Launched in August 2024, a church in Switzerland has introduced an AI version of Jesus, named Deus in Machina, to interact with visitors in a confessional setting as part of its centenary celebrations.

The project was developed by a team from Hochschule Luzern's Immersive Realities Center, including Philipp Haslbauer, Aljosa Smolic, and parish theologian Marco Schmid.

One of the key advantages highlighted is AI Jesus's 24/7 accessibility, offering a practical alternative to traditional pastoral care.

During the two-month experiment, over 1,000 individuals, including tourists from various countries, interacted with the AI, with approximately two-thirds reporting a 'spiritual experience'.

Feedback from users has been mixed; while many found the experience beneficial, others criticized the AI's responses as generic or overly simplistic.

Some individuals viewed the initiative as a gimmick, particularly noting the AI's inability to handle complex questions effectively.

Ethics Professor Peter Kirchschläger cautioned that while the project encourages important discussions about faith, human pastors remain superior in providing meaningful pastoral care.

The project has sparked internal debate within the church regarding the appropriateness of using Jesus's image as an avatar in this context.

The AI was trained on scripture and theological texts, ensuring its responses align with the Church's teachings, although its spontaneous answers can be unpredictable.

The holographic installation allows users to ask questions and express their thoughts, simulating a conversation with the divine.

The initiative raises ethical concerns regarding privacy, particularly about the potential for the AI to disclose confessions.

Despite the concerns, the experiment reflects a strong public interest in exploring religion and spirituality through innovative formats, suggesting a future for AI in spiritual dialogues.