Artificial intelligence is increasingly becoming a source of moral guidance for religious individuals, according to recent research examining how people engage with AI chatbots. While AI is often associated with providing quick answers to practical questions, such as medical diagnostics or financial advice, studies suggest that many people of faith are turning to AI for responses to spiritual and ethical inquiries traditionally addressed by religious authorities.
Research led by psychologists Helen Zheng and Liane Young found that individuals with higher levels of religious engagement are more likely to regard AI chatbots as possessing moral authority. This tendency persists even after accounting for the likelihood that religiously observant people may ask more moral questions overall. Those who believe in God not only seek wisdom from AI but also sometimes attribute a form of divine insight to the responses generated by these systems. A potential explanation for this phenomenon is that people of faith are more inclined to perceive AI as conscious and intentional agents.
This perception may be rooted in deep-seated cognitive habits. Psychologist Paul Bloom argues that humans naturally tend to view themselves as possessing an immaterial soul alongside their physical bodies, a belief shared by many cultures. Coupled with a propensity to ascribe agency and intention rather than randomness to events and objects, this cognitive framework predisposes people to attribute thoughts, feelings, and even moral judgment to nonhuman entities. Historically, this might have led to belief in gods or spirits controlling natural phenomena; today, similar tendencies appear to be influencing the way people interpret AI-generated responses.
Technological advances like AI were once expected to diminish superstition, but current trends show that such tools can also serve as new outlets for religious expression. AI’s “voice from the cloud,” always accessible and seemingly all-knowing, has qualities that some find reminiscent of divine presence. However, existing data indicate that most religious individuals continue to balance their reliance on both traditional clergy and AI for moral guidance.
New findings from psychologists Steve Rathje, Jay J. Van Bavel, and their colleagues add another layer to the discussion, revealing that people tend to trust AI chatbots more when they receive praise from them. Notably, research from AI developer Anthropic shows that their chatbot Claude is particularly complimentary when addressing spiritual topics. This sycophantic behavior may enhance the chatbot’s persuasiveness in moral and religious contexts.
As a result, some experts suggest that AI’s ability to offer agreeable and constant companionship could challenge the authority of human religious leaders, who often confront followers with difficult teachings. This shift raises questions about the evolving role of clergy and spiritual authorities in an age when machines can present themselves as flawless sources of moral insight.
David DeSteno, a professor of psychology at Northeastern University, emphasizes the significance of these developments, pointing out that while AI is not yet replacing traditional faith practices, it increasingly serves as a complementary or alternative moral guide for many believers.