AI Enters Religious Spaces: From Robot Guides to Digital Deities

Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly making its way into religious institutions worldwide, sparking both excitement and debate about the future of faith. From robot guides in churches to AI-powered avatars and services, AI is reshaping how people engage with spirituality, raising questions about the role of technology in sacred spaces.

In a recent development, a church in the UK introduced a tabletop robot capable of conversing in six languages. The robot, created by Furhat Robotics, was designed to serve as a multilingual guide, sharing the church's history with visitors. This initiative, a collaboration between the University of Glasgow, the University of Central Lancashire, and church staff, highlights the growing interest in leveraging AI to enhance religious experiences.

Robot Guides in Churches

The Furhat robot, with its ability to engage visitors in multiple languages, was particularly well-received by tourists and children. Its presence added a modern touch to the historic setting, demonstrating how AI can complement traditional religious practices. However, the robot faced challenges, such as disruptions caused by visitors filming with their phones, which interfered with its gaze-detection system.

Despite these technical hurdles, the church views the experiment as a success. The goal was not to replace human guides or faith leaders but to explore how AI could serve as a supplementary tool. Researchers plan to return in 2026 to further study the potential of AI in religious settings, indicating a long-term commitment to this innovative approach.

Global Experiments in Digital Faith

The UK church is not alone in its exploration of AI. Across the globe, religious organizations are experimenting with AI in diverse ways. In Poland, a chapel offers AI-guided explanations of Catholicism, while a parish in Switzerland has unveiled an AI Jesus avatar. These examples illustrate how AI is being integrated into various religious traditions, from Catholicism to Lutheranism and Buddhism.

In Finland, a Lutheran church took AI integration a step further by conducting an entire service crafted by software. The service included sermons and music, showcasing AI's potential to create meaningful religious content. Meanwhile, Buddhism has embraced robomonks that answer questions and chant sutras, highlighting the adaptability of AI in different spiritual contexts.

The Unique Role of AI in Religion

While religions have historically embraced new technologies like books and radio, AI stands out due to its interactivity. According to Beth Singler, a professor studying Digital Religion(s), AI's ability to converse and respond makes it feel like a source of knowledge. This interactivity could lead people to seek spiritual answers from AI systems like ChatGPT, potentially reshaping how faith is practiced.

However, reactions to AI in religion are polarizing. Some view it as a distraction or even demonic, arguing that it may tempt people away from traditional religious knowledge. Others see it as a valuable tool for enhancing spiritual experiences and making faith more accessible to a broader audience.

Collaboration, Not Replacement

Despite the controversies, many religious institutions emphasize collaboration rather than replacement. The Furhat robot, for instance, was deliberately chosen to test how AI could serve as a helper, not a substitute for human spiritual guidance. This approach reflects a careful balance between embracing innovation and preserving the essence of religious traditions.

As AI continues to evolve, its role in religious spaces is likely to expand. Whether through robot guides, digital deities, or AI-crafted sermons, AI is quietly testing the boundaries of faith and technology, offering new ways for people to connect with their spirituality in a rapidly changing world.