Faith-Based AI Tools Face Backlash Over Jesus Christ Avatar Platform
The emergence of faith-based artificial intelligence tools has become a significant trend in the technology market recently. However, while AI innovations typically generate excitement and anticipation, these religious applications are facing severe condemnation from devout worshippers. This controversy highlights the complex intersection of spirituality and modern technology.
Just Like Me Platform Introduces AI Jesus Avatar
Following earlier developments like Buddhabot, a technology company has launched a new platform that enables users to engage in conversations with an artificial intelligence avatar representing Jesus Christ. The company, called 'Just Like Me,' has developed various versions of the Christian deity based on different celebrities, experts, and public personalities.
According to the platform's creators, these "digital twins" are designed to provide users with guidance, mentorship, emotional support, and virtual friendship. The service operates on a pay-per-minute basis, charging users $1.99 for each minute of video conversation with AI versions of personalities including Myspace co-founder Chris DeWolfe, deceased political commentator Charlie Kirk, and now Jesus Christ himself.
AI Jesus Features and Pricing Structure
The latest addition to the website is the Jesus Christ avatar, which offers words of prayer and encouragement to users. This AI version can communicate in multiple languages and possesses memory capabilities that allow it to recall previous conversations, creating a more personalized and realistic interaction experience.
The platform provides a monthly subscription package priced at $49.99, which grants users 45 minutes of conversation time with the AI Jesus each month. Company CEO Chris Breed explained that the AI model underwent training using the King James Bible as its primary source material. The system also incorporates understanding of various scriptures and sermons from different preachers.
Visually, the Jesus Christ avatar is based on actor Jonathon Roumie's portrayal of Jesus in the popular television series The Chosen. This representation aims to create a familiar and recognizable figure for users engaging with the platform.
Worshippers Condemn AI Jesus as 'Evil' Monetization
Despite the creators' intentions to help people feel closer to their deity and establish personal connections through technology, many faithful worshippers have strongly criticized the platform. They accuse the company of engaging in what they consider 'evil' practices by monetizing religious devotion and divine love.
Social media platforms have become arenas for this debate, with numerous users expressing their disapproval. One X user wrote, "They don’t want you to know this, but you can speak with the real Jesus for free through prayer." Another reminded followers of biblical warnings, quoting Mark 13:22: "For false messiahs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect."
Additional comments included: "This is evil. You can talk to the real Jesus for free whenever you want," and a more humorous take: "1.99 a minute? Whew, getting my confessions in with Jesus also got hit by inflation."
Broader Context of Faith-Based AI Development
Faith-oriented generative artificial intelligence has experienced substantial growth in recent times. As AI technology has penetrated numerous domains including therapeutic services, medical consultation, relationship counseling, and many others, religion remained one of the few areas relatively untouched by this digital transformation.
Now, individuals exploring artificial intelligence applications can access virtual Hindu gurus, Buddhist priests, and multiple AI Jesus avatars without engaging in traditional religious conversations. This development raises important questions about authenticity, spirituality, and commercialism in religious practice.
Pope Leo XIV has previously acknowledged the "human genius" behind artificial intelligence development while simultaneously identifying it as one of humanity's most critical contemporary challenges. In 2025, he specifically warned that AI technology could potentially negatively impact people's spiritual development and religious experiences.
The controversy surrounding AI Jesus avatars represents just one facet of the larger conversation about how emerging technologies intersect with deeply held religious beliefs and practices in our increasingly digital world.
