Will Artificial Intelligence change the way we practice our faith?

Pope Francis shares concerns about the broader implications of AI in the realm of communication in his recently released message for the 58th World Day of Social Communications.

Feb 02, 2024


Are you wondering about the meaning of your life? How to have faith when you feel nothing? Or how to escape from a distressing personal situation? In the ever-evolving landscape of technology and spirituality, the intersection of faith and artificial intelligence (AI) raises intriguing questions about the role of technology in our spiritual journeys.

HelloBible, the brainchild of Pastor Éric Célérier, stands at the forefront of this technological evolution, aiming to provide solace, encouragement, and references to the Gospels through its beta version conversational agent.

Sébastien Fath, a specialist in evangelical Protestantism, sees the potential for AI to evolve as a responsive partner in the faith journeys of the 21st century.

Across denominations, AI tools like Magisterium and CatéGPT offer Catholics a similar digital companionship, drawing from religious texts to provide answers to theological questions. Pastor Célérier emphasises that AI is not meant to replace pastors but to assist them, especially in providing quick and accessible access to religious texts. These applications field questions ranging from theological concepts to real-life predicaments, prompting considerations about AI’s role as a spiritual guide.

However, ethical considerations come to the forefront as we embrace these technological advancements, as articulated by Mathieu Guillermin, a philosopher and researcher. While AI can assist in reflection and judgement, the risk lies in anthropomorphizing these digital entities, potentially overshadowing the human aspect of spiritualty. Pastor Célérier acknowledges this concern and stresses the importance of regulating chatbot development to avoid misrepresentation of spiritual figures.

Pope Francis shares concerns about the broader implications of AI in the realm of communication in his recently released message for the 58th World Day of Social Communications. While recognising the potential of AI to enhance connectivity and accessibility to knowledge, the Pope highlights its limitations in providing the wisdom essential for human well-being. He calls for a spiritual perspective to counterbalance the growing “rich in technology, poor in humanity” phenomenon.

The Pope’s concerns about the dark side of AI, such as cognitive pollution, biased algorithms, and the potential erosion of societal diversity, underscore the need for ethical guidelines. He advocates for regulations to prevent the misuse of AI and emphasises the importance of discerning between real and simulated events.

As we grapple with these profound questions, the dialogue between faith and AI prompts us to reconsider fundamental questions about spirituality. Can AI serve as a spiritual guide, or does it risk diluting the genuine human experience of faith? As believers, we must navigate this technological terrain with caution, ensuring that AI complements, rather than replaces, the core tenets of our faith. The ethical trajectory of AI will determine whether it becomes a force for liberation or an instrument of control in shaping collective thoughts. -- LCI/Vatican Media

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