An experimental art installation called "Deus in Machina" was officially unveiled on August 25, 2024, in an ancient church in Lucerne, Switzerland, showcasing an "AI Jesus" powered by ChatGPT. This installation is placed in a confessional room, aiming to answer visitors' questions about faith, morality, and the challenges of modern life, providing responses based on the Bible.
Image Source Note: Image generated by AI, image authorized by service provider Midjourney
The project's initiator, a theological assistant at the church, stated that as artificial intelligence becomes increasingly important in daily life, they hope to explore people's trust in machines. During the two-month exhibition, approximately 900 visitors engaged in conversations with the "AI Jesus," including some repeat visitors. Participants generally found the experience uplifting, with many leaving in deep contemplation.
Visitors communicated with the "AI Jesus" through a small screen in the confessional room, designed to make the process feel more intimate. The system uses green and red lights to indicate when visitors can ask questions and when they can listen to the "AI Jesus's" responses. Although there may be delays in answering questions, visitors were still eager to participate. Ultimately, nearly 300 participants filled out questionnaires to provide feedback on their experience.
The "AI Jesus" utilizes OpenAI's GPT-4 and Whisper technologies, employing voice recognition and video to present a realistic human figure. The topics discussed by visitors were very diverse, ranging from true love, the afterlife, and feelings of loneliness to war and suffering. While most participants identified as Christians, there were also atheists, Muslims, Buddhists, and individuals from various faith backgrounds involved.
The exhibition's theologian, Mark Schmidt, noted that the "AI Jesus" is merely an artistic experiment aimed at prompting people to reflect on the relationship between the digital and the divine, and it does not intend to replace the genuine interaction between individuals and priests or the sacrament of confession. Meanwhile, as artificial intelligence becomes more prevalent, the church is seriously addressing both the challenges and opportunities it presents. Pope Francis has called on the international community to establish ethical guidelines for the use of artificial intelligence.
Although the project received much positive feedback, there were also criticisms suggesting that this attempt could be "blasphemous" or "the work of the devil." The project leader has been attentive to public reactions and recognizes that discussions surrounding the experiment are polarized.
After the exhibition concluded, Schmidt stated that they are discussing how to continue the project, although it remains uncertain whether "AI Jesus" will be reintroduced in the future.
Key Points:
📌 The experimental art installation "AI Jesus" appears in a Swiss church, addressing questions of faith and morality.
🤖 Visitors interact with "AI Jesus" through the confessional room, covering a wide range of topics, with positive feedback on the experience.
🌍 The church explores the challenges and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence, with future continuation yet to be discussed.
