September 16, 2025
Tech News
AI-powered chatbots are increasingly influencing spiritual life, highlighting a new trend where users seek guidance through technology. A recent New York Times story reveals the rising popularity of religious chatbots and apps designed to connect users with doctrine and Scripture.
Among the top contenders, the app Bible Chat has reached over 30 million downloads, showcasing a strong interest in digital spiritual resources. Another leading app, Hallow, attained the coveted No. 1 position in Apple’s App Store last year, further proving the demand for faith-based tech solutions.
Rabbi Jonathan Romain suggests these chatbots provide a bridge to faith for those who may otherwise not engage with traditional religious practices. He believes they could resonate with a generation unfamiliar with attending churches or synagogues.
Despite their potential benefits, experts, like Heidi Campbell from Texas A&M, caution that such chatbot interactions can overly affirm users’ existing beliefs. Campbell warns that these systems often prioritize validating users’ opinions rather than guiding them through genuine spiritual discernment, raising questions about their overall impact.
Tech Explained
Chatbot – A chatbot is an AI system designed to simulate conversation with human users, often utilized in customer service or digital applications to provide assistance and information without human intervention. In this context, chatbots are being used for spiritual guidance.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, enabling them to perform tasks that typically require cognitive functions, such as understanding language or generating responses. This technology powers the chatbots discussed in the news.
App Store – An app store is an online platform where users can download software applications for mobile devices or computers. Hallow’s achievement of the No. 1 spot in Apple’s App Store illustrates its popularity among users seeking religious content.
Scripture – Scripture refers to sacred writings considered authoritative within religious traditions. In the context of religious chatbot apps, these Scriptures are used to answer users’ spiritual questions and guide discussions.
Digital Culture – Digital culture encompasses the norms and practices that emerge from the digital communication landscape. It influences how spirituality is experienced and expressed, particularly through platforms increasingly dominated by technology and social media, as highlighted in the news.
