A new AI app called “Text With Jesus” is designed for users to have conversations with biblical figures. It has been trained on different versions of the Bible. Users can download and use it for free with limited features. For more access to features, a premium option is available, but that is not all. Users can chat with Satan as well as other biblical characters, which raises questions.
What is the point of adding Satan to the app? Is it trying to change the perception of this figure? It seems that way. It shows that Satan has similar biblical values, which contradicts the biblical descriptions of this figure. This brings attention to whether the AI chatbot implies Jesus and the devil have the same values and principles. It also makes me wonder if it implies that there are no differences between these two figures, just like there are no differences between the biblical concepts of light and darkness.
The chatting with people in the Old or New Testament in the app reminds me of the AI chatbot called Ask_Jesus. It answers questions on various topics, such as dating and morality. The faith leaders were not down with it due to whether the interpretation was consistent with the original source and the AI algorithm. Additionally, there are worries about how the AI app might influence religious beliefs and people’s reactions to the situation, and I have similar worries about the new AI app.
I do not know how an AI chatbot helps a human user only to understand what the verses or parables really say contrary to his or her situation and apply them to his or her life. For instance, I am not sure how it is going to clarify the context of honoring parents when a person has abusive or toxic parents (tyrant, manipulative or neglectful, to name a few). I am not sure how it is going to provide various situations from Psalm 27:10, where a father and mother forsake their child but not the Lord. I am also not sure how it is going to encourage Christians to have faith and overcome fear when they are being persecuted around the world.
Despite that, some are okay with the app, but not others. The ones who are not okay with it would rather read the Bible, and I agree with them. The dialogues in the Bible between God’s prophets and apostles reveal their thoughts and emotions. The dialogues between God and the leader of fallen angels in the Book of Job say a lot about the relationship between the Creator and the Prince of Darkness. The conversation between the serpent and Eve in the Book of Genesis talks about the great deceiver and her falling into temptation.
In conclusion, texting this AI chatbot can only do so much since it is in its infancy. Its data raises doubt about whether it interprets the meaning of the context of what God, the prophets, or the apostles really said. It begs the question of whether it can assist people in applying the Bible to their lives or in figuring out how the great deceiver would deceive the entire world. Then again, it also raises inquiries about whether attending church and reading the Bible helps others seek the truth or answers they have been searching for. Some do while others do not, as the parable of the sower in Matthew 13 explains.
Sources:
Controversial new AI app allows you to text with Jesus – and Satan
Bizarre AI app stirs controversy as it lets you text ‘Jesus and Satan’
Want to Talk to AI Jesus? No, Thank You. I will pass.
Image: I use Illustrator and Photoshop to create this simple feature image. The message image is inspired by searching pictures on freepik. I might change the feature image later to fit the content.
