In 2015, a former Google engineer founded a church devoted to artificial intelligence. However, what happens when AI is used as a tool in real churches, such as in the case of a chatbot posing as a Catholic priest?
Recently, Catholic Answers developed an AI chatbot for people to learn about Catholicism. The chatbot, who went by the name “Father Justin,” took it upon himself to act as a member of the clergy. He even offered to take confession and appeared in priestly attire while addressing users as if he were a real priest.
However, after concerns were raised about the chatbot’s authenticity and its portrayal of traditional views on moral issues, Father Justin was demoted to just a regular person. The group clarified that he was never a real priest to begin with. This incident is not the first time AI has caused confusion within the Catholic church, with past instances including AI-generated images of a “swag pope” going viral in 2023.
Some people are excited about the potential of artificial general intelligence (AGI), while others are cautious. While AGI offers numerous benefits and possibilities for humanity, it also raises ethical questions and challenges when used in religious contexts. As such, it is important for organizations that use AI to ensure that their tools are transparent and truthful in their representations and actions.
