In times when technology increasingly shapes the way we live, learn and connect, recent experiments pushing artificial intelligence into the realm of spirituality have caught worldwide attention.
A recent example was the Swiss “Deus in Machina” project, which introduced an AI-powered avatar in the confessional booth of St. Peter’s Chapel in Lucerne, Switzerland. This project, developed in collaboration with the Immersive Realities Research Lab at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts, allowed visitors to interact with a digital representation of Jesus in over 100 languages.
During its two-month run, over a thousand people engaged with the AI. After the project concluded, theologian Marco Schmid – one of its developers – acknowledged that while it could serve as a tool for reflection, he would not advocate for a permanent “AI Jesus” due to the significant responsibility and uncertainty involved. Schmid emphasised that AI cannot replace genuine spiritual guidance or the doctrinal and pastoral care provided by human leaders.
This trend isn’t limited to Switzerland. As far back as 2017, American engineer Anthony Levandowski founded “Way of the Future” – reportedly the first organisation dedicated to the worship of an AI “divinity.” There are also immersive digital experiences and experimental platforms claiming to generate “prophecies” or personalised spiritual insights using AI algorithms, reflecting a growing cultural fascination with virtual spiritual experiences.
Together, these developments highlight two emerging realities: on one hand, the elevation of artificial intelligence to a spiritual or almost divine status, on the other, a society that remains emotionally and spiritually hungry, searching for answers where real connection and divine presence matter most.
An authentic spiritual life is not found in created tools or virtual constructs but in a relationship with the living God. This is the essence of what we practice at our Wednesday services at the Universal Church, where divine guidance and connection come from true spiritual engagement with God, through prayer and meditation on His powerful Word.
Join us this Wednesday at your nearest Universal Church as we continue with “The Mysteries of Gethsemane” Bible study.
Event: The Mysteries of Gethsemane Bible Study
Day and time: Wednesdays at 7:30pm (also at 7am, 10am and 3pm)
Location: Your nearest Universal Church
