Could artificial intelligence (AI) programs such as ChatGPT potentially inspire sacred texts and shape new religious movements? Could humans develop romantic feelings for machines while the machines themselves become a source of wisdom and laws akin to those depicted in science fiction films?
With the ongoing advancements in AI language models, could machines indeed pave the way for new cults?
AI tools have refined their capacity to carry out convincing discussions, write news and scientific articles, and even offer hairstyling tips. It is, therefore, unsurprising to speculate that they could replace humans in many roles.
AI: A New Spiritual Guide?
Experts believe that AI could soon assist the clergy in the same way it helps programmers code. “Currently, if someone seeks guidance from a sacred text, the desired answer may be within the pages, although it’s difficult to locate,” Professor Neil McArthur, director of the Centre for Professional and Applied Ethics at the University of Manitoba in Canada, tells the BBC. “However, with AI, one could simply submit specific questions such as: ‘Should I get a divorce?’ or ‘How should I raise my children?’ and receive an immediate response.”
Comfort or Advice Provided by AI
Romanian theologian Marius Dorobanțu researched the inclination of some individuals to seek comfort and advice from AI-based chatbots instead of traditional psychotherapists or religious figures. A researcher at the University of Amsterdam (Netherlands), Dorobanțu reports witnessing a growing number of individuals open to seeking guidance from tools like ChatGPT for their everyday spiritual matters.
AI and Ethical Dilemmas
Dorobanțu says that such scenarios raise questions that go beyond establishing a spiritual connection between machines and humans. It extends to the ethical dilemmas that may arise from such a relationship. “For example, if someone commits suicide after consulting a chatbot, who should be held accountable?” he questions.
AI-Generated ‘Impressive’ Sacred Texts
In recent months, chatbots have been developed for religious inquiries. Some of these tools were trained using the text of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred scripture of Hinduism.
These programs were used by millions of people, but there were reports of instances where the tools appeared to tolerate violence.
HadithGPT, a tool trained on over 40,000 Islamic sources in English, was launched earlier this year. It was later shut down by its developer, who made the decision after assessing the “community response” to the tool.
Meanwhile, in January, representatives of Islam and Judaism signed a joint statement called the Rome Call for AI Ethics.
This manifesto was launched in 2020 by the Catholic Church and calls for technology to be transparent and inclusive. Several governments and tech companies supported it, while Pope Francis spoke about the “great challenges ahead on the horizon of artificial intelligence.”
In a recently published survey titled AI Worship as a New Form of Religion, Professor McArthur explores the potential emergence of new forms of worship or sects that revere texts generated by artificial intelligence.
As part of the study, he himself asked religious questions to ChatGPT.
“I asked it to write a sacred text for me, and it replied: ‘I can’t do that,’” McArthur recalls.
“But when I asked to write a play about a prophet who starts a new religion, it promptly generated a story about a leader sharing his doctrines of love and peace,” he reports.
“It seemed quite astonishing to me,” the academic adds.
Theologian Marius Dorobanțu observes that artificial intelligence has characteristics that humans tend to revere.
“Humans, if you look at the history of religion, very much like to worship other entities,” says Dorobanțu.
“If you read the Old Testament, you will understand that human nature is almost idolatrous by default. We are prone to idolize various non-human entities, especially when they appear intelligent.”
Scholarly Discussions on AI’s Intersection with Religion
The intersection of AI and religion has drawn significant scholarly attention. Researchers and experts have examined this dynamic from different angles, exploring the potential implications of AI on religious practices, institutional forms, human religiosity, and the academic study of religion.
Influence and Transformation
In 2018, the journal MDPI Religions dedicated a special issue to the relationship between AI and religion. The issue delves into the influence of AI on institutional forms of religion and the transformation of human religiosity. Furthermore, it investigates the magical and gnostic aspects of AI. The discussions suggest a nuanced interaction between AI and religion, underscoring AI’s transformative potential while raising questions about its compatibility with traditional religious practices.
AI for Religious Studies
The influence of AI extends to the academic study of religion as well. An article titled “A.I. and Religion: Towards a Theory of Religious Studies and Artificial Intelligence”, published by MDPI in 2021, explores the effective use of artificial intelligence in religious studies. It delves into the development of a discourse of ‘difference’ and the potential implications of AI on the field. The article suggests that AI tools could provide new approaches and methods for analyzing religious texts, trends, and behaviors, potentially transforming the way religious studies are conducted.
Faith Leaders on AI and Religion
In a more practical sense, The Guardian article titled “Are chatbots changing the face of religion? Three faith leaders on grappling with AI” from 2023 addresses the impact of chatbots and AI on religion from the perspective of faith leaders. They share their insights on the potential utility and ramifications of using AI chatbots in religious contexts. The faith leaders highlight both the opportunities and challenges presented by AI, suggesting that while AI might enhance accessibility to religious guidance, it also raises profound ethical and theological questions.
The Limits of AI in Religion
While AI has the potential to enrich religious experiences and make spirituality more accessible, there are limitations to what AI can provide in matters of faith and spirituality. Here are some potential limitations to consider:
Lack of Human Connection
A significant constraint of employing AI in religious contexts is its inability to form genuine human bonds. Although AI conversational agents may be equipped to dispense counsel and suggestions, they cannot give the depth of emotional comfort and understanding that a human spiritual guide can offer. For numerous individuals, establishing a personal relationship with a spiritual leader is vital to their religious observance.
Limited Understanding of Complex Issues
AI presently faces limitations in comprehending intricate matters about belief systems and spirituality. AI chatbots may be capable of furnishing basic responses to clear-cut queries, but they might find it challenging to offer subtle or tailored advice on more convoluted matters.
Potential for Bias and Error
AI is only as unbiased and accurate as the data it is trained on. If AI chatbots are trained on biased or incomplete data, they may provide inaccurate or harmful guidance. Additionally, AI chatbots may make errors or provide vague answers, which could lead to confusion or misunderstanding.
Lack of Accountability
If someone follows the guidance of an AI chatbot and experiences negative consequences, it may be challenging to hold anyone accountable. Unlike a human religious leader, an AI chatbot cannot be held responsible for the advice it provides.
Risk of Overreliance
Ultimately, there’s a potential danger that individuals might over-depend on AI for spiritual advice, leading them to overlook other crucial elements of their spiritual journey. Although AI can be a beneficial aid, it should not supersede the interpersonal connections and community camaraderie that are typically central to religious observance.
Final Thoughts
This article reflects on the evolving relationship between artificial intelligence and religion, drawn from various sources as referenced throughout. It attempts to delve into the potential implications of AI on religious practices, the possible emergence of new forms of worship, and the ethical considerations that arise from these intersections. My conclusions and statements are grounded in the document’s knowledge, studies, and personal experiences of different people and organizations.
As we have navigated through these diverse perspectives, one thing is clear: AI’s influence on religion is a complex and multi-faceted issue, raising as many questions as it provides answers. As with any evolving field of study, further research and exploration are needed to understand the nuances of this relationship better.
As we contemplate the prospective impact of AI on the trajectory of religion and spirituality, the significance of critical analysis, ethical contemplation, and human-centric design in AI evolution becomes increasingly noticeable. The dialogue also highlights the necessity for cross-disciplinary cooperation among AI specialists, religious researchers, ethicists, and decision-makers.
To gain a more comprehensive understanding of these themes, delve deeper into the references provided in the text.
