Companies are creating more AI tools for religion, from an AI version of Jesus to various religious chatbots. One example is Just Like Me, a tech company that offers video calls with an AI version of Jesus for $1.99 per minute. The service offers words of prayer and support, and can also remember past conversations, though not always accurately. CEO Chris Breed said users may start to feel close to the AI.

This trend is linked to the wider use of chatbots for therapy, advice, and companionship. Some developers say AI can help people study religious texts or answer spiritual questions. Cameron Pak, a Christian software engineer, developed standards for Christian apps, saying that they should clearly identify themselves as AI and avoid false Bible content. He also argued that AI cannot truly pray because it is not alive.

At the same time, experts and developers see serious risks. Beth Singler said some models have been shut down or modified because they produced false information or raised privacy concerns. Matthew Sanders warned against simple AI tools that are not trained on real religious sources. Pope Leo XIV also said that AI could harm human development.

Jeanne Lim, the founder of beingAI, and Seiji Kumagai of Kyoto University are both still developing Buddhist AI projects. While supporters see potential, critics worry about becoming too attached to the AI, influencing people in negative ways, and harming human relationships and development.