Technology and religion have been intertwined for millennia — so what’s different about AI?

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Pope Leo XIV warns against the use of AI companionship and advice apps that exploit human emotional needs.
New AI technologies facilitate conversations between worshippers and religious figures like God, Jesus, and biblical prophets through personalized, tailored interactions.
Many people react vehemently to AI’s role in spirituality, seeing a conflict between organic, personal spiritual pursuits and technological devices.
Historical perspective shows that technology and religious practices have long been intertwined, from ancient oracles to mechanical devices simulating divine intervention.
AI is now being used to depict biblical stories and represent God, continuing a long tradition of religious figures using technology to convey their doctrines.
There is tension between embracing new technological innovation in religion and maintaining traditional religious practices and beliefs.
Some propose that AI could become god-like through unpredictable “emergent properties”, representing a unique shift in human agency where humans increasingly rely on autonomous, non-human-driven technology.

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