New Faith-Based AI Chatbot Aims to Bridge Gap between Religion and Technology
Two Texas brothers have developed a platform intending to connect the Bible with artificial intelligence (AI), offering families a safer alternative to mainstream chatbots that often lack moral grounding.
Peter and Thomas Cooney founded Acutis AI, a chatbot rooted in 2,000 years of Catholic teachings. Their concept emerged when they began questioning the ethical foundations of contemporary chatbots. They turned to their Catholic faith and years of scholarly research for insight.
“Using many mainstream platforms made me realize how hard it is to trace back where your moral values come from,” Thomas shared during a recent segment on “Fox & Friends Weekend.”
“Coming from a Catholic family, we recognized that our values stem from something much deeper. They aren’t just dictated by tech companies or ethics committees,” he added.
Acutis AI is named after Blessed Carlo Acutis, a saint who passed away at 15 and was known for documenting Eucharistic miracles online. The Cooney brothers aim to create a safe online environment where families can find moral guidance and support.
“The primary concern is the exposure of children and teens to these extensive platforms and AI chatbots, which can mislead them,” Peter noted.
Acutis AI includes several parent-focused features meant to enhance online safety for children. These features encompass tools for setting time limits, parental monitoring, and restrictions during designated homework periods.
“We offer parental controls that allow parents to see what their children are discussing. If a child raises concerning topics, they’ll be alerted,” Peter explained.
“Our approach will always prioritize Catholic perspectives, regardless of the question at hand.”
The emergence of Acutis AI aligns with a noticeable trend among Generation Z, many of whom are seeking to reconnect with their religious roots. A recent Gallup poll revealed that 42% of men under 30 consider religion “very important,” reflecting a 14% increase since 2023.
