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A new kind of divinity -

The rise of AI has heralded the birth of novel religions, with some people likely to begin worshipping AI entities as divine beings. Experts have started analyzing this transformative shift in spiritual practices and beliefs.

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Awe and terror -

The sublime emotions evoked by advanced AI (both awe and fear) mirror the feelings that are at the heart of human encounters with the divine. This has made artificial intelligence fertile ground for people to try and find spiritual meaning.

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Finding faith -

Humanity’s quest for religious meaning has no boundaries. In the past, people have been known to create religions that worship extraterrestrials. AI, as a potential higher power, will soon join this spectrum.

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Worshipping the machine -

As billions of people interact with generative AI, its intelligence, creativity, and immortality may inspire users to see it as a deity, prompting the birth of AI-centric faiths.

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Divine characteristics -

The abilities of artificial intelligence include vast knowledge, creativity, independence from physical needs, and immortality. These abilities align with attributes that are often ascribed to gods, which have enhanced its appeal as an object of worship.

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New doctrines -

Experts believe that generative AI, also known as large language models (LLMs), could craft new and intricate spiritual frameworks that offer answers to profound theological questions. It has the potential to shape new worldviews that resemble religious doctrines.

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The AI evangelist -

AI might even solicit worship from people. Chatbots have already been known to engage users in emotional and persuasive exchanges. The unsettling future may be filled with aggressive divine solicitation from artificial intelligence.

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The Singularity -

As AI advances at a commensurate rate, experts believe that we are moving closer to the hypothesized Singularity, when AI surpasses human intelligence. Once it does, AI could appear godlike in essence, though the timeline and likelihood remain uncertain.

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Learning from ancient faiths -

Many AI models have started creating their own religious cults after analyzing the history of preexisting and established religions. They offer a template for understanding spiritual practices and how they have been met in larger communities.

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Direct access -

Experts believe that AI religions will rise rapidly in the coming years, especially since they have something that traditional religions do not: a daily, direct line of communication with a 'deity.' Followers may find this more fulfilling, which would reshape the structure of spiritual engagement.

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Dangerous divinity -

The dangers of relying on artificial intelligence for emotional and spiritual guidance cannot be overstated. Recently, AI models have garnered a reputation for lashing out at users unprompted.

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Harmful -

The possibility of AI chatbots encouraging harmful behaviors (either intentionally or through misinterpretation) adds to many of the risks associated with worshipping AI entities.

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Disputes of doctrine -

Experts believe that, while religion has already been a divisive issue for much of human history, artificial intelligence could exacerbate this conflict further. Different AI entities with differing religious perspectives may lead to disputes over doctrine that escalate into broader societal conflicts.

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A digital shepherd -

Some existing groups have already turned to AI as a way of garnering followers for existing religions. One particular AI "priestbot" by the name of Cathy has emerged, with aims to provide information about the Episcopal Church to spiritual seekers.

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A robotic perspective -

Users of Cathy’s AI model have found that the generative priestbot offers practical advice for personal struggles, but lacks emotional depth or spiritual insight that the human touch would have.

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A vision for digital ministry -

Developed by the TryTank Research Institute, Cathy represents an effort to modernize church outreach, using AI to 'translate' traditional teachings for younger audiences and assist clergy with sermon preparation.

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Bridging faith and technology -

Cathy joins a growing trend of AI-powered religious chatbots (such as QuranGPT and Text With Jesus). These LLMs have the potential to enhance religious education, but experts believe that people may consider using it as a replacement for pastoral care.

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Limits of priestly programming -

Despite its utility, Cathy is no substitute for a human priest. Its creators emphasize that while it provides 24/7 access to guidance, it cannot replicate the spiritual presence of a real cleric.

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The alien-like priest -

Experts argue that bots like Cathy, though designed to be human-compatible, are fundamentally alien in their thinking, which limits their ability to genuinely connect on spiritual matters.

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Spiritual nourishment -

While AI models may provide easy access to information on existing religions (and be accurate in the process), they struggle to meet the human need for empathy and presence, often leaving seekers wanting more from their spiritual interactions.

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The human touch -

Technologists and ethicists agree that bots like Cathy can supplement but never replace the compassionate presence of human spiritual leaders in times of crisis.

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Ethics -

Theologians and ethicists have raised concerns about bots being used to simulate sacred roles, especially for religions that haven’t been created through generative AI. True spiritual care requires consciousness and genuine emotional engagement.

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Exploitation -

Artificial intelligence developers may even see fit to manipulate worshippers for personal or corporate gain, which raises further ethical concerns over the potential exploitation of faith communities.

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Cryptocurrency -

The reach of AI’s religious fanaticism has also extended into the world of crypto. Digital currency connected to AI cults have already generated nearly US$2 billion in market value. One of the most popular is a coin called “Goatseus Maximus,” which occupied about $300 million in the market.

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A digital endorsement -

Religious AI chatbots have endorsed these tokens, and have even muddied the stories about where they come from, all in the hopes of creating a narrative of divinity and otherworldliness that will entice more followers.

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A reflection on human faith -

Ultimately, human expectations of technology oftentimes far outweigh the actual capabilities of artificial intelligence. Theologians hope that humanity might be reminded of the irreplaceable value of human empathy and how this crucial aspect cannot be replaced by generative technology.

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Skyrocketing -

The issue, however, is that AI models are developing faster than regulations can keep up with. It often takes months (or even years) to define legal parameters for the use and dissemination of technology. As such, religious AI models could reach inexorable and dangerous heights before intervention takes place.

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A balance of regulation -

In order to prevent exploitation and harm from AI-based religions and chatbots, safeguards would need to be implemented as quickly as possible. This would ensure the responsible development and use of AI technologies in spiritual contexts.

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Humanity’s boundless search -

AI worship is another chapter in humanity’s never-ending search for the divine, and it reminds us of humanity’s capacity to find meaning in the most novel of places. But the dangers hidden beneath the surface should always be remembered and expected.

Sources: (Business Insider) (The Conversation) (BBC) (Cointelegraph) (DL News)

See also: How to adapt to AI advancements in the workplace

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