A new wave of apps is using artificial intelligence to connect users with religious figures. Text With Jesus, bible.ai, and similar tools let people ask spiritual questions and receive AI-generated responses based on religious texts.
How the Apps Work
Text With Jesus offers users an interactive chat with religious deities. People can text questions to Jesus and get responses. Premium users can also chat with Satan.
The app’s creator, Stephane Peter, says users are chatting with AI chatbots that pretend to be Jesus or the apostles. Responses regularly cite Bible verses related to user questions.
According to Today, NBC’s Anne Thompson tested the app and asked why bad things happen to good people. She received a message that read, in part: „Anne, my heart aches with yours when you see pain — suffering entered the world because of brokenness and free will, not because God delights in harm.“
Peter said his team is testing voice features and plans to add more biblical characters. Users will soon be able to chat with the Three Wise Men before Christmas.
The Controversy and Concerns
Some critics worry about mixing AI with faith. Religious researcher Robert P. Jones told Thompson that the challenge is not knowing what creates the reality these apps present.
Religious Leaders Weigh In
Pope Leo XIV has expressed concern over AI use in society. He said artificial intelligence must function as a tool for human good, not to diminish or replace people.
Rabbi Daniel Bogard finds AI useful for finding texts and challenging his thinking. But he sees danger in losing sight of humanity and human connection.
The trend comes as nearly 30% of Americans report no religious affiliation, according to the Pew Research Center. Former LifeWay Christian Resources president Thom S. Rainer told the Baptist Courier that 15,000 churches could shut down in 2025.
Today anchors discussed the complexity during Thompson’s segment. Savannah Guthrie said whatever brings people to faith is valuable. But Craig Melvin suggested the apps should supplement, not replace, a relationship with God.
Carson Daly noted AI could help people see Jesus‘ miracles through visual representations. But he added that representing Jesus is a whole other conversation.
