As US churches face steep declines in attendance and staffing, they are rapidly adopting AI tools—from chatbots handling logistics and drafting sermons to programs simulating conversations with Christ—sparking a theological and ethical debate over the authority and integrity of this new “synthetic spirituality.”
Facing the steepest decline in decades, with attendance dropping and thousands of closures expected, US churches and faith-focused startups are increasingly turning to AI to maintain engagement and streamline operations. This digital transformation involves utilizing basic chatbots to handle routine inquiries and schedules, and more controversially, rolling out “Chatbot Jesus” apps that allow users to simulate spiritual exchanges with biblical figures, such as Jesus and Mary.
While proponents argue that AI is a necessary tool to cut hours off weekly prep work and stay present for congregations, some church leaders are expressing profound unease over the rise of “synthetic spirituality.” Critics worry about a lack of transparency regarding the sources and authority behind the algorithms and caution that automated assistants cannot duplicate the core duties—or the inherent humanity—required for true spiritual guidance.