AI-driven chatbots are increasingly becoming important in our spiritual lives.
According to The Times, an application named Bible Chat has surpassed 30 million downloads, whereas another app, Hallow, achieved the top position in Apple’s App Store last year.
AI-driven chatbots are beginning to play a role in spiritual practices, with a growing number of faith-based applications reaching wide audiences. A recent New York Times article highlighted this trend, noting the rise of religious chatbots and mobile apps designed to guide users toward scripture, prayer, and reflection.
One example, Bible Chat, has been downloaded more than 30 million times. Another app, Hallow, which offers guided prayers and meditations, reached the top position in Apple’s App Store last year. Beyond Christianity, similar applications have emerged across traditions, including platforms that provide Quranic readings, Buddhist teachings, and other forms of spiritual advice.
The aim of these tools is generally to connect users with religious texts and teachings. Users can ask questions or describe personal challenges, and the chatbot responds with relevant verses or practices. Some apps go further—at least one claims to allow direct conversation with God.
Opinions on these developments vary. Rabbi Jonathan Roman suggested that chatbots may serve as a “gateway to faith” for individuals who have little or no prior involvement with organized religion. He noted that digital tools could reach people who might not otherwise step into a church, synagogue, or mosque.
At the same time, researchers and scholars have raised concerns. Heidi Campbell, a professor at Texas A&M who studies digital culture and religion, cautioned that such systems are not offering spiritual discernment. Instead, they rely on data and algorithms to generate responses. “They tell us what we want to hear,” Campbell explained, noting that this may reinforce existing beliefs without providing deeper guidance.
Some critics also point to the risk of misinformation. Because these applications are built on AI frameworks that process large volumes of text, the answers they provide may be inconsistent, overly simplistic, or based on biased interpretations of religious material. Questions remain about how these systems are trained, what theological perspectives shape their design, and how they might influence users’ understanding of faith.
Despite these challenges, demand for religious chatbots continues to grow. For many users, especially those with limited access to local religious communities, these tools offer a form of support, ritual, and engagement. Others see them as part of a broader trend of technology being used to extend spiritual practice, following earlier shifts from printed scripture to radio and television broadcasts of services.
Looking Ahead
The role of AI in religion is still developing, and several possible paths are emerging. Some faith leaders have suggested partnerships between developers and clergy to ensure theological accuracy. Others have called for ethical safeguards or even regulation to prevent misuse, particularly around sensitive or manipulative content.
It is also possible that religious institutions may begin creating their own AI tools, tailored to their specific traditions and teachings, as a way to guide followers while maintaining doctrinal oversight.
For now, AI chatbots are not replacing clergy or religious institutions, but they are becoming part of the landscape of modern spirituality—providing convenience, raising questions, and sparking debate about the role of technology in matters of faith.