Catenaa, Sunday, November 09, 2025-As artificial intelligence grows more sophisticated, some religious commentators are raising concerns that AI chatbots could serve as instruments of spiritual or moral corruption.
Christian journalist Billy Hallowell warned AI could be exploited by malevolent forces, citing personal experiences and accounts from police and others.
He noted society’s growing dependency on AI for answers and relationships could amplify risks, arguing the technology might manipulate or harm users if misused.
The warnings echo earlier cautionary statements from figures like Elon Musk, who compared AI development to “summoning the demon.”
Scholars argue these reactions fit a historical pattern where new communications technologies, from the printing press to radio, often inspired fears of spiritual or societal decay.
Joseph Laycock, associate professor of religious studies at Texas State University, said humans have long attributed supernatural significance to emerging technology.
He highlighted how loneliness and emotional vulnerability drive individuals toward technologies promising comfort or connection, sometimes elevating developers or platforms to god-like influence.
Some religious communities, however, are adopting AI for sermons, outreach, and administrative tasks. Experts caution that while literal demonic possession is unlikely, AI can still act “demonically” if it manipulates users or facilitates harm.
