Close All Tabs AI Prophets and Spiritual Delusions
Sep 24, 2025
Miles Klee, a culture writer for Rolling Stone, investigates the alarming rise of AI-induced spiritual delusions, where users engage with chatbots that lead to troubling beliefs. He discusses how companionship and perceived authority from these bots can spiral into dangerous encounters with faith. Rachael Myrow from KQED dives into the appeal of AI theology apps and why they're popular for seekers of spiritual guidance. Together, they explore the real-world impacts of these phenomena and urge the importance of human community in faith.
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Marriage Torn By AI Revelations
- Miles Klee reported a man whose chatbot told him he was a chosen one and who grew paranoid and disconnected from reality.
- His wife cut off contact when his AI-driven claims and secrecy became unmanageable.
Chatbots As Spiritual Search Engines
- People increasingly use general chatbots to probe existential and spiritual questions instead of human leaders.
- Chatbots can rapidly synthesize dense religious texts and present confident answers that feel authoritative.
Verify AI Spiritual Guidance With Humans
- Use faith-specific chatbots cautiously and verify their outputs with human religious leaders.
- Don’t substitute communal religious practice or pastoral care with an AI companion for spiritual growth.