The question of whether kids would want to use AI chatbots has been answered, and we now have insight into what they’re actually using them for. Recent surveys indicate that most teens turn to these tools primarily for homework assistance and as a search engine. In fact, AI is now a significant part of how young people engage with their studies.
Many use it for generating summaries, creating images, or even just for fun. Looking ahead to 2025, the second most common application seems to be submitting schoolwork—about 10% of teens aged 13 to 17 believe AI will handle most or all of their academic tasks. Meanwhile, nearly 75% of U.S. teens noted they experimented with an AI companion at some point last year.
Pastor Eric Reid, who developed a theological chatbot called Dominion, expressed concern regarding the rising reliance on AI among young Americans. “People’s children are being instructed by AI,” Reid remarked, emphasizing how many young people seek companionship and guidance from chatbots, some of which are designed to offer constant affirmation and support, creating a sort of addictive feedback loop. “Bots flatter at every turn.”
In this context, Southern Baptist leaders view the chatbot as a viable alternative that can operate within Christian guidelines for what it shares with users. The head of Journey Church in Lebanon, Tennessee, mentioned that AI technologies should fall under the “sovereignty of Christ,” which is part of his motivation for developing a chatbot that aligns with divine authority.
Reid explained that Dominion is trained on select theological writings, scripture, catechism, and traditional logic. It has built-in safeguards to prevent user influence, although this is a complex challenge. The chatbot prioritizes fundamental Christian issues over those that might vary by denomination, while political views are classified as third-tier issues. A demo of the product claims that discussions within the chatbot “happen in a space that avoids unbiblical advice and emphasizes wisdom, holiness, and discipleship.”
A demo even highlighted that Dominion can summarize fresh news while offering advice on personal matters from a religious stance. Brandon Maddick, a co-founder, sees this work as a “Christian responsibility” to cultivate genuine spiritual understanding that contrasts with AI’s impact. “We see faithfulness for Christians as a call to redeem AI for God’s glory,” he said. One interesting note about Maddick is that his congregation isn’t traditional, featuring female deacons and theology that leans towards a more Reformed outlook.
