A unique experiment using artificial intelligence is being conducted in the Swiss church of Lucerne, where believers can communicate with a digital version of Jesus Christ, which has caused mixed reactions among both visitors , and the religious community.
Digital Christ
Innovative project in an ancient chapel
In An unusual project has been implemented in the Chapel of St. Peter, the oldest church in Lucerne. In collaboration with a local university's Interactive Technology Lab, a traditional confessional was transformed into a space for interacting with a digital version of Christ. The initiative was called "Deus in Machina".
Selecting a digital image
Theologian Marco Schmid says that the process of choosing a virtual interlocutor was not easy. Various options were considered: from the image of a theologian to a simple person. Ultimately, the choice fell on the image of Jesus. At the same time, the creators emphasize that the project does not replace the sacrament of confession, and participants are advised to refrain from disclosing confidential information.
Results of the experiment
During the two months of the project’s operation, more than a thousand people of different faiths, including representatives of Islam and tourists from Asian countries, took part in a dialogue with a virtual Christ. A survey of 230 participants found that about 66% described the experience as spiritual. However, some visitors, including a local journalist, noted the superficiality of the system's responses.
Reaction from the religious community
The project caused a mixed reaction among believers. The Catholic community expressed concern over the use of the confessional, while the Protestant community was critical of the use of religious symbols. The project's creators were particularly concerned about the unpredictability of the AI's responses, despite preliminary testing with 30 people.
Development prospects
Marco Schmid sees promise in developing a multilingual spiritual assistant for answering questions about faith. According to his observations, people feel the need for direct dialogue with Jesus and seek answers directly from him.
Glossary
- Lucerne is a city in central Switzerland, the administrative center of the canton of the same name
- Deus in Machina - an experimental project to introduce AI into religious practice
- Marco Schmid - theologian, head of the digital Christ project
- St. Peter's Chapel - the oldest church in the city of Lucerne
- The Guardian - British edition, source of the original publication
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Discussion of the topic – AI Jesus in the Swiss Church: Technology is changing traditional confession
An innovative project in the oldest church in Lucerne, where artificial intelligence in the image of Christ communicates with parishioners, causing unexpected spiritual experiences
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Isabella
A very interesting experiment! 🤔 I would love to try to communicate with the digital Christ. It is especially impressive that people of different faiths found it a spiritual experience.
Pierre
I agree with Isabella! Technology gives us new opportunities for spiritual development. Although it’s a little alarming that the system can produce uncontrolled answers 😮
Heinrich
Some kind of nonsense. How can you replace real confession with a machine? All these technologies only alienate people from the true faith. In my time this was not the case, and everyone lived well. 😤
Ana
Heinrich, but this is not a replacement for confession, but rather a new way of thinking about faith. I think this can help the younger generation get closer to religion 🙏 Technology is a tool, it all depends on how you use it.
Marcin
Interestingly, two-thirds of those surveyed called it a spiritual experience. Perhaps this can really become a bridge between traditional religion and the modern digital world 🌐
Isabella
I think the main thing is that the project helps people think about eternal questions. Although I agree that banal answers are a minus 🤷♀️
Olena
1000 visitors in two months - an impressive result! It may be worth developing this idea, but with a deeper elaboration of AI responses 💡
Pierre
Olena is right, the potential is huge! Especially if you make the system multilingual. Imagine how many people around the world will be able to access spiritual support 24/7 🌍