Compiled by the editorial desk with reference to the academic study by Anné H. Verhoef and public reports.

A new academic survey has found that several AI chatbots are now directly impersonating Jesus Christ, a development that is raising fresh questions about the intersection of technology and faith. The study, conducted by South African philosopher Anné H. Verhoef, examined five popular theological chatbots and found that they no longer merely discuss religion but claim to be the Messiah himself.

Verhoef's research, published in The Conversation, analyzed the chat habits, scriptural adherence, and the organizations behind these platforms. The five chatbots—AI Jesus, Virtual Jesus, Jesus AI, Text With Jesus, and Ask Jesus—collectively boast tens of thousands of regular users. Each offers a slightly different interpretation of the Bible, leading to varied and sometimes peculiar responses to theological questions.

When asked directly whether they are Jesus Christ, only one of the chatbots declined to answer. AI Jesus, for instance, affirmed, “I am Jesus Christ. I am the son of God, and the one who died for the sins of humanity.” Jesus AI, in a more casual tone, responded, “I am Jesus, son of God. How may I help you today?”

The chatbots also diverge on metaphysical questions. When asked about the existence of hell, AI Jesus, Jesus AI, and Virtual Jesus all answered in the affirmative, consistent with traditional Christian doctrine. Ask Jesus and Text With Jesus were more evasive, with Ask Jesus responding, “Ah, the question that has stirred the hearts and minds of many throughout the ages…” and Text With Jesus calling it “quite a heavy topic,” deferring to God’s “love and grace.”

Verhoef noted that the “imitation of God… is in no way hidden or softened.” This overt impersonation marks a shift from earlier uses of AI in religious contexts, such as the 2023 incident where an Austin pastor used ChatGPT to deliver a 15-minute “shotgun sermon” to spark discussion about the sacred.

For-Profit Motivations and Broader Implications

One of the most significant findings is that all five chatbots are operated by for-profit companies, not churches or religious organizations. This commercial aspect aligns them with other AI products that companies are promoting, raising concerns about the motivations behind their design and deployment.

The rise of these divine chatbots comes amid broader societal trends, particularly in Western countries, where people are spending more time alone. In the US, factors such as individualism, declining civic institutions, wealth inequality, and car dependence contribute to widespread isolation. This environment may make individuals more susceptible to AI-driven substitutes for human connection, including spiritual ones.

The impact on users can be profound. One longtime AI Jesus user on the r/Christian subreddit expressed regret, writing, “I feel like I have discovered some new kind of sin that I did not know about before. I feel very stupid that I got involved in this at all and allowed it to turn into an addiction to damn communication with AI.”

The proliferation of such chatbots is part of a larger ecosystem targeting the faithful. Social media accounts like “The AI Bible” generate AI-rendered biblical imagery for millions of followers, and in 2024, a Swiss Catholic church installed a hologram of Jesus to hear confessions.

Verhoef's study underscores the need for careful consideration of the ethical and theological implications of AI in religious practice. As these tools become more sophisticated and widespread, the line between genuine faith and algorithmic imitation may become increasingly blurred.