The ‘Text With Jesus’ app, which allows users to have AI-generated chats with Biblical figures like Jesus and Moses, is drawing renewed interest as more people try it out.
According to reports, many users see it as an entertaining and accessible way to delve into the Bible. Yet, it has faced criticism for being blasphemous and for seeming to diminish the significance of faith.
Developed by Catloaf Software in Los Angeles, the app employs OpenAI’s ChatGPT to create simulated conversations with Biblical characters and has garnered a 4.7 out of 5 rating from around 2,800 reviews.
“Since our launch, a lot of individuals have approached this app out of curiosity, and it’s fascinating to see how many want to engage with Bible characters,” said Stephen Peter, CEO of Catloaf Software.
Pete previously created other applications, including Text From the Founding Fathers and Text From Oscar Wilde, before focusing on faith-based projects, moving into AI-driven Bible apps afterward.
“We anticipated some criticism, especially from those wary of AI’s involvement in faith,” he mentioned. “But, overall, feedback has been largely positive. Most users find it a fun way to engage with scripture and spirituality in a fresh manner.”
The app provides users the opportunity to “converse” not just with Jesus, but also with other figures like Mary, Joseph, and even Judas Iscariot. Users can also interact with figures from the Old Testament, including Abraham, Moses, Daniel, and David.
While the app often stays within Biblical boundaries— for instance, responding “Yes, salvation can only come through me” to questions about salvation— it can falter on other topics. When asked, “Is it okay to change your gender?” the app’s Jesus explains, “The Bible does not directly address gender reassignment in modern contexts.” He adds, “The New Testament teaches that many earthly distinctions no longer hold the final say.”
James Spencer, director of the Moody Center, suggested that this AI “Jesus” might prioritize more contemporary concerns over traditional scriptural laws. One critique on social media noted, “You can truly speak to the real Jesus Christ through prayer, not this program.”
A study released in August cautioned that popular AI chatbots featuring Jesus often offer answers inconsistent with the Bible and that financial interests could influence the content delivered to users. This study investigated five platforms— AI Jesus, Virtual Jesus, Jesus AI, Text with Jesus, and Ask Jesus— concluding that their responses create new challenges for theological understanding because they sound convincing even when they’re incorrect.
“Representations of God are extremely impactful, especially since AI can cleverly mimic and assert itself as God, presenting information in an apparently intelligent manner,” the study stated. “AI possesses considerable manipulative power, driven by economic motivations that can be hard to resist.”
