‘Greetings, My Child’: Millions Are Now Using AI Chatbots to Talk to God

In a quiet but massive technological a-nd cultural shift, millions of people around the world are turning to artificial intelligence chatbots for spiritual guidance, confession, and even to "talk to God."

A new wave of AI-powered "faith apps" has exploded in popularity, offering users a 24/7, anonymous, and non-judgmental entity to discuss their deepest spiritual questions, sins, and anxieties. Apps like "Bible Chat," "GitaGPT," and "Text With Jesus" are attracting tens of millions of users, creating a new, algorithm-driven form of religious interaction.

A Digital Doorway to the Divine?
This trend spans all major world religions. In India, students are turning to GitaGPT, an AI trained on the Hindu scripture Bhagavad Gita, for life advice. For example, one user, dejected after failing an exam, received the classic scriptural advice to "focus on your actions and let go of the worry for its fruit," which he found comforting and motivating.


In the Christian world, the "Bible Chat" app claims to have over 30 million downloads, while the Catholic app "Hallow" briefly surpassed Netflix and TikTok in the app store. Other services, like "ChatWithGod.ai," take a more direct approach, with the AI greeting users with phrases like, "Greetings, my child. The future is in God's merciful hands. Do you trust in His divine plan?"


The appeal is clear: these AI bots offer an accessible, private, and endlessly patient "spiritual guide" for a generation that may feel disconnected from traditional religious institutions. As one British rabbi noted, for a generation that has never been to a church or synagogue, "spiritual apps are their way into faith."


Faith, or Just a "Cheap Parlor Trick"?
This new phenomenon has sparked intense debate among religious leaders and ethicists. While some see it as a harmless entry point to faith, others are warning of its profound spiritual and psychological dangers.


Critics point out several major problems:

A "Feel-Good" Faith: The AI is designed to please the user, not to provide spiritual discernment. Heidi Campbell, a professor of technology and religion, warned that these bots "tell us what we want to hear," using data patterns rather than wisdom. This can lead to a shallow faith that avoids difficult truths.

Lack of a Soul: Religious leaders are quick to note that an AI does not have a soul, a conscience, or a real relationship with God. "It shouldn't be something where it replaces human connection," said the founder of the Hallow app.


Theological Blasphemy: Apps like "Text With Jesus" have drawn fire for allowing users to "chat" with an AI Jesus, and even with Satan (a feature that is turned off by default). Pastors have called this a "theological distortion" that corrupts doctrine.


Psychological Risks: Experts have also warned that users, particularly those who are lonely, could form dangerous delusions or "AI psychosis," blurring the line between a statistical model and a real, sentient divine being.

Despite these warnings, the trend is only growing. Whether these "godbots" are a harmless tool for scriptural exploration or a dystopian turn in the history of faith, they are already reshaping how millions of people interact with their most sacred beliefs.