI-powered confessional in Lucerne sparks debate on technology’s role in religion
Lucerne’s chapel introduces a 24/7 AI-powered confessional, blending tradition with tech, as parishioners share mixed views on the experiment’s impact.
A chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland, has introduced an AI-powered confessional, featuring an avatar named ‘AI Jesus’ to offer spiritual advice. Parishioners communicate with the AI by voicing concerns and receiving machine-generated guidance. The experiment, developed at a local university, aims to spark debate about technology’s role in religion.
Theologians involved highlight AI’s 24/7 availability as a key advantage, contrasting it with human pastors‘ limited schedules. Parishioners have expressed mixed reactions, with some praising its convenience and others criticising its generic responses as superficial.
Despite the novelty, the AI advises users not to disclose personal data, underscoring privacy concerns. Traditional clergy remain essential, as many see the AI as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for spiritual leaders.
