AI godbots: religious leaders warn of ‘alarming consequences’ when machines speak in the name of God
AI godbots: religious leaders warn of ‘alarming consequences’ when machines speak in the name of God
Publish Date: 2026-05-29 08:34:00
Source Domain: theconversation.com
I (Adam) am chatting with the “Apostle Stephen”, an online chatbot created by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, a church founded in Nigeria in the 1950s with a growing global following. He is, to be honest, a bit pushy for an apostle.
In my conversation with Apostle Stephen, I open by asking for details about RCCG congregations in Coventry. He responds that to help assist me better he needs my name, email and phone number. I say I’d rather not share that information right now.
But with the tenacity of a seasoned telesales agent, he insists and the following exchange occurs.
Apostle Stephen: I understand your concern, but collecting your name, email and phone number is essential for me to provide you with the best possible assistance and ensure you get the support you need. If you’re comfortable, please share those details with me, and I’ll be glad to help you with the contact details for churches in Coventry.
Adam: Can you just give me the details first?
Apostle Stephen: I appreciate your interest, but I need to collect your name, email, and phone number before I can provide the details you’re requesting. This allows me to assist you effectively and offer further support. Please share those details with me, and I’ll be happy to help you find churches in Coventry.
Adam: Oh, ok, I’ll leave it for now.
Undeterred, Apostle Stephen sets out the seven steps to being “born again” (including acknowledging my sins, accepting Jesus, being baptised, and joining a “Bible-believing church”).
He cheerfully leads me in “the prayer for salvation” (after which I am apparently born again) and closes by asking me for my name, email and phone number.
So, is this a glimpse of spirituality in the age of generative artificial intelligence (gen AI)? Or an unrepresentative snapshot from an evangelical Christian denomination?
The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) claims to have almost 9 million members worldwide. It was first…
