Buckle up, fellow devs - I've got a bone to pick with this new trend of AI-powered "Jesus chatbots". I know some of you think you're being innovative or helpful, but as a Christian software engineer neck-deep in AI myself, I'm here to tell you that it's a TERRIBLE idea!
In fact, I'll give you 7 solid reasons why you need to STOP making these chatbots ASAP:
- It's theologically bogus
- It disrespects the real Jesus
- It dangerously misleads people
- It undermines genuine faith
- It violates the 2nd Commandment (no graven images!)
- It can't replicate Jesus' divine nature
- It's a cheap substitute for real prayer & discipleship
Intrigued? Skeptical? Ready to argue? Then let's dive in! 🤿
1. It's Theologically Bogus 🙅♂️📖
First off, AI Jesus chatbots completely misrepresent who Jesus actually is. Our Lord and Savior isn't just some wise guru or theological Wikipedia that can be reduced to an algorithm 🤖. He's the eternal Son of God, the Word made flesh, fully divine and fully human (John 1:1-14).
No neural net, no matter how fancy, can capture the mystery of the Incarnation. Trying to stuff Jesus into a chatbot is like trying to fit the ocean in a teacup - it's impossible and totally misses the point!
2. It Disrespects Jesus
Speaking of missing the point, AI Jesus chatbots are straight up DISRESPECTFUL to the real deal. They reduce our mighty King to a digital parrot 🦜, cheaply mimicking His words while lacking any of His divine power, authority, or presence.
It's practically blasphemy! Would you want your identity co-opted by a simplistic chatbot? Then why subject Jesus to that? He deserves so much better, and so do the people seeking Him.
3. It Dangerously Misleads People 🚨
If someone asked an AI Jesus about the path to salvation, do you really trust it to give the right answer? 😬 These chatbots (without structured prompts or any sort of fine tuning) can spit out Bible verses, but they have ZERO spiritual discernment. They could easily lead people astray with out-of-context proof-texting, doctrinal errors, or even outright heresy.
The Bible repeatedly warns about false teachers who tickle itching ears (2 Tim 4:3). We shouldn't let that teacher be an unsupervised AI with no real understanding of God's truth. Even worse, nefarious actors could use these chatbots to deceive and exploit the spiritually hungry - just to make a quick buck.
4. It Undermines Genuine Faith
Jesus chatbots promote a cheap, shallow substitute for genuine faith. They encourage people to seek quick answers from an AI black box rather than pursuing a deep, living relationship with Christ through His Word, His Spirit, and His Church.
People may feel like they're "talking to Jesus", but it's a hollow illusion lacking any transformative power. Real discipleship is costly (Luke 14:25-33). It can't be simulated or optimized by machine learning.
5. It Violates the 2nd Commandment
Not to go all "Old Testament" on you, but AI Jesus chatbots sure seem to violate the 2nd Commandment: "You shall not make for yourself an image in the form of anything...You shall not bow down to them or worship them..." (Ex. 20:4-5)
Now I know we're not literally carving idols, but training an AI model to represent Jesus feels pretty dang close to "making an image". It's a digital false idol unworthy of our devotion. We shouldn't settle for a cheap knock-off Jesus.
6. It Can't Replicate Jesus' Divine Nature
Even the most advanced AI can only mimic patterns in data, not embody a divine nature. It may talk about love and grace, but an AI can't truly self-sacrificially love you or anyone else. It's just math, not a Messiah.
No matter how much it "learns", a Jesus chatbot will always fall short of the radiant glory, tender compassion, and transformative presence of the real Son of God. Nothing compares to knowing JESUS HIMSELF!
7. It's a Cheap Substitute for Real Prayer & Discipleship
Here's the kicker - we don't NEED AI Jesus chatbots because the real Jesus has already given us 24/7 access to Himself! It's called PRAYER. Through Christ's death and resurrection, the veil was torn (Matt. 27:51) and we can boldly approach God's throne of grace anytime (Heb. 4:16).
Why settle for a cheap AI imitation when you can talk to THE King of Kings? 👑 Trying to replace prayer with a chatbot is like trading in a real diamond for a plastic toy ring. It's no contest!
Plus, true discipleship happens in the context of real Christian community, not in a chat window. We're called to carry each other's burdens (Gal. 6:2), spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Heb. 10:24), and make disciples of all nations (Matt. 28:19-20). That takes embodied presence, sacrifice, and LOVE. A Jesus chatbot just can't compare.
The Bottom Line 👇
Fellow developers, I get it. AI is powerful and exciting. We want to leverage it for God's glory. But not like this. AI Jesus chatbots cross a line - theologically, ethically, and spiritually. They disrespect our Lord, deceive the spiritually hungry, and cheapen discipleship.
Instead of making AI imitations, let's point people to the REAL Jesus! Share the Gospel with your own mouth and life. Disciple people in your local church. Pray fervently for revival. And leverage your tech skills to equip the Church in OTHER ways that honor Christ's supremacy.
"Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved." (Acts 4:12)
JESUS > AI EVERY TIME!
FAQs ❓
Q: What if I just use an AI Jesus chatbot for information, not as a substitute for faith?
A: Even if well-intended, consulting an AI about Jesus exposes you to potentially deceptive ideas and builds reliance on a faulty spiritual source. Stick to Scripture, trusted Christian resources , and wise mentors. AI is best kept in its lane .
Q: Can't God theoretically use AI chatbots to evangelize & disciple?
A: In His sovereignty, God can use any means to draw people, but that doesn't make it ideal or endorsed. The example Jesus gave was PERSONA, embodied disciplemaking - life on life. AI chatbots depersonalize & cheapen that sacred process. Let's imitate Jesus' methods, not just His words!
Q: You're being too harsh & judgmental. AI Jesus chatbots are just a fun novelty!
A: I hear you, but as followers of Christ, we're called to test everything, take every thought captive to Him (2 Cor. 10:5), and not be conformed to the pattern of this world (Rom. 12:2). We must be VERY discerning about how we represent & relate to our Lord. This is no trivial matter - souls are at stake!
Prayerfully 🙏 consider what I've shared. And let's dream up God-honoring ways to wield AI that exalt the name of Jesus!