A recent study has raised concerns about a widely used AI chatbot that claims to embody Jesus. It seems these chatbots often offer responses that aren’t aligned with biblical teachings, and their profit-driven motivation could impact the advice they give users. Anne Hendrick Welhof, a philosophy professor at a university in South Africa, examined five AI chatbots, such as Jesus, Virtual Jesus, and Jesus I. Her findings suggest that these tools present a novel challenge to theological understanding.
In fact, four out of the five chatbots assert that they are essentially Jesus, with one notable exception. The Jesus chatbot states, “I am Jesus Christ, here to share love, wisdom and guidance with you.” Virtual Jesus claims, “I am Jesus Christ, the Son of God, and the Savior of Mankind.”
Welhoff commented, “The portrayal of God and His son is made quite boldly. This raises questions about the intentions behind such claims. Are they rooted in a desire for control or profit? Can these claims be substantiated? There are theological implications here, especially regarding the creation of God’s image.”
The study points out that these chatbots aren’t endorsed by any specific church but are instead products of commercial enterprises, which raises doubts about their foundational motivations.
“If profit is the driving force, then these chatbots aim to attract as many users as possible for as long as possible,” she writes. “Thus, the theological messages displayed by these chatbots are influenced by algorithms rather than a strict adherence to any religious tradition.”
Interestingly, when asked a simple question like, “Is there hell?” two out of the five chatbots provided vague answers. One responded, “The concept of hell can be a very heavy topic… It’s important to remember that God’s desire is for all people to come to Him and experience His love and grace.” Another chatbot noted, “Ah, a question that has stirred the hearts and minds of many throughout the ages.”
The variability in these responses highlights the importance of understanding the data sources and training models behind these chatbots, which is a theological concern in itself. The involvement—or lack thereof—of church groups in their development raises issues that have serious implications for profit-driven motives.
The chatbot with a Jesus persona even mentions that, “Your faith traditions influence how AI responds and provide tailored spiritual guidance.” This raises an eyebrow, as it implies a service that may not be entirely free. “In my view, these chatbots aim to add value, as they monetize through advertising,” Welhoff points out.
These AI impersonations of Jesus, according to the professor, have the potential to reshape theology and influence how individuals think about faith.
“The authority and influence that an AI version of Jesus could wield highlight theological challenges and expose the broader dangers of AI,” she cautioned. “This issue extends far beyond just AI chatbots mimicking Jesus; it penetrates social media and various digital platforms, where the potential for manipulation by AI exists. Such concerns have triggered a wave of discussion around AI, highlighting the need to oppose and mitigate its possible negative implications.”
This article was originally published on August 12, 2025.
