Is AI Coming for Your Soul, Too?

I’m not paranoid or stuck in the past when it comes to AI. I have the utmost respect for the brilliant minds behind Machine Learning—also known as AI—that's shaping our world today. I believe your children’s future will be completely different because of the incredible advancements we're seeing now.

Just like every major technological breakthrough before it, AI doesn't have a moral character of its own. It's neither good nor evil. It's really about how people choose to use it—especially AI—that determines whether it affects your soul.

In this article, I want to invite you to think about how you’re engaging with AI. We're still in the early days of widespread AI use, but I feel there’s a risky relationship developing around it. My big concern is how our fascination with AI might be impacting your faith and the connections you share with others.

There’s a concerning trend emerging in how people are using AI. It's no longer just for learning or entertainment—more and more, people are turning to AI for personal fulfillment.

This trend can harm our ability to connect with others. While human relationships are messy and take time, relying on perfect AI companionship might make it harder to engage meaningfully. Worse still, misuse of AI could hurt your soul even more.

The Rise of Chatbot Confidants and $1.99 “AI Jesus” Calls
“AI Jesus” can destroy your faith! Like all technology, AI has been given a set of parameters by its creators that define the conditions for it to work. Therefore, when asking spiritual questions of AI, it is only able to answer those questions based on its source databases and programming constraints.

Why More People Talk to a Screen Than to Their Pastor
I understand. It often takes time, effort, and a prior connection with a faith leader to receive truly helpful spiritual guidance. AI, however, bypasses all those steps and gives you instant advice without that personal touch. This means the quick answers might lack important background and the trust built through experience. Without these key ingredients, relying on a chatbot for spiritual questions could lead you down a risky path for your soul.

As a pastor, I spend a lot of time talking with people. Most of those conversations are about relationship struggles—either relationships that have gone wrong or the ones that are missing altogether. Over the years, I've learned that even when someone is married, they can still feel unseen.

There’s nothing wrong with using technology to help build stronger human connections. Just be careful—if you’re not paying attention, you might miss how some companies are selling their tech as a way to replace real relationships.

Believe it or not, the Bible is all about relationships—with God and with others. I often use its wisdom when counseling. I won’t bore you with too many passages, but I’ve chosen a few that are key to navigating the current AI-driven world.

Created for Each Other, Not for a Screen
God included Ecclesiastes 4:9–12 to remind you of how important human relationships are. Keep in mind, these bonds aren’t just about feelings—they’re practical too. You need others to physically support you if you fall. Last I checked, AI can’t do that for you. You also need people to keep you warm during cold winter days. And let me ask—how much heat do you think your smartphone gives off when you're facing freezing temperatures and need to stay warm?

Wisdom Can’t Be Outsourced
Facts can be outsourced; wisdom can’t! The book of Proverbs in the Bible is almost entirely about the wisdom of relationships with God and others throughout. You'll also find many passages in other parts of the Bible encouraging us to put in the effort to build meaningful relationships.

These relationships are truly worth it because they can bring comfort during tough times, strength when you’re feeling weak, and motivation when you’re drifting off course. I guess your favorite AI platform wasn't really designed for this kind of thing!

In the article, I want to highlight the importance of using AI in a healthy and appropriate way while also cautioning against its misuse. The Bible encourages us not to seek wisdom or comfort outside of God and His people. The church has a vital role in guiding people through the challenges of AI today.

There's too much at stake for followers of Jesus to stay silent on this issue. I’m not criticizing anyone for using technology to improve their lives; however, when we turn to it for companionship or to find meaning, we cross a line. We risk giving it more than just our time and money—we give it influence over our souls.

BTW—in case you’re wondering, no part of this article was created using AI.

Can an AI chatbot replace a pastor or Christian counselor?

No. AI can provide quick answers, but it cannot replace the wisdom, personal care, and trusted guidance that come from a pastor or Christian counselor. Spiritual guidance requires relationship, context, and experience—things that AI cannot fully provide.

What does the Bible say about seeking wisdom and comfort?

The Bible teaches that wisdom and comfort are found in God and through relationships with His people. While facts can be outsourced, wisdom cannot.

Is it wrong for Christians to use AI for emotional support?

Not necessarily. There is nothing wrong with using technology in helpful ways. However, Christians should be careful not to depend on AI for companionship, meaning, or spiritual fulfillment.

How should the church respond to the rise of AI companionship?

The church should help people use AI wisely while warning against its misuse. Christians need to be reminded that God created us for relationships—with Him and with one another.

As AI becomes more integrated into daily life, don't neglect the relationships that matter most. Sign up for our mailing list to receive biblical encouragement and practical insights on using technology wisely without compromising your faith.

The Rise of Chatbot Confidants and $1.99 “AI Jesus” Calls

• AI Jesus App 'Just Like Me' Charges $1.99 Per Minute to Video Chat With a Digital Christ Trained on the King James Bible — IBTimes UK — avatar modeled on Jonathan Roumie (The Chosen); $49.99/mo for 45 min

• This Company Will Let You Video Chat With Jesus for $1.99 Per Minute — Vice — commercialization of a "personal relationship with Jesus" angle

• Churches Are Replacing Pastors With AI Chatbots That Let You Confess to Jesus — And Even Talk to Satan — MSN/eWeek — trend piece, Text With Jesus, One Day Confess

• Meet chatbot Jesus: How churches use AI to save souls — and time — Axios — churches adopting chatbots as clergy are stretched thin

Why More People Talk to a Screen Than to Their Pastor
               
• Survey: One in Three Americans Trust AI as Much as a Pastor — Word In Black — Gloo/Barna Group, June 2026; ~40% among Millennials/Gen Z
               
• AI ignores religion when you need it most — and takes sides when you ask about switching — Axios — Baylor/BYU/Notre Dame/Yeshiva study on AI religious bias
               
• 1 in 3 psychologists say their patients use AI as a second therapist — Scientific American — parallel for the counseling-room angle
               
• Twice As Many Americans Are Now Using AI Companions Than Dating Apps — SensorTower data — Q1 2026: ~705M hrs on AI companion apps vs ~280M on dating apps
               
• The 2026 State Of AI In The Church: 93% Of Pastors Are In. Now What? — ChurchTechToday — counterpoint: pastors adopting AI too