One church in Lucerne, Switzerland, embarked on a unique experiment by installing an AI version of "Jesus" in its confessional booth. This initiative, named "Deus in Machina," aimed to understand people's reactions and the efficiency of such a digital tool.

Unveiling the Impact of AI in a Divine Space

Part 1: The Setup and Installation

Peter's Chapel, a Catholic chapel, partnered with researchers to bring this innovative concept to life. In August 2024, an AI system with a visual of Jesus was installed in the confessional booth. It was equipped with GPT-4o by OpenAI, the Whisper system, and an AI video generator from Heygen. Visitors were alerted by a sign, and once inside, a green light indicated when to speak and a red light when the "AI Jesus" would respond.This setup allowed for a unique interaction between people and the digital entity. It sparked curiosity and raised questions about the role of technology in a sacred space.

Part 2: User Experience and Feedback

More than 1,000 people from around the world tried out the new AI confessional system. Feedback was recorded from over 230 users. Researchers noted that two-thirds of those who responded found the system easy to use and had a spiritual experience. Some people were incredibly happy and surprised, inspired by the interaction.However, not all reactions were positive. There were those in the church community who called the idea "blasphemous" or the "work of the devil." But the chapel theologian, Marco Schmid, argued that the project was not meant to replace human interaction but to prompt reflection on digital uses in a divine context.

Part 3: Future Considerations

Due to the initial success of the project, the chapel theologian received several responses from other parishes and researchers interested in bringing it back to a different place. This has led to a need for reflection on how to continue and explore the potential of AI in a religious setting.Bringing it back would be a decision for the future, but it has opened up new avenues for discussion and exploration. It shows the evolving nature of religious practices and the integration of technology.